Am I supposed to take this in the morning?

[Doggiemomma]

In an email with my Electro-physiologist today, he referred to my continuing to take the long acting metoprolol (metoprolol succinate, 25mg once a day) in the morning.

In the past, I’ve taken it in the morning, and as my personal schedule changed, I am taking it now in the late evening.

No matter when I take it, I seem to have issues with tachycardia.

I know everyone’s different but generally speaking, is there a better time to take this? I always take it with a couple of crackers or a bit of food, and 8 ounces of water. I also take Flecainide twice a day (on an empty stomach) & my evening dose of Flecainide is a couple of hours before I take my once a day metoprolol. Thank you!

[SamAdmin Administrator Arrhythmia Alliance AF Association]

Good morning Doggiemomma

Thank you for your post on the Atrial Fibrillation support forum.

I think like you say it is a personal choice and with all medications it is all trial and error until you know what is the best for you.

Hopefully someone in the group can advise you further.

Kind regards

SamAdmin

[mjames1]

No matter when I take it, I seem to have issues with tachycardia.

Have any of these tachycardia been captured with an EKG? That would be important, since you're also taking Flecainide which can sometimes cause atrial flutter or arrhythmias other than atrial fibrillation.

As to the timing of your Metoprolol, that would be trial and error, but I would defer to your doctor and/or pharmacist

Jim

[mav7]

I seem to have issues with tachycardia.

Often, the recommendation is to take in the morning to keep your heart rate down during the day when you are most active. Some prefer to take in the evening to lessen side effects like fatigue. Key is maintaining a proper heart rate no matter.

What is your average heart rate ? Would be best to determine your average heart rate and discuss with your EP concerning dosage and best time of day.

[Doggiemomma in reply to mav7]

Thank you! My EP doesn't seem to have an opinion as to "when"-- just take it daily at or around the same time. He also says I can take with food or without--I usually take it with a cracker or two.

[mav7 in reply to Doggiemomma]

True, taking it at same time daily is important.

Best to You !

[DawnTX]

your doctor really should have been clear with that because we are all different and it might depend on other meds you are on. I always took mine in the morning but now I am on it twice a day. He is still not happy with my heart rate which tends to be about 80 during normal activity and wants. it lower. Normally, my doctor will write it down on his notes that he hands me when I am leaving as far as medication and when you could check with the pharmacist, see what he suggests, unless there is no difference I take mine when I get up in the morning. It could be 6 o’clock. It could be 10 o’clock. I’m retired lol so far I’ve had no issues. Best of luck.