Metoprolol Side Effects

Written by: Robyn Broyles • Edited by: Leigh A. Zaykoski
Published Apr 30, 2009

Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), like all beta blockers, can have serious side effects. Get the information you need to take metoprolol safely.

Metoprolol Overview

Metoprolol is an anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure) drug classified as a selective beta-1 receptor blocker, also called a beta adrenergic blocker. Metoprolol is sold under the brand names Lopressor and Toprol-XL and is available in immediate-release and prolonged-release formulations. In addition to high blood pressure, metoprolol is prescribed to treat conditions including angina pectoris (chest pain) abnormal heart rhythms, migraine, tremors, congestive heart failure, bleeding from the esophagus, side effects of antipsychotics, and to prevent second heart attacks.

Beta adrenergic blockers like metoprolol work by blocking certain receptors (beta-1 receptors) for adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, and blocking these particular receptors heart rate and especially blood pressure.

Side Effects of Metoprolol

For the most part, metoprolol side effects are relatively uncommon, but can be serious. They may include the following:

impotence
fatigue, weakness, drowsiness
slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
dizziness
difficulty breathing or bronchospasm
depression, anxiety, nervousness, emotional lability (unstable mood)
confusion, disorientation, short-term memory loss
strange dreams or sleeping problems
cold extremities
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation

Metoprolol can worsen the symptoms of the autoimmune disease lupus erythematosus. It interacts with other blood-pressure lowering drugs, oral anti-diabetes medications, and many other drugs. Taking metoprolol with certain migraine drugs (ergot alkaloids) can reduce circulation so dramatically that gangrene in the hands or feet is possible. Patients should tell their health care provider about all the medications and herbal supplements they take.

Smoking changes metoprolol effects, so tell your healthcare provider if you smoke or if you plan on quitting while taking metoprolol. Cocaine reduces the effectiveness of beta blockers including metoprolol.

Metoprolol Withdrawal

Patients should not stop taking metoprolol unless directed by a doctor. If the effects of metoprolol are causing too much trouble, patients should contact their doctor immediately for advice.

Metoprolol generally should not be stopped suddenly. Instead, the dosage should be tapered off over about two weeks. Suddenly stopping the drug can cause chest pain, breathing problems, excessive sweating, and irregular or fast heartbeat. Gradually reducing the dosage is especially important for patients with angina, even if they take metoprolol for a different condition, because stopping the drug abruptly can aggravate angina symptoms.

Reference

"Metoprolol." The Pill Book, 12th Edition, 2006. Harold M. Silverman, Pharm. D., Editor-in-Chief. New York: Bantam Books.

sherelle1974 Jan 23, 2012 12:48 AM

RE: Metoprolol Side Effects

Hi,<br><br>I was wondering how you are feeling today with being off the medicine. I have been off for over a month now and I feel dizziness to the point I cant stand long periods of the day and I have dizziness when walking for about 5 minutes. I have to go in the store and be pushed in a wheel chair. I just will be glad when this nightmare is over and I get my life back.

Roschulr Jan 7, 2012 5:02 AM

has anyone else experienced "facial swelling" with this drug? I too, feel the same psychological symptoms as GJ and on top of it feel bloated and swelled up (not just feel - i see it), especially in my face. Given these symptoms, I'ld rather suffer the consequences of high blood pressure than to live like this.

Margsalom Nov 16, 2011 8:50 PM

It seems to have settled now - but it was largely just a sore mouth

Ideux Nov 15, 2011 1:30 AM

been taking 100mg a day. and noticed that i feel tired and no energy, also i have no sore throat but i have a frequent mouth sores, so disgusting that i can't eat well don't know if this is caused by this pill.

Ideux Nov 15, 2011 1:27 AM

hi margi, what do u mean by a tender internal mouth?

alcohol withdrawal symptoms Oct 24, 2011 11:16 AM

Hi, <br><br>Thanks guys for sharing information about Metoprolol Side Effects.

Tish Oct 10, 2011 10:50 PM

Metropolol

I started take this generic version three months ago. I noticed extreme joint pain in my big toe. This past weekend was when all he'll broke loose. My feet, ankles, swelled. The bones hurt. It's hard to even walk. Them came my hands. First tingling then pain. Next was my face I have a tingling numb feeling all over my head. Out of breath, dizzy and I feel like I am in a fog. So so so scary. I stopped cold turkey per dr. I hope this does the trick. I am so stressed out.

GJbean Oct 6, 2011 10:08 AM

metropolo restless mind

Been suffering terribly from restless mind, probably for about 1 1/2 years now. No peace, terrible wandering, silly, no sense thoughts. I am going to try to get off this pill, becaue I have tried EVERYTHING else. Hopefully, less stress and less weight will help me deal with the High blood pressure. I will probably go cold turkey. How I long to be able to sit on a chair at the beach and think about NOTHING.

Addie Holley Aug 3, 2011 2:08 PM

Should I Take Metoprolol ?

I understand Metoprolol and Atenolol are in the same family of
drug. I been on Atenolol since 1995. I have read all the comments about Metoprolol and I am having the same problem with Atenolol. I ave been trying to get my dr. to take me off this drug for three months. I had another Dr. to talk to him and he convience him to put me on Metoprolol, but I don't think I am going to take Metoprolol, If it going to meake me feel like Atenolol I wont be able to deal with. What do anybody think?

Alsoanonymous Jul 24, 2011 2:27 PM

Metoprolol withdrawal

I am SO glad I am off this med.
I was never so sick in my life.
I weaned off almost a month ago and the doc didnt know-but she was glad when I told her as I had become unable to stand up in a store due to lightheadedness and extreme leg fatigue from it.I still hesitate to go into any stores and have to depend on neighbor for provisions but in the long run I feel the med will wear off and I will have my life back.
I was told this med prolongs ones life but what good is that if you cant do anything due to its side affects.
The brain fog I had is gone,and some depression remains-all from this med- got some blood work to rule out anything else like magnesium deficiency etc,
and I started taking COq 10 and think that helped get some energy back.
Never again for me and this beta blocker crap.

Jim May 24, 2011 8:43 PM

Metrprolol

I had been taking 100mg once a day for about 1.5 years for high blood pressure. My feet and legs swelled up, also my hand and rists. Lost my grip and very hard to walk. Took myself off because Dr. as sure it was not Metropolol. After a month off things are getting better still some soreness but is much better. Also I had severe head aches. They have now gone. I'm convinced it was the Metropolol. I'm still on other meds but blood pressure has stayed about the same as when I taking the metro. It sure didn't work for me. Sure wish the Dr. would listen to the patient instead of there blackberry.

keith Apr 26, 2011 10:17 PM

side effects

Been taking metoprolol about 3 weeks and only side effect is minor sweating blood pressure went from chronic 155/90 all the time to 137/80. I don't have dizziness or headaches and I take 25 mg once daily dr wants twice but I control my own destiny. By the way I do have tongue that is irritated. Good luck to all my heart buddies. God Speed

Margaret Crouse Apr 11, 2011 11:44 AM

METROPROLO

i HAVE BEEN ON THIS DRUG FORabout 10 years and having many side effects all the above ones loosing my hair anxiety sleeping problems confussion and many more. I take 75 mg a day.

Anonymous Mar 27, 2011 10:54 AM

sounds like me and Jack are the only ones who dont have an issue with this drug - lol - maybe cause we have been on it a long time, you do have to give it some time to adjust. I think what helped me is for first few years was on 25mg twice per day and then after an incident was up to 50 mg twice a day. SO maybe see about taking a lower dosage for a few months and gradually get body used to it. There are other beta blockers too so just tell your doc, after you'e tried it fora few months, if you'd like to try a new one (even ask a pharmacist what one they recommend as they know more about the actual drugs). I am glad mine works with me okay, of course am more tired and cold than people not on medicine but if it helps me from having surgeries and heart isues and being away from my young family it is so worth it!!

Lawrence Mar 23, 2011 7:38 AM

Stay Away.

My kidney doctor prescribed this to me to help my blood pressure and to help with my heart palpitations and anxiety, but what a nightmare I have been having since I started taking this. In one week of taking the pill my acid reflux has become unbearable (causing me to miss work), I am having panic attacks and feel depressed, I am constantly sweating, I am tired and achey, and I have a burning feeling in my chest. I went to the doctor the other day and he told me to just quit taking it. This is day 3 and once again I am missing work because I was throwing up and nauseated, irritable, anxious, shakey, and have a pounding headache. I now wish I would have gone with my instincts to not take this pill. I'll be lucky if I don't lose my job because of it.

maxine whitcomb Mar 15, 2011 11:58 AM

benign premature heartbeats

started taking metoprolol,25mg about a month ago,heartrate dropped to 44bpm, no energy, legs felt like they weight 50pounds each,,dizzy,faintified,lips burned from inside and extremely short of breath.i stopped the med three days ago and will deal with whatever.

Stephanie Mar 9, 2011 10:59 AM

metropolol side effects

I have been taking metropolol for three days and this stuff is making me crazy. I can not cope. I am having anxiety and depression. I try to explain to my family the situation and they tell me I am causing this. Someone please help me, I am very miserable right now. I am taking 50mg of metropolol twice a day.

jack Feb 3, 2011 7:18 AM

metoprolol

Have been on this drug since 2004 and have had NO sideffects. I was diagnosed with afib at that time...this has been a wonder drug for me.

Ratmanx Jan 12, 2011 9:16 AM

Witdrawal Symptoms

I am 50 now and had open heart surgery at age 47. I was prescribed 100mg x 2/day right after surgery and it caused me to have short term memory problems. I would read a sentance in the news paper, have no idea what I read, read it again, and have to go back and read it a 3rd time, and still have trouble recalling what it was I was reading about. They cut my dose to 25mph x 2/day and it was much better. I was at least functional. I stayed with that dose ever since and have been pretty much fine except I felt I still had some concentration problems so wanted to try going off the Motoprolol. My doc however failed to tell me to wean myself off it slowly and I nearly went cold turkey. I got the shakes, chest twinges, headaches, rapid heart beats in the mornings, had to take more deep breaths, and felt nausea. When I talked to a pharacist friend he confirmed these are related withdrawal symptoms and suggested going back to my normal regiman until I talk to the cardiologist about an alternative that won't have the concentration aspect. Now going back on I am feeling so fatiged I can hardly get off the couch. I don't remember this when I first went on the drug but from everyone elses comments it looks like that may be a common side effect too so I anticipate that will soon pass, but has anyone else had short term memory problems, or concentration problems while using Metoprolol?

Holly Munn Dec 29, 2010 1:30 PM

Heart Palpitations and moody

I have been taking Metoprolol 25mg once a day for about two years now. I have severe heart palpitations and anxiety attacks which this medication does help BUT..... I have found myself to be extremely moody and anti-social. I also ran out of the medication once only to discover my extreme dependence upon the drug. I also am tired and rather unsatisfied with life. I find myself unable to stay focused and not particularly all that concerned about much. Without the drug my heart does not function well and I suppose I can deal with being a 40 year old unfeeling female as long as my poor husband can.

Doug Dec 23, 2010 2:36 PM

I have just started on metoprolol and can't get off the toilet I just stopped taking this tablet. After reading all the side efforts I will try and find a natural way of fixing my problem or take a chance on not having a heart attack. Good luck to all out their.

E. G. Dec 11, 2010 6:58 PM

Metroprolol

I've been on metrop for three years and have the same symptoms listed above. In addition, I have lost all my hair. It is now whisper short and it is still falling. I am going to d,c it, get some hair treatments and continue to live with the palps as I have done for more than 40 years.

Brenda Nov 3, 2010 3:20 PM

metroprolol

I have lost a lot of hair and from what I have been reading there is a link to this beta blocker. Doctor put me on this for irregular heatbeats (PSVT). I will be weaning myself off this medication in the hopes of a return of hair that has been lost.

wayne Oct 30, 2010 12:26 PM

i been on the drug now for about nine years; my comment is this, tired, dizzy, pain in shoulders and neck,can not lose weight because i don't fell like exc.,and the dr. want listen.

Shawn Francis Oct 16, 2010 8:12 PM

Heart palpitations

I've been having heart palipitations since February of this year, and my Doc just put me on this drug. Been taking it for a month and I don't like the side effects. Sure the palps are gone, but, I think, I'd rather deal with them rather than having no energy, nod desire to do anything, an no sex drive anymore.

Gotta call him Monday, and find out how I can get off them.

gabriel Oct 8, 2010 10:39 AM

metropolol

Have been of this medication approximately 2 months...experienced he anxiety...mood swings and now sore throat...when swollowing. The sore throat has come on over the last 2 to 3 weeks but nothing of any real concern...

Past day or two it has gotten progressively worse...Anyone experience this problem?

Margi Oct 4, 2010 4:30 PM

metoprolol side effect

I am experiencing very tender skin - when I shower it feels like little needles pricking my skin - also have a tender internal mouth. Not sure whether this is a metoprolol side effect as I am a very low dose (12.5mg/twice daily) And am also taking other meds (anti-arrythmic) so which is the villian?

geoff Sep 19, 2010 4:19 AM

i have been takeing metoprolol for three years and it killed my life and relationship do docs now what there doing.

Luc M Sep 15, 2010 2:56 PM

Tom

Hey Tom I just wanna let you know I do have similar side affects and im also on that drug so it could be a possibility.

Dave Sep 11, 2010 9:27 PM

Metoprolol

I had been taking Bystolic for 6 weeks (free samples) the stuff worked great but my insurance doesn't cover it because its to expensive 1.50 -2.50 a pill. I use to take Anatol until I had palpitations and went in for a heart cath for no reason except the DR's never heard of this side effect.

I have to take Metoprolol and have some side effect before I can get back to Bystolic.

Fran Singleton Sep 7, 2010 11:44 AM

Have been taking metroprolol for 3 years. The last few weeks have terrible side effects. Nitemaresmhear palpitations, yo yo blood pressure. Primary doctor and cardio will not listen to me. Have had thyroid tests, ended up in hospital for observation, Did not take any medications from 6:00 Pm to 5;00 Pm next day felt 85 % better. Going this week for apnea and Holter monitor and stress test. Woked in fron t and back yard yesterday, cut grass, trimmed bushes. No problem. For some reason both Drs are insisting it is not the medication. I'll will take the 3 tests then if they will not take me off metroprolol I will wean my self off. WHY WILL DRS NOT LISTEN TO PATIENTS. I am 67 years old, female, never been in hospital except to give birth to my child till this fiasco.

jerry Sep 2, 2010 10:32 AM

Im a 39 year old male,and have taken metoprolol for 3 years.This drug has changed my life.I the morning headache last 45 min to an hour im tired all day ,lack of intrest of almost anything,mood swings, at the end of the day i just dont feel like i have done much. At night icant sleep beacause i wasnt active all day,the drug does its job ,but why must i endure this cycle everyday?

Anonymous Jul 25, 2010 8:50 AM

metoprolol 50 mg

My blood pressure is high at the doctor's office - way too high, but comes down at home to only slightly high in the mornings. I am on two blood pressure medications now, one being metoprolol. I have joint and bone pain, exhaustion, mood swings, no desire for sex, my legs feel heavy when I walk and I have had a headache every morning since I began the prescription on June 30, 2010. My doctor says it's all in my mind and thinks I read too much internet information. This is my second experience with this beta blocker and the same thing happened last time. My doctor keeps threatening me with a stroke or heart attack if I don't take the meds. He also thinks my reaction to these drugs is funny. I have made an appointment with a new doctor in another county, but have to wait months for a "first appointment."

Cher Jul 6, 2010 11:15 PM

Ways to get the cardiologist to listen

1. Buy a home blood pressure monitor ) or get a free one form the public health center) and journal your blood pressure.
2. Buy a blood sugar monitor and track it at least 3 times a day. A graph usually comes with the tester so keep track.
3. Buy a home heart monitor and track your heart rate. My morning rates are usually the fastest.

In tracking my blood pressure and blood sugar, I found that my sugar levels were drastically fluctuating. Once I adjusted my diet to eat every two hours I was able to decrease the medication to a lower level which helped with the side effects.

When I visit the cardiologist I take these things with me and he now listens to me as he knows I am very serious about getting my health back on track.

Cher Jul 6, 2010 11:10 PM

Asthma

This medication does affect asthma...it is my understanding that most beta blockers do. If there are serious complications, calcium channel blockers can be tried. I have asthma. I am taking a low dose of metoprolol. I tried to switch to a calcium channel blocker but it did not slow my heart rate (I have sinus tachycardia) so I had to return to taking metoprolol and have ad to increase all my puffers.

Trevor Thomas Jul 3, 2010 12:46 AM

horrible

Since ive been on this for 2 weeks i feel so sad n alone and feel like killing myself. The thoughts thankfully come and go fast. Almost took all the pills once. I get dizzy n tired n really sweat at the gym. Chest still hurts like its beeing held tight. Feel in a pit of dispair n dont know how to get out. Ive never had a thought of hurting myself and i never will but its disturbing having a thought like that daily. Cutting the dose down n going back to doctor.

ray a alleman Jun 30, 2010 7:41 PM

metoprolol 50mg er

ive been taken toprol xl and i was changed to metoprolol 50 er generic. and sence ive been change to generic im realy been short of breath feeling faint has any one had this problem please let me no

Jennifer Jun 29, 2010 2:03 PM

Must be workin

I am 27 years old. Was first put on 25mg twice a day when 18 years old - had heart surgery and defib planted 2 months later. In 2005 my defib went off (they don't know y - just irregular beating) and I was moved up to 50mg twice a day and have been on that doasage since. It does make you tired but you get used to it. I think it may be harder to lose weight though. I was skinny til after heart surgery but then of course can't really exercise but still have appetite. Since then it has been hard to lose weight - might be drug or might be age who knows. But I have recently had 2 healthy children (one is almost 2 and one is 3 months) and plan on one more in a couple years. I was on drug during pregnancy and actually felt better heart-wise when pregnant - I assume cause increase of blood. I also dd excellent during labor (was induced so could be controlled more but I was lucky as had short labors). Has been no studies on effect of this drug during pregnancy or anything so hope it has not affected my kids. So far neither kid has my condition (HCM) but if they get it usually doesn't show up later - they have 50% chance. But yeah obviously drug works for me as we are all doin well and I don't ever seem to have problems. Oh and I even play hockey (non-competitive) when not pregnant and that goes fairly well!

tom johson Jun 21, 2010 7:09 PM

sinus issues

Has anyone experienced any nasal side effects? I was taking 25mgs a day for 2 years,then one day I had an intense sneeeze after thgat I have had "cold like" nasal symptoms (I tried flomax once for prostate issues and had a similiar reaction.) I have seen 2 ENT's and an allergist. I ahave a friend who suggested it might be the metropol. Any ideas?

Kathe Jun 5, 2010 1:08 PM

Comment to Robert

Since taking (metoprolol er) I have coughed constantly. I saw my Cardio Dr. yesterday and he said it will affect a person with severe asthma. This is something you may want to talk to your Dr. about. Also, I have had headache and severe dizziness since starting in Oct.2009. I have cut my dosage down to 25 mg. a day and the dizziness has gone away and the coughing has almost stopped.

robert ingersoll May 31, 2010 9:25 AM

metoprolol and asthma

does metoprolol affect asthma i started on metoprolol after having 3 bypasses and have been coughing for 7 weeks and my asthma have worsened coinsiderably can this med be the culprit?

Jeff May 23, 2010 11:47 PM

I've been taking metoprolol 50mg twice a day for years, however, I recently had a major heart attack and after putting in stents, etc, my blood pressure was going too low, I stopped taking the diovan for blood pressure (Per my cardiologists ok) and now I think I need to stop taking the metoprolol, it's causing my heart to stay beating slowly when I excercise and my blood pressure to shoot sky high since my heart wont beat the way it should during exercise, I'm only 39, ill be seeing my doc tomorrow to discuss this with him, but while I Was on it, it did work wonders, just dont think I should be on it anymore.

CLEM IGHO May 19, 2010 4:33 PM

METOPROLOL SIDE EFFECT

My doctor have me on this metoprolol 200mg / day for the past two weeks i experienced the following side effect : Problems having sleep and sexual dis function .Please, i need an advice on how to quiet this medication .

gloria Apr 11, 2010 11:54 AM

taking 25mg 2xday, approx 2 weeks later severe pain left leg near knee. saw naprapath for 5 sessions thinking sciatic, no relief. past week both legs and feet look like baloons. Took 1 pill only on Friday, nothing on Saturday, and tdy Sunday have normal legs & feet. Tdy took 1/2 pill this am, will take 1/2 tonite and call the dr on Monday i am taking this for mitral valve prolapse

Rose Mar 19, 2010 7:04 PM

Metropol Side effects

In response to Andrew's comments regarding his symptons of metropol; i experienced the same type of effects. initiall i was taking a low dose twice a day whilst i was in hospital following a serious accident. when h ome the dr. put it up o 100 mg twice a day. i couldn;t get out of bed i started passing out, went to casualty with a hert rate below 40. was admitted and had to come off the drug. this happened numerous times, then i refused to take it any more. my cardiologist told me that the effects of these drugs can stay in the system for one or two weeks. i see that for some people it may be a good drug, but after being put on this type of beta blocker drug, and finding that they have the opposite effect instead of keeping my palpitations in check they actually cause them, and swing from low to very high up to 200 pulse and i have had to be in hospital 10 times with these symptons. i have refused to take them any more and am getting back some energy and breathing normally. it has been an horrific experience. some people can obviously tolerate them, but there are a lot of people in whom they have toxic effects. my addvise is, listen to y our body and insist that the dr. puts you on an alernative drug which can help your pathology, there are lots out there.

Rick Pearson Mar 11, 2010 8:13 PM

Hi, i've been on this drug for the past 10 years. 3 years ago they increased my intake re angina pains. i now take 100mg twice per day. the reason.......irregular heart rate, high blood pressure. does it work? yes indeed. bp is usually 127/80 with lower heart rate 62bpm. i'm 67 years old and thankful for this medication.

Katheline Tate Mar 2, 2010 7:45 PM

OSMetoprolol Succinate

I have been presribed the drug because of possible problems with my heart. I take Micardis for my blood pressure which is under control. I do not have angina or chest pains or any other symptoms of heart disease, etc, however an Ecco shows differently. I took one tablet tonight and do not feel comfortable continuing the medication because of all of the side effects. Since i took only one pill, is it safe to withdraw on my own.
Katheline

Becky Feb 28, 2010 8:12 PM

I have had every side effect imaginable. the most severe has been low blood sugar. i have to eat now every 2 hrs. to prevent my sugar from bottoming out. it's awful. which is worse, the fast heart rate or the side effects from this medication. someone please help..cardiologist won't listen.

Lavern Feb 24, 2010 7:52 PM

Just started taking Metoprolol on Friday, today is just Wednesday. I feel so exhausted that I can barely put one foot in from of the other. I take 25mg each morning for blood pressure. I feel dizzy and have terrible headaches, neck and shoulder pain. Seems like from the responses I need to contact my doctor and find another way. Any suggestions?

George Feb 21, 2010 2:26 PM

A fine drug

I've been taking metoprolol tartrate 25 mg twice a day for 4 years now to control my borderline hypertension (140/90) and it's good for me. I take my BP reading every morning before taking the drug and so far there have been no side-effects not even the dreaded impotence & loss of libido. Other than aspirin and my multivitamins I take no other meds. Im 48 and exercise regularly.

Andrew Feb 14, 2010 12:30 AM

Side Effects ?

I am a 47 year old male who runs 2 miles every other day on a treadmill.As an Adult My Blood pressure has always been BorderIine High 143 / 90.I starting taking Metoprolol Tartrate a couple of years back for Hypertension and was taking a 50 mg tablet once a day in conjunction with a Lisinopril 10 mg tablet.The Lisinopril was causing my chest to hurt so after sometime my Doctor took me off the Lisinopril and upped me to Metoprolol Tartrate 100 mg XL or extended release.After about 1 month on this regiment I started experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety and feeling absolutely terrible.I went back to the Doctor and complained about the side effects and He took me off the Metoprolol Tartrate 100 mg XL and changed me to Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg 2 times a day.Everything has been fine with this regiment for the last 4 months and as of the last 2 weeks I am experiencing the same side effects as noted above and each day they seem to be getting worse.I called and spoke with my Pharmacist today to ask him if my new refill of Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg could have been made by a different manufacter as I was experiencing the same side effects as before, thinking it could be something in the buffering.He said it was the same manufacturer and from the symptoms I was describing it sounded to him like I was being over medicated seeing how my blood pressure is still Borderline High 143 / 90 and suggested decreasing the amount of medicine to 1 dose of Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg per day for seven days to see if anything changes.I am on my first day of the Pharmacist recommended regiment and still feel terrible.It just seems strange to me that it would take so long for these side effects to manifest after the drugs initial intake and has me paranoid that I may have another underlying condition such as a brain tumor or other condition which may be causing my symptoms.Has anyone else had this type of experience with this drug if so please let me know.

jim Jan 10, 2010 7:42 PM

The drug metoprolol does cause impotence, despie taking a drugs to counter act this condition. Any answer on what to do.

Robyn Broyles Nov 28, 2009 9:42 PM

Discontinuing metoprolol

DeAnn,

Please read the section called "Metoprolol Withdrawal." It is very dangerous to take yourself off this drug without medical advice or supervision. If the side effects are intolerable, call your doctor's office right away for your options.

DeAnn Nov 28, 2009 6:45 PM

I have had several of the same side effects many of' you have had. The funny part is, I was going in for
surgery to take a wire out of my knee and they did an ekg and found my heart beats and skips. So they
did an angiogram and prescribed this.
I also am tired all the time. I get tired walking from our living room to our kitchen.
I am taking my self off of this until I can see a doctor again. It is awful. I too was active even tho
I have had numerous problems with my knee replacement. What a mess. DeAnn

David A Tindall Nov 18, 2009 2:17 PM

Tired allways tired, but then cant sleep

i have been on Metrol since heart attack 2 &1/2 years ago..i flat lined for 10 minutes ,so am happy to be here.BUT I AM TIRED ALL THE TIME and am so over it.i take 1 aspirin 100mg,1Lipitor 80mg,1 metrol 50mg twice a day.1 coversyl 2.5mg. (and i take 1 aropax 20mg for panic attacks)

Anonymous Nov 13, 2009 5:40 PM

Rose - what sort of thyroid disease do you have? hypo or hyperthyroid? I am treated for hypothyroidism - it seems to me that specialists only look at their own area and have not interest in the rest of one's body. I now have had the metoprolol cut to 12.5mgx2 and am waiting to feel the difference. As I have atrial fibrillation as well as hypertension I hope the difference I eel is a good one!!

pat taylor Nov 13, 2009 12:34 AM

not feeling to good

does anybody no how long it is befor you start feeling better i would love to no thank you

rose Nov 12, 2009 4:37 PM

side effects metoprolol

I have had massive side effects from this drug; initially i was on 25mg twice a day, my blood pressure was alittle high one day dr. increased to 5omg twice a day. i couldn't walk for the dizzy and faint feeling, sob and tight chest ppains, difficulty breathing, diarrohea, my pulse was in the 30's and low bp, i am hypthyroid and am now aware this drug is not to be given to patients with thyroid disease. i am looking to seek another medical opinion to take me off this drug, i am also suffering from continuous irregular heartbeats and confusion, it is a catch 22 situation as this drug is supposed to control palpitations, in stead of this it has created it. i feel it is a very bad drug for some patients, and i know it is a very old class of drugs, and i advise nyone taking it to be in con trol of their own bodies, after all we are the experts on ourselves and how we feel, and discuss the symptons with a good doctor who you trust and whether alternatives may be better. The con fusion you can feel from this drug makes ti hard sometimes to deal with fixing it. rose

patricia taylor Nov 2, 2009 12:12 AM

i am now off these tablets and still not quiet well yet i have been off them two weeks
i would love to no anybody eles views on these tabelets thank you

Margot Salom Oct 26, 2009 5:04 PM

withdrawl from metropolol

I have to totally withdraw from this beta blocker 5 days before a EP Study. I was not advised to do it gradually but I am going to as several years ago I had a tachycardia event after forgetting to take another beta blocker and ended up in hospital. My plan is to half the dose for about a week before the time I have to be totally off it. Should I make it more gradually than a week?

pat taylor Oct 18, 2009 3:07 AM

side affects of metoprolol

i have sent you a email and i would like any response sent to me bey my email thank you

pat taylor Oct 18, 2009 3:02 AM

well i have all the side affects i have stopped taking them now and feel better i went from avery active lady to a person who didnt want to do anything i now will go back to the doctor and tell him i was thinking i had lung cancer or some thing i didnt no what to think in the end so i stopped taking them i am 64 now and i took them for 12mths never again

Linda Sep 20, 2009 6:50 PM

I have been on Metoprolol for appr. 3.5 yrs. No energy, pains all over, went by ambulance to hosp. 5 days ago with chest pain. They did a CT Scan, EKG, X-ray and all was fine. Could this all be this beta-blocker. I am so tired of being tired.

Bernice John Sep 14, 2009 12:45 PM

reply-Rachel & Glenn

Glad I looked this up I too am suffering the same side effects from this drug metoprolol, like Glen's & Rachel, I haven't been any where since I start taking these months back...I thought it's my age or post-traumatic stress, then I read yours it's the drug.I went to see my doc. she gave me more drugs for the side effects, I haven't taken them yet & won't...I'll look for alternative medications, thank you both....

glen ODonnell Aug 9, 2009 12:28 PM

Help

This drug is bad for me and i know it.
They had me on coreg, then lopressor, now metoprolol. I feel anxiety, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, unstable moods, sleeping problems. Their telling me im experiencing these symptoms because i read them on the internet. Before starting on beta blockers i was walking 7 miles 4-5 times a week and its been all down hill ever since. They want to tell me its in my head and my anxiety builds. I'd like to know a way to get off this medication. Sincerely GLEN

rachel Jun 16, 2009 1:30 PM

weaning off Metoprolol, hyperthyroid, adrenals

Hi there. Thank you for your article. I have Graves Disease with hyperthyroidism - acute in Dec 08 and again in Mar 09 b/c i had to stop the Tapazole for one week to do a scan. I have not yet recovered and am off work, exhausted with some other symmptoms.

I am getting off Metoprolol: I took 25 mg 2x/d for two months. Last Mon, I started taking only 25 mg a day. Tues I felt weak and sick, crying and my heart felt weak. Thursday I was ok again (ie. back to what is normal for this period)

Yesterday morning I took none. I was ok yesterday, except for bone pains - hand, legs. Today I feel so tired and weak, I could not go to my friend's for lunch (postponed for 3rd time). My body hurts in various places - back, leg, foot, arm, hand - on the bone. Emotionally, yesterday and today, sad and scary issues are coming up... maybe now the heart is not suppressed? I think I have a fever

Just now I called the Pharmacist who said to now, take half a pill a day, not none. Do that for a week or so. So I took half a pill.

Also, I wondered b/c beta blockers block the adrenal receptors, right? Well, I take Adrenasense to encourage the adrenals, and when I take it, I feel a lot better and have more energy for a couple hours. Now, I wonder if I should take it, because if I am not having them blocked they might absorb too much and then I might get hyper or just have too much adrenaline. That happened twice before and it kept me alert and thinking for about 2 days straight (b/c of a stressful event)

So I want to know: is it good to take Adrenasense right now? Are these symptoms normal?

Thanks. I know this email is a bit confused. It's kind of how I feel right now.

Please respond Thx. Rachel

Metoprolol Side Effects

Metoprolol Overview

Side Effects of Metoprolol

Metoprolol Withdrawal

Reference

Comments