Metropolol

[Prettywoman15]

My blood pressure is still all over the place and I have days of weakness. Would like to what others think of Metropolol

[mav7]

Metoprolol and Bisoprolol are primary drugs for heart rate control. Both can have side effects but do control heart rate and can reduce blood pressure.

Would be best to tell more about your history with AF so others can share experiences.

That said, definitley consult with your doctor.

[jeanjeannie50]

I remember once feeling dreadful after starting Metoprolol which took my pulse and BP down really low. I rang my doctor and he muttered, I don't know why they are made so strong and told me to split the pill. Then once when admitted to hospital with my heart racing away, I was given 2x50mg Metoprolol. I told them about the effect they had on me, but assumed they knew best. Next morning when getting out of bed I collapsed. Fortunately, I was wearing a heart monitor and later my consultant came running and thrust a long strip of paper in front of me and said look what your heart is doing. My AF nurse told me I could have died and must never take more than a quarter of a 50mg one, alongside my Flecainide.

I'm just wondering what strength you're taking and if it's taking your heart rate and BP down too low?

Jean

[Prettywoman15 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I have had several AF instances which put me in hospital 5XI’m taking Eliquis 5mg 2X a day and Metropolol 1.5 2X a day. Am finding different triggers for the increase in pulse My concern is every couple of days I have these weak days. Bend over with weakness. Fine if sitting. The bp fluctuates from 160+. I used to have low bp but now it is high. Doesn’t seem like Metropolol is doing anything

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Prettywoman15]

Are you in the UK?

[JohnEagel]

Hello mate,

Sorry to hear about your challenges, we feel with you.

I too take metoprolol, 1 x 50 mg in the morning, together with Pradaxa and 2 x 80 mg diovan (hypertension meds).

Have been taking tbe mtpr. for a few years now and so far no problems. But likewise with Afib, we are all individuals and it will affect us all in different ways.

It can take quite some time to find the right meds combination. I changed beta blockers and hypertension meds several times until I reached my current mixture.

Best to consult with your doc and dont give in, sometimes docs need some convincing

Wishing you all the best and we are here for you

Cheers

J

[Prettywoman15 in reply to JohnEagel]

Thank you. I see the cardiologist in two weeks. I’m going to ask some questions about these weak spells

[Izzle]

I've been on Metoprolol for a number of years, but have tried other betablockers.

If you have paroxysmal AF I've found you need to find a balance so that when you're in PAF your pulse is not too high and when you're in sinus rhythm your pulse is not too low. I take CR (controlled release) 2*47.5mg daily, 1 tablet after breakfast and the second after lunch. PAF resting pulse typically 70-100 and in NSR 55-60. That's my balance.

I used to take the 2 tablets after breakfast but found my NSR pulse dropped into the 40's and I felt lousy because my BP was getting too low.

If I take the second tablet too late my sleeping pulse drops too low and my specialist reckons it induces PAF to start.

Speak to your Dr to find a better balance.

[Prettywoman15 in reply to Izzle]

Thank tou

[MonarchsAB in reply to Izzle]

Why did your doctor not prescribe one 100mg of Metropolol ER pill per day? Why two 50 mg pills? I’m curious because I’m wondering if I should split my dose over the course of a day. I take one 50 Mg extended release in the morning and I feel quite tired during the day.

[Izzle in reply to MonarchsAB]

I started with the single large dose as you suggest and then found it too much in one hit. Feelings of low BP, tired etc. Although the tablets are CR (controlled release) to me it isn't even over a 24 hour period, hence the poor reaction only hours after taking it.

By splitting the dose into two it helps. When I made the change I took 1 tablet after breakfast and the second after evening dinner. I then started getting occasional PAF episodes during the night, so my specialist said to take the second tablet earlier. I've found that after lunch is OK but if I'm late I only take half a tablet when I can and haven't had any consequences when in NSR or PAF.

As I said earlier, it requires a little experimentation and mental flexibility. I have the confidence to do it and my GP and heart specialist are happy for me to take control. It's worked for me for quite a few years now.

I have tried Bisoprolol (being a more modern drug) and felt terrible on it, so we all agreed to go back to Metoprolol (tried and trusted for me).

[MonarchsAB in reply to Izzle]

Thank you very much. That’s very helpful information.

[Izzle in reply to MonarchsAB]

I should add info about PAF at night. My specialist reckoned that the second tablet when taken too late interfered with normal pulse and BP whilst asleep....in NSR it is natural for a slower pulse during sleep. However, the second tablet slowed my pulse to such a degree that the body reacted, speeding up my pulse and eventually getting out of control and going into PAF. Hope that makes sense.

[MonarchsAB in reply to Izzle]

Interesting, thanks. That makes sense.

[theohappy]

Metropolol made me tired, doctor reduced my amount in half, I was only taking 25mg, then went to 12.5. Even on that amount my BP was low. But had a bit more energy. Then he switched me to Dilitazem. After a week I was back to feeling weak and tired again. BP 90/60, no wonder.

[mav7 in reply to theohappy]

When you went back to feeling tired, bp 90/60, Dilitazem or Metoprolol ?

Which do you find best ?

Thx

[MonarchsAB]

Personally I find that Metropolol is very inconsistent in its effectiveness. I’ve tried to get my doctor to prescribe the name brand version Toprol XL but she won’t do it. I’ve even read that some batches of Metropolol have had to be recalled in the past for failing to meet the guidelines of a timed release medication.