Side effects of metoprolol???

[peachtreepiggy]

Hello everyone, I am currently taking 100 mg of metropolol in AM and 50 at night for newly diagnosed a fibs since I contracted covid in Sept 2023.... My question is this: is anyone suffering side effects from this med? I have developed a dry tickly nagging cough, a very dry mouth which has gotten worse since they increased the dosage this year, and also am mind numingly fatigued and can barely drag myself out of the chair. My bp and heart rate seem to be mostly normal. I am 69 and in the USA. Thanks for your input!

[bean_counter27]

A lot of people complain about tiredness with their beta blocker. I'm on 25mg Metoprolol tartrate twice a day. I suffer from tiredness at times I suspect Metoprolol might be a contributor to my poor sleeping. I raised with my cardiologist. He didn't think it would be a factor.

I've read that a cough could be a side effect of Metoprolol but whatever issues you think you have with your medications should be discussed with your doctor. This ensures it's not being caused by something else that requires attention or if being caused by Metoprolol your doctor might be able to change it to something that does the job without the side effects.

[peachtreepiggy in reply to bean_counter27]

I will be calling the doctor tomorrow, but I do not have high hopes, because most doctors seem to be skeptical of side effects. But they seemed to have started right after the cardio upped my beta blocker. Seems like too much of a coincidence.

[mav7 in reply to peachtreepiggy]

I have been on Metoprolol for 3 years. Side effects including fatigue are common but tend to subside as the body adjusts. You may want to google Metoprolol for more info.

Assume your dosage was increased because original dose did not maintain desired heart rate ? Your dose is in the high range. Also, may want to discuss with your doctor about another beta blocker like Diltiazem.

[peachtreepiggy in reply to mav7]

Thanks for your response. Yes, my dosage of metoprolol was increased significantly when I got a fibs and the lower dosage wasn't handling them. I looked up Diltiazem and I can't take it, because it affects Eliquis levels, which I am also taking. I am so sick of this! I just had an a fib episode....Heart went up to 137 and worse it got, the more I freaked out!

[mav7 in reply to peachtreepiggy]

Does rate stay at that level or just spike ? Metoprolol should better control. Spikes are sometimes common.

If you haven’t may want to ask doctor about a cardioversion followed by an anti arrhythmic drug in effort to lower hr and maintain NSR. Best to You !

[peachtreepiggy in reply to mav7]

It was a spike that didn't last that long but it still scared the heck out of me. I have an appointment to talk about an ablation in mid-april so we'll see what he has to say.

[petmice in reply to peachtreepiggy]

Talk to your pharmacist. They have the details about how the meds work in your body.

My EP said I should be able to simply stop Metoprolol and Flecainide but my pharmacist suggested a tapered approach instead. Stopping gradually made sense to me as my heart went into afib once when the pharmacy ran out of the Flecainide.

This is not pitting medical professionals against each other. Each has their own area of expertise, I trust both of them completely, and they complement each other well.

[MummaSoap]

Hi peachtreepiggy

I used to take metoprolol (not as high a dose as you) and had to change because it was pushing my already low BP so low that I was having near faints nearly every time I stood and the fatigue was causing me to fall asleep at the drop of a hat no matter what the time of day!!

The tickly cough wasn’t a side effect that I suffered with although I know it’s a common one but I did experience some really terrifying nightmares for a time.

It may be worth having a chat with your doctor to see whether they can make some adjustments for you.

Sending best wishes, let us know how you get on if you feel up to it 🙏

Soap 🧼

[lovetogarden]

I hate metoprolol. Even a small dose lowers my heart rate so much, I can’t function. Interesting how different people react to it. One of my brothers had the same reaction as me. His wife takes it every day without a problem, as did my other brother. Body chemistry can be so different.

[Izzle]

I've been on Meto for many years, 95mg. The Dr's wanted me to take more though, but I resisted. Initially I took 1 tablet in the morning which was meant to be the controlled release variety. By 11 o'clock I was asleep in the armchair. We negotiated changing to 47.5mg twice daily and later 23.75mg 4 times daily. The later got too hard so am now reverted back 1 step.

About a year ago the Dr's added Diltiazem which also slows the heart. This I take first thing in the morning, then 1*47.5 Meto with evening meal and another Meto near bedtime.

With this routine I often do not require an afternoon siesta.

On the grapevine I heard that Meto was best taken late in the day. The result of some study or other, but don't know how true that is.

Alan L

[cuore]

It sounds as if you are under a family doctor for your AF. Family doctors cannot prescribe anti-arrhythmic pills. Current literature for the treatment of AF is following an anti-arrhythmic approach be it anti-arrhythmic pills or an ablation. I an assuming that your appointment to talk about an ablation is with an electrophysiologist. Do let me know who prescribed your Metroprolol

[OzJames]

I found that 12.5mg twice a day suited me I experimented and got down to 6.5mg but that was too low at 25mg twice a day I was nodding off at 7.30pm in front of the TV! Before drugs a year or so ago my resting HR was around 60-65 and in AF my rate has always been reasonably low so my cardiologist suggested the metoprolol to try and tamp down any adrenaline spike I might get which can kick off my AF

[AussieHeart]

My experience is that they start you on the highest dose instead of lowest and only then up the dose as needed, including talking about how to use pill in pocket. No one needs to be a fatigued zombie! Be firm with your specialist that it’s quality of life and that this drug isn’t being tolerated well. Ask what other BBs could you try. The danger for newly diagnosed afibbers is we don’t have the knowledge to challenge what we’re being prescribed but we all know what we’re feeling isn’t right. Listen to that as hopefully it’ll steer you to what does work.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I said no to it because it made me breathless. After the Stroke with Rapid and Persistent AF I was nevertheless given it.

1 year 6 mths after no followup I demanded a Hospital Heart Specialist. On a 24-hour Heart Monitor Metroprolol my Heart Rate was 186 Day avg (couldn't exert) and pauses at Night. 47avg.

150mg! Wow! No way. I was a zombie on 27.75mg Metoprolol.

If 49.75mg once a day at PM can't control your BP and Heart rate CHANGE.

BBs don't control my Heart Rate but CCB Calcium Channel Blocker did.

My regime of meds.

CCB Diltizem 120mg AM for control Heart Rate

BB Bisoprolol PM for control BP

but it took 2 years 3 months and a private Heart Specialist.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[a241529]

My Metroprolol dosage wasn't as high as your dosage. I experienced quite a few side effects that was either from Eliquis or the Metroprolol. My dreams were more vivid and sometimes not so great. I experienced itching all over but mostly it was deep in my throat and a tickling cough. In the monrning, my mouth was extremely dry. The doctor wasn't concerned and didn't think it was an allergic reaction. Most of the side effects dissipated after about 6 months, however the tiredness not so much.

I went to my dentist for a cleaning and he updated my medications. He mentioned that the new medications can cause dry mouth therefore he prescribed a toothpaste (Denta 5000). It helps with the dryness as well as protects against cavities that result because of the dryness. There are over the counter products that can also help such as Biotiene.

Eventually, I was taken off of Metroprolol because it was dropping my BP too low even with taking Midodrine to raise it. I don't have the tickling cough any more but I still have the dry mouth. Some of my energy has returned since starting Sotalol.

I hope my experience might be helpful to you but we are all different. I wish you well.

Kathy

[JudyMarieC]

I was on Metoprolol twice a day but complained about my fatigue to my cardiologist. He discontinued my daytime doses and instead prescribed 50 mg extended release Metoprolol which I take at bedtime. I've noticed a decrease in my fatigue level. Maybe this would work for you.

[dixiedad]

When I was diagnosed with afib , my cardiologist prescribed dofetilide and took me off of metoprolol.

[addieBaby2004]

I use it with no ill effects . Have been on it for three or four years

[BaileyC57]

Yes , I have been on Metoprolo for four years and now today my doctor changed me to Bisoprolol , how it will make me feel better! I have had stomach issues , anixiety, tiredness , and feel like something is in my stomach , bloated with gas all the time!

[JoniM]

I found that Metoprolol alone did not stop my afib episodes (PAF) but combined with Flecainide, anti arrhythmia, it’s worked perfectly. No episodes since March 2023 when I was before having almost daily occurrences. My HR would be up quite high during episodes sometimes as high as 175, and quite low without. currently on 25 Metoprolol mg taken at night, that is the 24 hour release not short acting. Previously was taking 25 both at night and morning which made me extremely fatigued and now only somewhat tired but it’s manageable. Resting HR is now 47-54. My docs are open to experimenting some which I personally think is important when it comes to afib cause there is A LOT of variability in managing this DX. I have also had the experience of doctors sometimes dismissing reported side effects which is condescending and infuriating….Good luck!