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Overview
Corgard is known as a beta blocker. That means the drug works in part by
blunting the action of adrenaline, the body's natural fight-or-flight chemical.
People normally respond to stressful situations with a rapid pulse, a
pounding heart and an increase in blood pressure. Corgard helps block such
reactions.
This medicine is normally prescribed for hypertension or
chest pain caused by angina.
Although the FDA has not specifically
approved its use for other purposes, doctors have prescribed Corgard to treat
glaucoma, irregular heart rhythms, tremor, bleeding from the esophagus and
performance anxiety such as stage fright.
It has also been used to help
prevent migraine headaches. The dose will vary depending upon the condition
being treated.
Side Effects and Interactions
Corgard can cause a number of side effects
including slow heart rate, cold hands and feet, insomnia, nightmares, blurred
vision and sexual difficulties.
Symptoms of nerve tingling, dizziness,
nausea, stomach ache, gas, diarrhea, indigestion, rash, arthritis and muscle
pain trouble some people.
This medicine may also have a negative effect
on cholesterol and other blood fats, so a lipid test before treatment and
periodically thereafter would be prudent.
Although Corgard is a little
less likely to affect the nervous stystem than certain other drugs in this
class, be alert for the beta blocker blahs.
Symptoms of psychological
depression, fatigue, decreased concentration, memory loss and mood swings may
come on slowly and insidiously.
Notify your physician promptly of any
adverse reactions, especially breathing difficulties, fluid retention in the
legs or a night cough.
Corgard can interact with a number of other
compounds, including several that are used to treat asthma, colds, allergies,
diabetes, migraines and heart problems.
Corgard and the blood pressure
medicine Catapres may not mix well, but neither one should be stopped suddenly.
An allergic reaction to penicillin or ampicilin may be more severe in an
individual taking Corgard.
Arthritis medicine and aspirin may reduce its
effectiveness.
A barbiturate such as Fiorinal or a tuberculosis medicine
like Rifadin could also interfere with Corgard's effectiveness.
Check
with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure Corgard is safe in combination with
any other drugs you may take.
Special Precautions
Some people should rarely, if ever, take beta blockers like Corgard. Asthmatics and patients with other respiratory problems are especially vulnerable, as these drugs can make breathing worse.
People with heart failure must also be extremely cautious if prescribed beta lockers as the medicine could lead to cardiac complications.
Never stop taking any beta blocker medcation abruptly unless you are under very close medical supervision. Angina or a heart attack could occur.
These drugs may also make treatment of diabetes and thyroid disorders more complicated. Your doctor can tell you what additional tests and precautions you will need in managing these conditions.
Taking the Medicine
Corgard can be taken at meal time or on an empty stomach. If you find this medicine causes
digestive tract upset it may be better tolerated when taken with food.
Because of its long
duration of action in the body, Corgard offers the convenience of once daily dosing.
I have been on Corgard 20 mg for 7 years now. Started as a result of first-time taccycardia. In the past few years I've developed very bad back/muscle pain in upper and lower back along with some mild GI problems. I've been xrayed, mri'd and cat scanned and they can't find any physical reason for the muscle aches/spasms/pain. I have been wondering for quite a long time if it is related to the Corgard as I was never on any medication prior to the taccycardia event.
Should I ask my doc to taper me off this med? I've luckily only had 2 episodes of taccycardia in the past 7 years and they've resolved on their own by the time I got to the ER. My doctor dismisses the idea that the Corgard could be causing all my muscle aches and pains, especially in the back, but there's nothing else I can think of. Sometimes even my legs ache or hamstrings get tight. I've been told I either have some arthritis or that I'm developing fibromyalgia.
It just seems odd that I've gone from perfectly healthy physically and actively to having these pains after being on this med so long. Again, my doctor just brushes my suggestions aside. I've already had one cardiologist tell me I could try stopping it as I'm only 47 and she doesn't want to see me stay on it if I truly don't need to and thinks being put on it immediately after just one episode of taccycardia without any further heart testing was a rather quick decision vs. having some tests first and then deciding. When I mentioned this to my primary care he said he'd rather I continue to take the med. Also I've always had normal BP. I'm just afraid of all the warnings not to just stop it because it could cause a heart attack. That terrifies me.
Why is my cardiolgist saying try to wean off of it and see how you do, and my primary saying nonsense, it's a low dose keep taking it? Meanwhile I've developed all these weird aches and muscle spasms, I feel tired, and I have noticed my concentration isn't what it used to be. Could be the difference between being then 40 and now 47, but I don't think so!