COREG side effects

[eb of Texas]

I took Coreg for two years and immediately had difficulty avoiding gaining weight and almost as soon began having a bit of incontinence but didn't relate it to Coreg. Incontinence got much worse after generic carvedilol became available about a few months ago. Finally, after considering surgery for incontinence I asked my doctor to switch me back to my old medication (tenex) to see if the Coreg/carvedilol was the cause of the incontinence -- and it was. Noticed immediate change, no over-active bladder, no leakage even when coughing. This drug made me miserable for two years with the incontinence and inability to eat anything but lettuce for fear of gaining weight. So glad to be off it. Also noticed I felt lighter again, previous had felt as though gravity was pulling me down. All of that was quite depressing. Feel good again.

bluebird wrote:

My Dr. changed my dosage of Coreg CR to 80 mg per day. The 40 mg did not control my BP. My BP is still in the 180/90's. I have had hypertension for 8 years but no medication seems to keep it under control. I find that I have incontinence real bad since starting the Coreg and wondered if anyone else has had this as a side affect. I have also started gaining some weight but have been walking daily to try to keep it under control In reading all your posts I did notice that weight gain is a side affect. What in this medication causes this?

[Frank]

I've been on this about a year, since having open heart surgery for mitral valve prolapse and a bypass too. The biggest side effect for me is shortness of breath. Also light headedness, fatique, insomnia, reduced sex drive. But gee, the bp numbers are lower.

[inSC]

Jill wrote:

My husband started has been on Coreg and Lisinopril for a year and a half. His has become a completely different person! He is quick to anger, temperamental, impatient, argumentative. Seems like he can't "settle" He is almost 65 and his whole personality has changed! Can anyone speak to this? I thing it is the Coreg.
Thanks

I have recently started on Coreg and am experiencing the same problems as your husband.
I was searching the internet to see if anyone else had the same problem with anger and anxiousness. I am prone to anxiety and depression...the doctor knew this, and still perscribed Coreg. It has greatly helped my heart problems.. racing heart, chest pain, etc, but now i am having all these emotional problems! I dont feel like myself anymore and i am scared.

[Robert]

Janel wrote:

I've been on Coreg for 5 years 25mg 2x a day. I'm 30 years old and have Dialated Cardiomyopathy. Has anyone switched to the generic Carvedilol? If so have you felt any changes in energy and heart rate? Mine was switched about 2 weeks ago have noticed some changes....anyone else?

I switched over to generic Carvedilol 25MG 2X per day from Coreg 80MG 1X per day. I did not like it. I now feel my heart beating in my chest uncomfortably. Where with the Coreg I did not feel anything at all. I also seem to be gaining a lot of weight. I went from 178 to 190 in about 3 weeks. I am not eating any differently than I was in the past plus I excersice at least 2x per week. I just picked up Coreg and am switching back. Doctor said it was ok to do so. I hope things get back to normal.

[sandi]

Yes, I take coreg for a sympathetic autonomic nuropathy. the generic does not work, it took a month for me to realize all my old symptoms had returned. Just now switched back and feel better with in 24 hours.

[DAB613]

Avner wrote:

I am 54, I light cardiomyopathy which was discovered accidently with no symthoms (before the coreg), I am now on 6.25 mg coreg twice a day + ACE inhibator (enalapril 10mgX2). Since I have started Coreg my heat beat became slower, sometimes 35 bps, I exercise daily, from 135-140 bps at peak exercise i went down to 110-120 and this is after 1 hour of walking/sweimming. The first 1/2 hour of the exercise is a nightmare, i feel heavy, pains, like an old man, after 30 minutes my heart is catching up and I feel like I felt before I had started Coreg. Sometimes I can hardly walk after taking the drug and have pains in my chest, all I believe are side effects. The doctor says that I do not have heart failure so I can only assume that this is really the drug. One year asgo, before starting the drug I was 100% okay. And YET, my heart volumes became smaller this year which is good, from the researches I read I know that this is an excellent drug for my condition so I struggle to stay on , but many times, especially when i feel bad, I ask myself if I should stop it: maybe I will have shorter life but at least thier quality will be better. I don't know. time will tell. Other side effects: I also gain some weight but this is really minor, in the first few months I was dizzy but this was over thanks god. Avner

Avner,
My HB is also quite low...36-52, and I also swim. This picks it up to about 60 bpm. On a treadmill test I was able to get to 120, but it really took alot of Koach. Keep up the exercise, this helps me. I feel better on the original Coreg. Dan Bender

[harry]

i have NI Cardiomyopathy with no blockages. The doctor put me on 6.5mg of coreg twice per day with 10mg Zestril 2x/day (ACE inhibitor) well, I hate it. I'm tired, I feel "fuzzy" (anyone who gets that feeling knows exactly what I mean) and most recently, since I forgot to take a couple doses, I went to my cardio dr b/c I had a mild tachycardia. I never had high bp, today my bp was 140/96. It scared me to death. As for weight issues, I've been losing weight since the meds. It may have something to do with how much water I drink (about 1-1 1/2 gal/day) so if you're gaining weight, try water and don't just stop taking coreg

[Barbara Pizzeck]

Have been taking Coreg for 21/2 yrs. Shortly after taking Coreg I starting having panic atacks and had to start taking Xanax.Does anyone else have this problem.

[BigMo37]

I have been taking the generic form of Coreg for a little over 2 months....noticed a small increase in hunger and weight gain. Have appt. with my cardiologist on Fri. Began taking this med for high blood pressure, however i know my HBP is due to being overweight and no exercise. Hopefully I can get off this med and lower my blood pressure with good old exercise and getting back into shape.

[Doreen]

Jill wrote:

My husband started has been on Coreg and Lisinopril for a year and a half. His has become a completely different person! He is quick to anger, temperamental, impatient, argumentative. Seems like he can't "settle" He is almost 65 and his whole personality has changed! Can anyone speak to this? I thing it is the Coreg.
Thanks

Hi Jill,
I found your post because I was googling "coreg and personality" - my significant other was diagnosed with myocardia in March and went on Coreg and other meds. In July he saw a new cardiologist that basically doubled his Coreg. Since then he has been a different person - actually not so much different, but his personality traits - all the "bad" ones - have become so amplified - he is argumentative, beligerent, arrogant, withdrawn and stubborn beyond excess - with me and even sometimes he's not the same kind Dad that he used to be with his daughters. It seems as if "nothing makes him happy." Have you found any changes in your husband - hopefully for the better. I swear it's the Coreg because his moods and behaviors started to change right after the dosage was increased.

[Dawn]

Coreg Daddy wrote:

I have been on Coreg now for 10 months. I take 40mg per day. I have gained 20 pounds on this medicine but it has helped my EF to increase.
I disliked the medicine so much that at one point I tried to ween myself slowly by reducing to 25mg. After about the third day my hear started feeling weird so I went back to the 40mg and my heart started to feel ok again after approx 3 more days.
Bottom line for me is the Coreg is helping the heart but adding pounds to the mid seciton...It can be very depressing at times. I try to diet but it just doesnt seem to work. The weight gain has stopped at 20 pounds as long as I workout and watch what I eat. EF is at 55%.

I had a heart attack this past spring and they found 2 major blockages which were repaired with stents. They immediately put me on the generic for Coreg, Plavix, 81mg aspirin and lisinopryl. The lisinopryl caused me to cough to the point I couldn't go anywhere without a bottle of water. Finally my doctor switched me over to Diavan, which stopped the cough after 3 weeks or so. Happy about that, but I've noticed a weight gain of 16 pounds since the heart attack!! I've stayed true to my diet, drinking ONLY water and eating very healthy foods in small amounts. I'd be lucky to get 1200 calories a day on this but still gaining weight! I was depressed about this, so my GP put me on a low dose of Welbutrin XL and my mood improved but the weight is still an issue. My ejection fraction was 25 in the hospital but is back up to 40 now. Coreg, and it's generic equivalent, according to my cardiologist is the best medicine you can take for heart function. Please don't stop taking it, just monitor your weight and try to adjust. I don't think it altered my mood - except gaining weight did. The Welbutrin has helped alot, without making me an "airhead". I still get upset about things, but I'm not grouchy or sad all the time. I am just thankful to be alive. Now I wish I could shake the "is today the day I'm going to die" feeling I have EVERY DAY!!!!!

[Jeff]

Diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy in Oct 2005.Started on Coreg and slowly increased to 25mg twice daily. EF was 32%. With Coreg, Lasix, Aldactone,Lisinopril and others EF went to 57% within 1 year. Meds were terrible and all I wanted to do was sleep. Sometimes 14-16 hours a day or more. Coreg reduced to half of above dose and sleepiness lessened. Playing doctor myself, stopped taking Coreg, EF went back down, I felt terrible and life sucked. Now going back to taking Coreg at small doses and hoping that I will feel better again. Moral to the story is that Coreg might not be the most desired med, but it worked and is way better than the alternative which only leads to more serious problems than being tired and some weight gain. Would rather have that anyday over dying.

[Rae]

Peggysue wrote:

I am 53 and have Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, with a left bundle branch block and mitral valve prolapse. I was diagnosed March 2006 and put on Coreg and Spironolactone. I am up to 12.5mg twice a day on the Coreg. I am lightheaded a lot and very weak throughout the day. I work out 5 days a week on my treadmill and lost 20 pounds in the beginning. After my doses increased to 12.5 twice a day, I gained 10 pounds back. I eat fruit, vegetables, beans and very little if any meat. My cholesterol and trigly. are high and were low before these medications. I asked my pharmacist and looked online and found out my medications raise cholesterol levels! Now they want me to take cholesterol meds to control a problem caused by other medications. I already feel so tired, weak and dizzy and don't want to take cholesterol medications that cause body aches! I want to live, but I am so miserable a lot of the time. Has anyone else felt life this?

You and I share the same heart issues! My ef before Coreg was 40% but it has risen to 45% recently which is good. I was put on Coreg CR 80 after building up to it slowly. I am one of the few people here that actually feels great! But, I am struggling with the weight issue. I am working out at the gym every week, but the darn scale doesn't really want to move. I am in much better condition though and I'm happy that I can get my heart rate up to peak when working out on the eliptical. I do take Hyzaar also for my BP and I seem to be tolerating both well. The only side effect I have with Coreg is periodic anxiety issues. I am working on that, and taking a good dose of vitamins as well. I think that helps! It appears that everyone has differing issues with this drug. It certainly has helped my tachycardia issues though! Yippeeee!

[betty]

Avner wrote:

I am 54, I light cardiomyopathy which was discovered accidently with no symthoms (before the coreg), I am now on 6.25 mg coreg twice a day + ACE inhibator (enalapril 10mgX2). Since I have started Coreg my heat beat became slower, sometimes 35 bps, I exercise daily, from 135-140 bps at peak exercise i went down to 110-120 and this is after 1 hour of walking/sweimming. The first 1/2 hour of the exercise is a nightmare, i feel heavy, pains, like an old man, after 30 minutes my heart is catching up and I feel like I felt before I had started Coreg. Sometimes I can hardly walk after taking the drug and have pains in my chest, all I believe are side effects. The doctor says that I do not have heart failure so I can only assume that this is really the drug. One year asgo, before starting the drug I was 100% okay. And YET, my heart volumes became smaller this year which is good, from the researches I read I know that this is an excellent drug for my condition so I struggle to stay on , but many times, especially when i feel bad, I ask myself if I should stop it: maybe I will have shorter life but at least thier quality will be better. I don't know. time will tell. Other side effects: I also gain some weight but this is really minor, in the first few months I was dizzy but this was over thanks god. Avner

Avner, my husband is on coreg and it will definitely bring your heart rate down. BUT you are taking more than you need of that drug IF your heart rate is that low. my cardiologist (world reknown alternative cardio.) says it should never be below 58-60. To bring it up temporarily, clap hands, etc or lie on floor with legs propped up on wall. FYI, I take coreg for CHF and the regular cardiologist has recommended the analapril for lowereing bp as well. also, FYI, the doc said while on coreg, your heart rate WILL NOT go over 120 while exercising. Betty (for husband)

[woodsprite53058]

Jim wrote:

<quoted text>
Hello Vicki
I am taking Coreg for a low ejection fraction and have gained 1.5# per month for the past 15 months. I also have ventricular tachycardia and PVC's. Drug did not help. I have been on a near Atkins diet for about 10 years. I read somewhere that the preferred fuel for the heart is glycogen which only comes from carbohydrates. I switched to a high carb diet eating mostly whole grain pasta, fruits, vegetables, Kashi with fruit, bananas or Papa Giki Heart Healthy Cookies for snacks.
My glycogen levels are definitely up and my weight has stabilized. I do not get hungry on this diet as blood sugars are stabilized. The best part though is my ventricular tachycardia stopped and it stopped completely. I will find out for sure next time I have my ICD read. My pvc's also declined dramatically. Try taking a multiple mineral with zinc and magnesium. That will help reduce PVC's. Also watch your stress. Adrenaline and cortisol also cause arrhythmias.
BTW, my ejection fraction is the same as 15 months ago. I cut the drug in half and feel much better. I will be asking my cardiologist to sort thru other options.
Hope that helps.
Jim

Wow - I just found this post while searching for others who are on Coreg or Diovan and are having problems.
Little history. I have never had high BP...had cancer, chemo and a rare side effect of the chemo drugs - congestive heart failure and lung disease. Heart infraction rate went down to 12%...Dr. put me on Coreg (am now taking 12.5 twice a day) and Diovan (80 mg. 1 a day)...no lasix as I do not have water gain. I have a very normal BP - never has been high.
Anyway, I have gained over 35 pounds in the past 3 1/2 years since meds started. Way too much. I eat healthy, love fat, little red meat, smaller portions. I walk the treadmill 10 minutes in the am and am fairly active. My problems: I can barely get up the stairs without huffing and puffing...after the 10 minutes on the treadmill I feel like I am going to collapse...by 6pm I feel all life is drained out of me...I feel motivated but every time I try to increase my energy output my body feels like it is going limp.
The meds have helped - cannot argue that. My infraction rate is now between 58 and 62% and for a 50 year old woman I am told that is good.
Any feedback out there would be greatly appreciated. I am grateful to be alive but I cannot believe that I am a very young 50 and that this is how I will feel the rest of my life. My mom is 72 and has more energy than me and she is over weight and has BP problems and diabetic.
Out of all my siblings and parents I have always been the healthiest - that is until the cancer...
HELP

[REALLY NOW]

any news on this

[mark r]

may 2008 I began having blood pressure problems
where my pressure would rise suddenly and cause
severe dizziness and make me unsure of myself when I walk around the house. It would usually
happen at 4 am; the spikes would cause me to walk
up early. I was petrified and sometimes went to
the ER. My MD put me on lisinopril 20 mg every
morning and COreg Cr 40mg at bedtime. My blood
pressure seems ok most every day. But I think the
coreg has interfered with my ability to exercise.
I dont seem to have the strength to lift weights
like I used to or for that matter stay on the
treadmill I dont know what is wrong. The MD has
no answers just says keep on taking the med.
I have experienced no weight gain however.I basically eat green vegetables with little chicken
I am a bit scared because sometime I get very dizzy and I am afraid of a stroke. I am 5'7" and
weight 180 pounds Before this happened I was hitting the heavy boxing bag like a fiend not now
no strength. What do I do?

[Bob]

bluebird wrote:

My Dr. changed my dosage of Coreg CR to 80 mg per day. The 40 mg did not control my BP. My BP is still in the 180/90's. I have had hypertension for 8 years but no medication seems to keep it under control. I find that I have incontinence real bad since starting the Coreg and wondered if anyone else has had this as a side affect. I have also started gaining some weight but have been walking daily to try to keep it under control In reading all your posts I did notice that weight gain is a side affect. What in this medication causes this?

I also find that I have incontinence since starting 80mg(40 mg twice a day)of Coreg. I am 72 years old, and I am on Avodart, which cured my incontinance (enlarged prostrate). As soon as I started the high dose of Coreg (to strengthen my heart after heart surgery), my incontinence immediately resumed.

[Carla]

Doreen wrote:

<quoted text>
Hi Jill,
I found your post because I was googling "coreg and personality" - my significant other was diagnosed with myocardia in March and went on Coreg and other meds. In July he saw a new cardiologist that basically doubled his Coreg. Since then he has been a different person - actually not so much different, but his personality traits - all the "bad" ones - have become so amplified - he is argumentative, beligerent, arrogant, withdrawn and stubborn beyond excess - with me and even sometimes he's not the same kind Dad that he used to be with his daughters. It seems as if "nothing makes him happy." Have you found any changes in your husband - hopefully for the better. I swear it's the Coreg because his moods and behaviors started to change right after the dosage was increased.

Hi Jill and Doreen: I found your comments while searching for generic Coreg(Carvedilol) side effects. My husband started on a low dose of 3.25mg about 2 mos ago. All the side effects you've mentioned have been escalating until he is almost impossible to tolerate. I hope you have found an alternative medication without these awful personality changing side effects. I'm at my wits end--we can't have a normal conversation about anything anymore. What a shame the drug manufacturer or physician doesn't let you know what to expect.
This is awful!

[Traci Vujicich]

Carla wrote:

<quoted text>Hi Jill and Doreen: I found your comments while searching for generic Coreg(Carvedilol) side effects. My husband started on a low dose of 3.25mg about 2 mos ago. All the side effects you've mentioned have been escalating until he is almost impossible to tolerate. I hope you have found an alternative medication without these awful personality changing side effects. I'm at my wits end--we can't have a normal conversation about anything anymore. What a shame the drug manufacturer or physician doesn't let you know what to expect.
This is awful!

Hi Jill. Doreen, and Carla,

I am SO glad you all posted. I was Googling coreg and personality because my husband is experiencing the same thing. He was always kind of a cranky guy, but since being diagnosed with severe CHF and going on Coreg, he's gotten so much worse. I was just saying this morning that it's like all of his good personality traits left, leaving only the bad ones. The hatred I see in his eyes is so hard to cope with! I can't imagine how bad it's going to get. Anyway, no advice, just a thanks for sharing and letting me know that it's normal.