JPouch and beta blockers

Almost any drug can have intolerable side effects, with or without a J-pouch, and beta blockers can be tricky. Your kidney disease is likely to have a much bigger impact on medications than your pouch. In any case, your side effects sound pretty dangerous. I think I'd stop the Metoprolol until discussing with the Dr. on Tues. By then you'll know if stopping it helped!

I've been on metoprolol for years without issue, but I don't have reduced kidney function. With serious kidney damage you may need far less of a dose for the same effect. But, since it is metabolized in the liver, that probably is not the case.

I would not advise you to stop it abruptly, but call your doctor and report your symptoms. He put you on the beta blocker for a reason, and that reason may be more important than the side effects. You probably need to have some other treatment if you are so sensitive to beta blockers.

Jan

Jan's point about not stopping abruptly is well-taken, but you may have to make a judgement. Hopefully you can get a prompt call-back from your doc, and not have to decide on this by yourself. Passing out is a Big Deal - when you fall you can break all kinds of things that you'd rather have intact (hip, head, ...). Good luck!

There are other meds besides beta blockers for atrial flutter, and that can be sorted out. My point about not stopping the beta blocker abruptly is that you don't know if it is the drug or poorly controlled atrial flutter, which can also cause fainting. Hopefully you get some answers tomorrow.

Jan