If you or a loved one is suffering from dysautonomia, you are not alone in facing the challenges it brings. Dysautonomia can disrupt daily life with a wide range of symptoms. However, with the combined use of medication and lifestyle changes, symptoms can become more manageable.
What is dysautonomia?
Before delving into Ivabradine, it's essential to grasp the nature of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for health conditions related to the autonomic nervous system. The term "autonomic" means ”self-governing,” which means it controls things you don't have to think about. This covers a wide range of bodily functions, such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, sweating, and much more.
How Ivabradine Works
Ivabradine is a selective "funny channel" blocker that works by slowing the natural pacemaker of the heart. It does this by inhibiting the electrical current that controls the heart's rhythm. By slowing your heart rate by a few beats per minute, it reduces the workload on your heart and increases the amount of blood pumped each beat.
Benefits of Ivabradine
Heart Rate Control: Ivabradine effectively stabilizes the heart rate, which is crucial for individuals with dysautonomia experiencing tachycardia.
Symptom Management: By addressing heart rate irregularities, Ivabradine can alleviate symptoms such as palpitations, lightheadedness, and exercise intolerance.
Improved Quality of Life: With better heart rate control, users should be able to take part in more activities and live more active lives.
Why is ivabradine used when treating Dysautonomia?
Ivabradine specifically targets the natural pacemaker of the heart. This makes it ideal for people with dysautonomia, as it will manage the heart rate but won't cause a drop in blood pressure. This is also the reason ivabradine is chosen over other drugs such as propranolol.
Ivabradine is well tolerated and can be used for long periods of time, making it ideal for chronic health conditions.
Dosage
Ivabradine dosages start at 2.5 mg twice a day. This can then be increased in 2.5 mg increments to 5 mg or 7.5 mg if needed.
Ivabradine is taken once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
You cannot take ivabradine while pregnant.
You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor says you may do so safely.
While taking ivabradine, it is important to continue your regular doctor-recommended management strategies for blood pressure and blood pooling, such as compression clothing, salt, and fluid intake. This will help to prevent the reactive fast heart rates in the first place.
Side effects
A common side effect of ivabradine is sensitivity to bright lights, or seeing flashing lights in the peripheral vision, but this usually passes after the first two months.
Ivabradine can also cause dizziness and tiredness. If either of these effects continues, you should tell your doctor.
For a full list of possible side effects, visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ivabradine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20138533?p=1
Remember that medication is prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefits will outweigh the risk of side effects. Most people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Considerations Before Taking Ivabradine
Before incorporating Ivabradine into your dysautonomia treatment plan, consult a healthcare provider to discuss the medication's suitability, potential side effects, and dosage adjustments tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ivabradine can be a valuable treatment option for individuals managing dysautonomia, particularly those suffering from heart rate irregularities. By aiding in heart rate control and symptom management, Ivabradine offers hope for a better quality of life for those living with a form of dysautonomia.
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