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Question:
The medication my doctor prescribed is making me feel worse. Can I safely stop it?
I've recently had a tissue mitral valve replacement as well as partial Maze procedure. I am told I may need to stay on 20mg lisinopril & 50mg carvedilol. These drugs make me tired, sleepy a lot, low energy, lightheaded. I am 57 & need to work in a machine shop, bending & standing, physical labor. I also enjoy the outdoors & being physically active but I'm tired a lot now. I am curious if anyone has successfully weaned off of these drugs and still had good heart function without increasing the risk for complications. I had severe regurgitation with my leaky valve but I feel much worse & my lack of energy is now much worse than ever, but I fear going against my Dr & attempting to stop these drugs on my own without more knowledge. I would like to know if anyone else has done this & what were the results? Thank you.
submitted by Kent from Wausau, Wisconsin on 3/16/2014
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Roberto Lufschanowski, MD
Dear Kent: Most likely the Carvedilol is the reason for your symptoms. You should discuss with your cardiologist the dose and possible alternatives.
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Updated March 2014
