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Re: Why do beta blockers increase myotonia?

Linda,

I've been looking for the actual biochemical reason for avoiding beta blockers. Because they inhibit the release of renin and the production of aldosterone, I suspect they cause potassium to increase. For most people that's a good thing. If you try low doses and don't see an increase in myotonia, then it may not be a problem for you.

Here's a very good article written by Professor Hanna, a myotonia expert in London, which mentions various drugs that can cause muscle problems:

The Bare Essentials: Muscle Disease

I don't know if taking a prescription normally used for myotonia would cancel out the side effects of a beta blocker. It would probably need to be a loop diuretic which would cause an increase in potassium excretion.

Dr. Tawil would be the expert I would recommend to sort it all out.

Jan

Type of Myotonia: Thomsen's + SCN4A Mutation

Country: USA

Re: Why do beta blockers increase myotonia?

Thanks so much Jan. As usual you provide a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to reading the article, but my new computer won't let me access it for some reason at the moment.

I tried mexiletine 150mg on Sat with no problem, but when I took a second dose on Sunday morning with my thyroid medication my HR became very elevated for several hours. Nothing seems to be very easy...

I see you have added the SCN4A mutation to your "type of "myotonia". I have done so as well. I find myself wondering if that combo might have some added medical impact...

Linda

Type of Myotonia: Thomsens + SCN4A mutation