does anyone have the experience of using this medication metoprolol? I was prescribed this yesterday and read some very horrible reviews.

[Daddyrabbit]

Metoprolol

[kitttycat]

I dont but was also prescribed in last week when diagnosed with afib. I was told to take one when I had an episode with really high heart rate and it would subside after 45 mins. I have been trying to find out about it, how it works and what happens.

[JoniM in reply to kitttycat]

I was taking it the same way, but found that my afib episodes usually self corrected in about 1 and 1/2 hours or less. So unless I took it immediately I couldn’t be sure the metoprolol was actually stopping the afib. But if your episodes tend to stretch on for hours or days and they stop in about 45 minutes with the metoprolol that sounds really worth it.

[BobD Volunteer]

All the drugs with "olol" in their names are beta blockers designed to keep heart rate down They are known as rate control drugs . Rhythm control drugs like flecainide are supposed to keep a patient in normal sinus rhythm.

Beta blockers in general reduce exercise tolerance and can cause fatigue but it is important to keep heart rate down to prevent enlargement of the atrium which could lead to more serious problems.

[Daddyrabbit in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob,

[mav7]

Used it for 1.5 years.

One of the most prescribed beta blockers for afib rate control. Any side effects sometimes lessen as your system acclimates.

Be patient before you request another medication like bisoprolol or dilitiazem. Metoprolol seems to be the best tolerated though some request a change due to side effects.

[Daddyrabbit in reply to mav7]

Thanks, the side effects are horrifying. And reading some reviews on drugs.com does not help matters either. I have I only been on one medication that only lasted two months since I’ve been diagnosed with afib 4 years ago. and that was dilitiazem had to quit because of joint pains and muscle weakness. That was three And a half years ago have not taken anything since then. But after suffering with a heart rate of 156 for two weeks now from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed with short breaks in between I had to go to the emergency room yesterday. they used dilitiazem intravenously to get me back in rhythm. God I wish there was something without all the side effects.

[mav7 in reply to Daddyrabbit]

As I mentioned, just try to be patient and give your system time to adjust.

Also, of course discuss with your doctor.

[DawnTX in reply to Daddyrabbit]

You said you just started it yesterday I’m not sure how long ago you posted this but like any medication it takes some time to get into your system and for you to adjust. As I said I had no problems.

[frazeej in reply to Daddyrabbit]

Just my opinion, but I think with a heart rate of 156 for 2 weeks, I would be willing to put up with a few side effects. Metoprolol is pretty much a standard beta-blocker, with the usual side effects, and as many others have suggested, sometimes it takes a little time to adjust.

[Daddyrabbit in reply to frazeej]

Absolutely, that’s the reason I’m taking the medication. I can’t take it any longer I need some relief. I just wanted to know from others who have used it what I may experience.

[jeanjeannie50]

I've taken Metoprolol for years, just a very low dose = a quarter of a 50mg tablet so 12.5mg morning and night. Used to take it alongside Flecainide, but the cardiologist I saw a few weeks ago told me to stop that as it wasn't helping. When I first took Metoprolol it was like you, just to take when having an attack of AF, but 1 x 50mg pill would take my pulse down to the 30's when I reverted back to normal sinus rhythm and I'd feel in a bit of a daze. It's a very powerful drug for me, hence my low dose now. We all react differently to drugs, you can only try it and see how you get on.

Jean

[Daddyrabbit in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks, that’s what I was planning on doing. Starting out with a very low-dose.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Daddyrabbit]

Good thinking.

[fairgo45]

I'd be interested in the side affects as I have been taking metoprolol for years without any noticeable side affects on 120mg at night I might take another if my heart rate goes too fast.

[BRHow]

I take 37.5mg daily. 25mg pill plus another 1/2. Been on it for years. I love it. No issues at all. I surf all the time. I walk golfing. Zero issues. I couldn’t tell you a single side effect I have ever had. I was super nervous when I started taking it. Scared of everything. Wouldn’t drink with it. Scared to workout out. After 2-3 weeks on it I noticed my heartbeat stays way calmer.

[Elephantlydia]

Metoprolol is the most used beta blocker in the world and thus the beta blocker with the most experienced in use.It is also a cardio selective beta blocker which makes it a safer beta blocker.

[frazeej in reply to Elephantlydia]

Keep in mind that "cardio selective" does not mean "cardio specific". All beta-blockers that are designed to be beta-1 selective do indeed have some beta-2 activity, and this accounts for the vast majority of undesirable side effects felt by some, especially at higher doses. Sometimes we just have to "deal with it".

[Ppiman]

Beta blockers are the standard treatment for heart arrhythmias, with bisoprolol favoured in the Europe, and metroprolol in the US. You will tend to read negative reviews since they are the people motivated to [post to the internet and to user language that is the lingo of the internet.

What might happen? Almost certainly nothing except useful things such as a lower heart rate, slightly lowered blood pressure, a reduction in AF and ectopic beats, and you will feel much calmer all round. If your heart rate and blood pressure reduce a bit too far, the combined effect could make you feel fatigued and even bring on mild chest discomfort.

You might ask your GP about increasing the dose only when your AF or tachycardia worsen, or even using the tablets on an as need basis, as I do. This will depend on the frequency of your symptoms.

Overall, these are the most commonly prescribed tablets for heart complaints and are, in general, very well tolerated. Long term, they can stop the heart weakening and changing for the worse.

Steve

[Jafib]

I have been taking it for 10+ years. It isn’t horrible but it has made me more tired and slow. Since starting it I gained nearly 100 pounds! I am now eating raw fruits and veggies for most of my food intake and am down 35 pounds. It reduces my resting heart rate very low. On the upside - I rarely go into afib.

[DawnTX in reply to Jafib]

You just said the side effect I hate and that is gaining weight. I am almost glad to read what you wrote except I know how you feel. I gained 40 pounds. It did not increase my appetite so it obviously does something else

[Daddyrabbit in reply to DawnTX]

Yes from what I read it does put weight on you by way of fluid retention. I cannot allow that to happen. It’s really defeating the whole purpose.

[DawnTX in reply to Daddyrabbit]

We all understand completely about that I am not sure which one or if both put weight on me since I got to Texas. I could blame the good food but I do not have the appetite that I had before. I too am trying to lose weight I was able to lose as long as I could stay active but I am unable to do that at this time. It really is dependent on the person how it hits you. I have been given a fluid pill and from what I was told I don’t necessarily have to see swelling because I have no swelling in the usual places. It is fluid around the heart that is making it work hard. I wish I could tell you what I can blame on that but this is such a complicated thing. I just had my third procedure for us to her regular ablations this was different. I am having difficulty healing in which I mean being active and breathing like I was with the first two but this could possibly be the last one I need if I ever heal up from it. I know the first 3 to 6 months are the hardest. I was spoiled by the first two. Within days I felt like a million.you have to give it a chance. If you think you feel lousy now then and stay in arrhythmia even longer. Then you will really see the misery. My fluttering was stopped and honestly even my palpitations are now better. Try to give it a month if you can. If your palpitations etc. ease up or stop isn’t that worth it? We cannot have our own way with this a fib is the boss

[frazeej in reply to Daddyrabbit]

As conversely as it sounds, most fluid retention side effects can be alleviated by drinking more water!

[beach_bum]

I was originally prescribed it by the ER Doc. Horrid reaction. Zero energy and even walking short distances made me weak. I did the “oh be patient and you will adjust” thing for 4 days. Finally called my own Doc, he saw me immediately, and his comment, after reviewing my chart was..”don’t know why they put you on a beta blocker, you should be on a calcium channel blocker” …prescribed me Diltiazem and the result was immediate…back to normal self…hiking, biking…fun. Just my experience…loads of folks tolerate beta blockers just fine.

[Daddyrabbit in reply to beach_bum]

Thanks, that’s who put me on it

the ER doctor.

[beach_bum in reply to Daddyrabbit]

Ya, could be as simple as that....always a good question to ask them "why beta as opposed to channel?" I had no idea, so I had no questions to ask, I just wanted my HR to come down and go home and sleep lol.

[javo123j]

I remember a quote about which is the best beta blocker for you. The answer is the one that works best for you. I'd give it a go. Not everyone gets the side effects

[Breezera]

I have been taking Metoprolol at varying dosing levels for many years. I've experienced very few side effects - only mild fatigue and cold hands & feet from time to time.

Following my very successful PVI cryo-ablation in 2018, my current dosing is 12.5 mg twice per day. I've grown very used to Metoprolol's "calming" effect, although this benefit can be obtained from any number of beta blocker medications.

I have been a poor sleeper for many years and I recently discovered that Metoprolol is "lipid soluble" so it is more likely to produce sleep disturbances and nightmares because it can cross the blood brain barrier. After learning about this I am inclined now to ask my doctor to switch me to a different selective β1 receptor blocker medication that is "water soluble" and doesn't cross the blood brain barrier. One such suitable beta blocker is Atenolol. I have an appointment next week with my doctor and will ask her about switching me from Metoprolol to Atenolol. As info, I've also learned that Atenolol has a longer half life and can be taken once a day while Metoprolol needs to be taken twice daily.

Cheers All,

Richard

[frazeej in reply to Breezera]

Agree. Been on atenolol for many years, 1/day, and don't think it has affected my sleep at all.

[RussJun55]

FWIW, here's some positive feedback. As you've read, there are some people who don't tolerate Metoprolol very well. I would guess however that they are the exception, since it is such a widely prescribed Beta blocker. Over several years of low dosage use I not only tolerated it well, but was disappointed when my cardiologist discontinued because it was so effective on preventing ectopic beats. Your mileage may vary, but I would suggest you trust your doctor and see how you fare with the med.

[Palpman]

Some people incorrectly state that this BB has "horrifying" side effects.

What is "horrifying" to some is a mere inconvenience to others.

Some people cannot tolerate Aspirin but it is by no means a "horrifying" tablet.

[frazeej in reply to Palpman]

Well stated!

[Snowgirl65]

Both my brother and I have been taking it for years with absolutely no side effects.

[TM93]

I am on metoprolol and really have no issues with it. Initially it made me a little tired but not so much anymore. However, I only take 25 mg a day. The Dr. ordered 50mg a day, but I decided to try 25mg a day first and it works. My experience with medications is they tend to over prescribe and don’t spend the time to see what works for the individual. The only other drug that I take is a low dose of an anticoagulant. (I always know when I am in AFIB). I will add that I also figured out how to avoid some of my triggers and that helps as well. Best of luck.

[DawnTX]

Hi. I had been on it for about a year and a half and had no issues with it. I have read about it but ran into none of the problems. I take that and Multaq as well as Xarelto. It is a Beta blocker and it seems that many people have trouble with those. I am currently off it. See how you feel because that’s what counts. If it’s not making you feel great let your doctor know because there are alternatives.

[JoniM]

I just started taking metoprolol succinate , one 25 mg extended release tab every morning. Previously was taking it as a pill in the pocket when an episode came on. I am still adjusting. It does make me very tired, though I am able to function pretty normally. My story- I am 70 year old woman, diagnosed in 2019 but have probably had it years before diagnosed. Very strong history of afib….mother, 3 siblings had it. I have paroxysmal afib which comes and goes VERY frequently, sometimes almost daily. BUT, it always self corrects and is usually done within about an hour and a half, sometimes only 45 minutes or less. Once it’s done feel fine except for those occasional times when it persists longer. The main benefit I am getting so far is that it really controls the rate so that when I do have afib it doesn’t get as high as before taking it. Because of that, the episodes are more tolerable. My normal resting BPM according to apple iwatch was about 58-63 before daily metoprolol and is now more like 53-56. Blood pressure was usually low normal and is now around 90/60 ish, sometimes in high 80s/ high 50s. That undoubtedly is where the tiredness comes from. So it’s a question of whether the all day tiredness is worth avoiding the high BPM during afib. On a positive note, I seem to be sleeping better though I have read that metoprolol sometimes messes with your sleep. I am meeting with cardiologist for 3 month follow up and will see where things are at then. BTW, I hate taking drugs and in general avoid aggressive treatment. Despite some of the very positive experiences people describe, I am still hesitant to go the route of an ablation. So I’m now on eliquis and metoprolol and I’m feeling ok with it.

[Daddyrabbit in reply to JoniM]

Wow what a coincidence, I was also diagnosed in 2019 and had it way before that diagnosis. I am on 50 mg of the time release tablet. I’ve only been taking it for two days. I don’t understand how people Can use it as a peel in the pocket which makes you think it works really quick. As I sit here and type this I have a heart rate of 156 it’s been like that all day. Actually it’s been like that going on three weeks. Except for when I went to the emergency room three days ago.

[frazeej in reply to Daddyrabbit]

A "time release" tablet may not be the best thing for PIP. A lot of time release meds are notorious for their rather inexact release and timing of the medicine. I would think you would want an "instant release" pill for a PIP.

[JoniM in reply to frazeej]

Sorry, I was unclear. The metoprolol I was taking as PIP was not time release. It was the metoprolol tartrate. The time release is what I am taking now. I take one 25 mg tab in the morning. Suppose to be effective for 24 hours.

[SJ1000]

Been on Metoprolol (12.5mg twice daily) for 3 years now and no issues to date. No weight gain but a lower heart rate does mean feeling tired more often is possible. I didn’t have A-fib when I was first prescribed (tachycardia instead) but do have A-fib now. It’s a good option and has helped but hasn’t stopped/prevented my episodes. Good luck with it.

[JoniM in reply to SJ1000]

I’m wondering if the 12.5 mg twice a day May be better for me than the 25 mg extended release once a day. May discuss with my cardiologist.

[SJ1000 in reply to JoniM]

I had the extended release dose previously but for me I didn’t like it as towards the end of the dose my arrhythmia was much more obvious. Switching to a low dose twice daily seemed to iron out the peeks and troughs and make things more manageable. Hope that helps. Good luck

[Hms03049]

I have taken metoprolol tartrate (50mg) twice a day for 21 years. I never noticed a side effect. As a adrenaline suppressor it reduces stress as a AFib trigger and when I did have a AFib event the rate control would greatly reduce my AFib symptoms. I was told I could take a extra dose if desired since 50mg is such a light dose.

I had a successful ablation 8 months ago, I was switched to metoprolol succ (time release) 50mg 1 per day. I do not notice any side effects.

I keep a metoprolol tartrate (50mg) in my pill box. If I feel a little jittery in my chest I will take one.

Good luck

Hamilton

[Daddyrabbit in reply to Hms03049]

Thanks,

[KenBroccoli]

Hi, just found this site. I have constant ectopic heartbeats which the cardiologist refers to as "PVC Burden". I'm 70, feel fine, do a 2-mile hilly hike every day with no issues. About 4 months ago I started on 25mg Metoprolol Succinate. It had no effect on these ectopic heartbeats so the dose was upped to 50mg. Still no change. I will be seeing the cardiologist in a few days but he has already said he wants to increase the dosage again. From this thread, I haven't seen anyone report taking more than 50mg ER per day. Any experience out there with higher dosages? I am also very resistant to anything invasive like ablation. Thanks in advance.

[Daddyrabbit in reply to KenBroccoli]

Hi Ken, thanks for sharing your experience. I have been on that medication for four months now I started out with 25 mg the first couple of weeks did not see any changes so Cardiologis went up to 50 mg it took about 3 to 4 weeks for me to get results. now I feel amazing, before the medication. My heart rate was 150 to 160 from the time I woke up until I went to bed. It was horrible so far no side effects whatsoever. I was very skeptical about taking this medication after reading so many horrible reviews but it was because of the people on this forum with all of their real life experience and knowledge that I gave it a try I’m sure glad I listen to them I don’t have any faith in pharmaceutical companies or doctors. doctors nowadays seem to be more of prescribers rather than analyzers. I hope you find some relief.

[WildIris in reply to KenBroccoli]

I have taken 75 mg a day. I had no additional side effects, just the slow heart rate with still plenty of ectopic beats and some afib. I was overweight at the time, and was diagnosed with kidney disease, so I changed my diet and lost the weight slowly over the last 18 months. Now the ectopics and afib are generally less frequent and I feel better. I take 1 1/2 of 25 mg metropolol tablets now, and a little more when in afib- seems to help a little, helps me be relaxed and feel like I'm doing something anyway.

[KenBroccoli]

Thanks, whats and Daddyrabbit. My weight is good. Thanks for reassuring that 75mg won't be too bad. I'll report back in a week or so. It is comforting to get feedback from real people.

[KenBroccoli]

Update: My cardiologist upped me from 50mg to 100mg Metoprolol and after a week I do not notice any changes. My home ekg-thing shows the same bigeminy most of the time. The cardiologist also urged me to make an appointment with an electro-physiologist in nearby Boston. Took the earliest opening which is in March. Meanwhile I am curious is acupuncture can help with PVCs.

[Daddyrabbit in reply to KenBroccoli]

It took this medication about three or four weeks before I felt a difference. I also take 100 mg a day and I’m here to say that now I feel amazing. I was diagnosed with flutter.