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I recently had my heart medication changed. I was having problems with tiredness and fatigue that never dissipated. My cardiologist suggested it was due to a certain medication. After nearly a year of “dealing with it”, I asked her to change the medication. She prescribed a new medication that was supposed to lower my blood pressure (not really), lower my heart rate (It did the opposite), and treat angina (again, it did the opposite). It also made me tired (go figure).
Don’t be afraid to ask for a change.
I waited to complain. I mentioned the issues at an appointment last year. The original medication did a lot for my heart, she said, and to try to deal with it. Other medications would work, but they were not as heavy-duty. It was only after about nine months that it started to be a problem for me. I was unable to do anything – drive, exercise, and work. My patience had worn thin.
My New Medication.
My cardiologist prescribed a new medication to replace the one that was causing the tiredness and fatigue. I started taking the new medication on a Friday. By Saturday of that week, things weren’t going well. My arms hurt, my blood pressure was higher than normal, my heart rate wouldn’t go down, and I was as tired as before. I also had angina, which is chest pain. My doctor suggested waiting another week. She said that it would take care of the issues.
It’s Getting Better.
After another week, my heart rate is still higher than average. My blood pressure is still higher than before. The angina seems to have dissipated. I’m still tired, though. When you change medications, tiredness is a side effect. I’m hoping my tiredness and fatigue dissipate as well.
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to ask for a different medication when you have problems. The transition is not fun, but it will be different in the long run. Hang in there, it’s worth it!
Jeff Reynolds
Principal, Reynolds Consulting