DS was diagnosed with POTS at the cardiologist yesterday. Started beta-blockers today. He says his stomach is upset. I know a few on here have POTS, does the medication make you sick to your stomach? I looked up the side-effects and it wasn't listed as a major one. It's atenolol. Thanks.
Side effects aretoo personal, never ever something to generally compair, instead always something to have looked at and judged with the individuals medical history and factual finding op lack there off of side-effects.
And again, something that has to be judged on the individuals level always, but if beta-blockers are on the table it can be smart to look into one called celiprolol. Research has shown it decreased cardiovascular incidents in those with vascular eds. NOT researched in other types and beta-blokkers like most meds come down to personal reactions, but within positive factors (as in not having worse side effects than with other bb's etc ) it is becoming a carefull preferential choice by some cardiologists to use in all types if bb's are indiated anyway, whereas with vascular it is the golden standard to prescribe preventative unless found contra-indications. Research can easily be found through pubmed etc. While out for some years, many cardiologists arent aware yet as it is impossible for anyone in the medical profession to read up on all research and publications in their field. Most are very willing once pointed out to read up and take it into the equator.
Be aware of the risks of bb's though! It can decrease both heart rate and blood pressure easily, which can worsen those related pots symptoms. Can be a very carefull balance for instance with the combination of veds, cardiovascular history and pots. Very common reason for many on all types to end up on minimalized dose or not at all.
Stomach upset is vague, too vague. If remembering correctly your DS is no youngster anymore, which is most difficult since so many things for them equals stomach blegh. Unfortunately that also to a lesser extent goes for teens and adults. Ranging from feeling as if needing to puke, to pain (where maken huge differences), to it being how someone words and/or feels when just feeling (very) unwell and many other issues. For some that unwell feeling is how their body behaves with a low heart rate or blood pressure. So important For him to learn how his system works and if not sure might be wise to just have a quick check of bp and hr to make sure that isnt the feeling, which would be reason to not wait it out but talk it over with cardiologist if alteration or coming in early might be smart. I'm one of those that just feels a bit under the weather, noticing that as mostly stomach blegh. Found out during a regular check up at the cardiologist. Since than learned I also get a heavy sensation in my neck/back of head but that was a learning curve. Somehow I notice zipp till dropping to very bad numbers, but others I've spoken that notice a drop by stomach blegh will get that feeling at a significant but yet still limited and safe drop.
If ANY questions or uneasiness about side-effects, always communicate them with the prescribing doc and dont wait till next appointment, but call, mail or alike. Luckily most times its things they can ease worries and solve questions, perhaps even offer tips to reduce or knowledge when it should subside. If it does require an alteration or quicker visit, they will also pick up on it. Very low level "input" but great easy result that actually helps.
If any issues with significant reduced stomach and/or bowel motility, that can also has effect on how the body deals with beta-blockers as with all medication that need the gi-tract for its intake. Something none gi specialists dont always are one the look out for and have somewhat of a higher incidence in eds, so reckoned I mentioned it in case the info ever comes in handy. Once pointed out, most specialists incl cardiologists become aware of alteration issues that causes with medications.