Suggest Remedy For Lethargy When Taking Medicines For CHF, COPD, APNEA, AFIB

Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I take the following for CHF, COPD, APNEA, AFIB. Down to three after three years. I was taking 12!!!
Warfarin 2mg - two tablets Monday. All other days taking one tablet
TRIAM/HCTZ 37.5 - 25 CAP LAN - once daily
Bystolic 20 mg - once daily

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please specify your query...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

If you have been taking 12 medications while now you are taking only 3, that is a good sign indicating that you have been controlled your health problems greatly for the last 3 years.

It is normal to take these medications as all the health problems you have are chronic and need life-time therapy.

Now, madam, can you please specify your query, so I'd be able to assist you further?

Thank you!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)

I take all meds in the morning. I've learned to wait until near noon because they put me in a fatigue state. I become so lethargic, so sleepy, and lack energy the rest of the day. When I eat anything, my belly burns and also have to go lay down within 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to keep from feeling like I'll pass out if not laying down. I nap or rest at least an hour after any meal, no matter what that content was. I use oxygen at that time and also use oxygen through each night. I'm in bed by 8 or 8:30 pm, some times as early as 7 or 7:30. Up at 6 or 6:30 daily. I don't know whether decreasing a dosage would help me make it through the day feeling more vibrant and alive. I don't know if all three interact the way they should, or if there is a conflict in this mix of meds. It makes me feel "tired of feeling tired" in my life. I'm not tired OF life, not depressed, but tired FROM life.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Careful eating&take medications twice daily

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

When you eat, more blood is flowing in the internal organs as compared to periphery. Therefore, this is associated with fainting, passing out or syncope symptoms. I advise to:
- eat often and small portions
- chew up slowly, do not rush
- lay down after eating for at least 1 hour

Furthermore, you are saying to be taking your medications once daily. This is associated with hypotension during a.m. Therefore, I highly recommend to take your medications twice daily at least. Can discuss this further with your cardiologist.

It is normal to get tired of LIFE at your age. But, this should not interfere with your daily duties. I advise to take medications twice daily first, and see if any difference.

All the best!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T