Question about Metoprolol

[Dogluvr95]

Hi all - just curious, I’m taking 25 mg metoprolol twice a day and I should have stopped it by now but worried my ectopics will increase if I do. Does metoprolol affect heart rhythm or just heart rate?

[CDreamer]

Any drug with the suffix olol is a Beta Blocker which helps reduce heart rate and stabilize BP.

Beta blockers, as far as I am aware, don’t alter rhythm, but for some people they can work by preventing high heart rate which then prevents Arrythmia occurring but they also have the potential to lower HR too much & that can also trigger AF.

Always best to come off Beta Blockers very gradually if you can, as directed by your doctor.

[Dogluvr95 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks so much!

[Letofeyd in reply to CDreamer]

My cardiologist has just told me to stop taking Metoprolol. Just stop.Not grade down dose.

I have only been taking it 2x daily for 3 weeks, though.

I am worried now.🥺

[CDreamer in reply to Letofeyd]

Beta Blockers block Adrenaline channels and are also called beta adrenergic blocking agents, ie: they block the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in certain parts of the body. The trouble for some people, not all, they can cause a rebound response when stopped suddenly. If you were on them for only a short time and at a low dose it’s unlikely to have that affect but if you notice yourself becoming more anxious than normal or a bit shaky that will be why. If you do experience any unnusual symptoms speak to your Doctor immediately. Also might be a good idea to track your BP.

[Letofeyd in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks.🙂 I was on 25mg twice a day. I do monitor my b.p. from time to time anyway. I will do so more frequently over the next few days. I am still on Amiodarone and Apixaban.

The dizziness with Metoprolol was just constant. I couldn't function on it at all.

Glad to be off it.🙂

[Txellen]

Definitely heart rhythm. I just got off to switch to another beta blocker (metoprolol was great but interrupted my sleep.). I’m now in Afib. 😩Wait til after Christmas.

[Hidden in reply to Txellen]

Are you sure about that Txellen, as has been said, I thought beta blockers control pulse rate rather than rhythm.

[Txellen in reply to Hidden]

I’ve been on it since November 19 solely for Afib and my rhythm has been perfect. Heart rate in 50s but felt great. I did miss a dose yesterday because I wanted to start taking the new beta blocker carvedilol. I wish I had waited till after Christmas to switch meds. The only issue has been terrible insomnia which I’ve read metoprolol affects some this way because it crosses the blood brain barrier. I don’t know I’m frustrated.

[Hidden in reply to Txellen]

Interesting, here in the UK, Metoprolol is listed as an AF rate control drug and is not featured as a rhythm control drug.

[Spoiler in reply to Txellen]

I have been taking it for 6 years since diagnosed with afib. I really do not know EXCEPT it is given to some for anxiety, so my take on that part is it might help with stress which is a huge afib trigger for me, I am a perfectionist, so high stress. I am not sure if it blocks adrenaline or what? It makes me sleepy.....I take 25 mg every 12 hours with Flecainide. As far as rate control personally for me if I am in afib it just doesnt touch my insane rates of 150-160. I have always had bradycardia and after diagnosed could not tolerate an beta blocker therefore I had to have a pacemaker. It is a very very old drug so I feel confident in taking it.

[Dogluvr95 in reply to Txellen]

Oh no!!!

[jwsonoma]

Hi,I was on Bisoprolol and had an A-fib event so I asked to be switched to a rhythm control drug - Flecainide and have been good for the last 3 years.

My nonprofessional understaning is Metoprolol and Bisoprolol are both beta-blockers. They both reduce adrenaline "steadies the nerves" so they help prevent anxiety induced A-Fib. and help reduce the HR if you go into A-Fib.From Dr. Google: "Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Beta blockers cause your heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure. Beta blockers also help open up your veins and arteries to improve blood flow."

Of course Dr Google is not always right.

Cheers

[KipperJohn]

I’ve been on metoprolol for over ten years - it’s a beta blocker which controls both blood pressure and heart rate. It’s definitely not a rhythm control drug but can help reduce the heart rate when in AF. Although I’ve had two ablations neither my EP or GP have ever suggested I come off it as I have PAF which is infrequent but always ‘lurking’ . It suits me and is considered an essential drug in most healthcare systems but of course doesn’t work for everyone.