Graves' Disease Support Group

Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...

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Endocrine System
/ Graves' Disease Support Group

Beta blocker and Graves (low blood pressure)

scorpiogirl76
scorpiogirl76
I was recently put on propranolol 40 mg, three times daiy, after having a thyroid storm. Two days ago, I tapered down to two times a day as my blood pressure has been really low. My cardiologist upon discharge told me not to taper lower than that. Last night, my blood pressure was low again so I took half my dose (20 mg). Today, my bp is still low and I am wondering what do I do? Do I take the 20 mg dose due at the 12 hour mark or take my normal 40 mg dose again at the 12 hour mark? any advice?
mmztcass
mmztcass
You really will not be able to quit beta blockers cold turkey. These have to be weaned down slowly or one will find themselves right back up there with the high heart rate again.

Get in touch with your doctor soon.

{{{hugs}}} :-)
scorpiogirl76
scorpiogirl76
argh! i'm so frustrated. I paged the cardiologist but no answer. I called my endo and he said to just take 20 mg twice a day now. So, I took my dose 2 hours early and now i'm having tremors but my heartrate is low and my bp is in normal range. any suggestions?
scorpiogirl76
scorpiogirl76
Ok, the cardiologist on call just called and said to drop my propanolol to 10 mg twice a day! I think I will stick with what the endo suggested as I was just on 120mg total each day as of yesterday. That's a big drop. And I'm feeling tremors and shakes. This is so frustrating!
mmztcass
mmztcass
How low is your heart rate?

I've been there before so I know how frustrating. One cannot really drop the amounts of beta blockers that quickly. For me I reduce or wean down slowly every few weeks.

{{{hugs}}}
scorpiogirl76
scorpiogirl76
heartrate has been around 60. I took 20 mg last night when I was due and this morning took 10 mg when due. I started to feel tremors and palpitations and my heartrate went up to 80, 6 hours later.... so I took another 10 mg. I'm so frustrated. :(
mmztcass
mmztcass
Yes, 60 is low! I would want my heart rate to stay in the 70s as I am weaning off.

{{{hugs}}}
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you are having tremors, you might be cutting yourself back too quickly.
Do you live alone or can you be sure to have someone with you most if not all of the time?
60 beats-per-minute is a "Runner's pulse." Someone who is really fit could have this pulse at rest.
The normal range for heart rate for an adult runs about 60>100 beats per minutes. There are a lot of factors involved. Everyone's different.
scorpiogirl76
scorpiogirl76
Yes I live alone however, someone has been with me 90 percent of the time. Taking the extra 10 mg this morning helped alot with the tremors. I did have some chest pain but that has subsided. This whole graves experience is a nightmare.
scorpiogirl76
scorpiogirl76
so, I guess it looks like I am taking the propranolol 10mg every 6 hours. Without it, i get bad tremors. Seems to be working so far this way. I see my cardiologist tomorrow so we'll see.