Is bystolic better than metoprolol for treating hypertension?
Question posted by jblt83 on 8 May 2010
Last updated on 11 October 2019 by Iloveevan
Has anyone been on metroprolol that is now on bystolic and finds it anymore effective or with less side effects? I'm 26 and have a genetic history for hypertension and tachycardia. My doctor had me trying 5mg samples and it seemed to work at keeping my BP and HR in normal ranges and I didn't experience any side effects that I noticed as he said the bystolic was known for having less side effects than other beta blockers. Now I'm on Metoprolol 50mg daily because my insurance wouldn't cover bystolic probably because it is so new and while it seems to be working, I had to start taking it at night before I go to bed rather than during the day when I'm active because I would start to feel drowsy and dizzy at times later in the day around 4-5pm and my M.D. said it was probably a side effect of the metoprolol and suggest I take it at night instead. I also take Vyvanse during the day for my ADHD so I'm not sure how that might be interacting with the metoprolol creating the side effects but I wasn't experiencing them when I was taking bystolic and vyvanse both in the morning.
Any advice from anyone who has been on any or all of these meds?
I'm going to see about seeing if I can get back on bystolic if I can convince my insurance to cover it because of the side effects of metoprolol and what not.
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13 Answers
IL
Iloveevan
11 Oct 2019
Bystolic is so much better for me!
Votes: +0
BY
Byrdwiser75
20 June 2019
I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure and was prescribed Losartan, which worked well. In February I experienced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy - a form of heart failure called “broken heart syndrome.” They added metoprolol. After 4 months of being constantly drowsy, feeling like I was swimming through molasses, and crying almost every day, my doctor switched me to Bystolic 2 days ago. What a difference! Sleeping normally, not drowsy all day, not feeling depressed. I have asthma, so it is still a trial prescription for me - but my bp and heart rate are good so far and it does not appear to have any effect on my asthma!
Votes: +0
FR
frankzvovu
3 March 2019
I had to fight to get my insurance to cover Bystolic and my doctor supported and filed my appeal. I don't know what he said but it took about three tries to get them to cover it again. When they switch me to metoprolol, my BP shot up and my heart rate went close to where it was before I started taking Bystolic.
For me, Bystolic is absolutely better than metoprolol and it was a life saver for me. I went through about two weeks of dizziness but once my body adjusted, I've been great. I workout, bike ride, go out, etc.. My quality of life has definitely gone up since before being diagnosed with severe hypertension.
Votes: +0
JO
JoJo528
24 Feb 2019
I am very curious with everyone’s responses whether they are taking the generic or brand name of either of the drugs. Each brand and generic of either of these drugs have different and specific side effects. Would you kindly specify if you’re using a brand or Generic and the name of each? This will help distinguish the issues people are having with these drugs. Not all brands or generics affect each person the same way. Thank you very much.
Votes: +0
IN
Inactive
26 Feb 2019
I took metropol ,300 mg for nearly 2 yrs. Complained it made me extremely tired, yet had problems Sleeping at nite. Had to fight the good fight to get the dose lowered. After two yrs, the smart ones agreed to lower it to 150 mg daily. Still lots of challenges. Along comes another doctor; in her wisdom, changed to metropol suscinate ER, 200 mg day (nite, really). That's when started falling, over and over. Quite unbalanced all the time, itched beyond any human should be asked to endure. Complained next visit. Was told all effects I described are " not written up" and instructrd to keep tsking, " it's working". For about a week went along, then revolted. Could not live thru any of it any longer. Checked safety& how to lower dose with pharmacy and then started lowering. Informed dr.s what I did as well. All effects disappeared, except itching. Was very gratefil I no longer fell, tho, because am on blood thinner as result of stroke.
The itching was making me bonkers on grand scale. Gave up; started campaign to get dr. (new one) to switch drug entirely after consulting with dermatologist. Was like pulling teeth, but, FINALLY am off all metropol entirely. Went back to old standby, atenolol. Both are beta blockers. Never a problem with atenolol.
No falls, no itching, no balance problems... all vertigo gone. Sleep thru the nite. Blood pressure lower than ever. I have only ONE question. When will the powers to be LISTEN to patients??? .
IL
Iloveevan
30 Nov 2018
I guess everyone is different. I’ve been on both and had a very bad reaction to Metoprolol . It actually raised my heart rate, (which no one really believes) and did not lower my blood pressure. I took it for 6 months and lost 15 pounds, I guess cause my body thought I was exercising all day! I was scared to try another Beta Blocker but finally tried Bystolic... and it lowered my heart rate and BP immediately! I was on 5 mg for last 2 years; only recently upped dose to 7.5 mg. I also take Aldactone and clonidine.
Votes: +0
FR
frankzvovu
30 Nov 2018
Yes you have to fight to get the insurance to cover bystolic. My doctor had to petition a couple of times before they finally agreed. It's infuriating because for me the bystolic was the most effective with the least side effects. If you can, get your doctor to do the petition. I know this question is old but this answer is for those with the same question.
Votes: +0
KI
Kimisamp
20 Feb 2018
Hi, I have been on bystolic for a little over a year I didn’t have any side effects from it. Recently though my blood pressure kept spiking which led my doctor to add a second BP medicine amlodipine and again I do not have any side effects from it. Then last week she changed me from the bystolic in hopes to bring my blood pressure down and had me start on the metoprolol, I took it in the morning around 8:30 with food and by 10 I was feeling a little dizzy and lightheaded. I sat down and then ate lunch a bit later. That night went to bed and had a terrible nightmare type dream it made me feel so scared and it was hard to go back to sleep. Next morning took the pill again and again felt dizzy later In the day I was shopping standing looking at something and I started to feel strange went to move the cart and almost fell. I couldn’t feel my legs or feet it was as if I didn’t know how to walk I held on tight to the cart and a couple minutes later it went away.
That night I again had a nightmare type dream and felt very scared as if someone was coming after me. The next morning I called my dr and she put be back on bystolic. I don’t think everyone has these side effects but I sure did and do not recommend metoprolol at all. It has many many side effects as I read AFTER I went back in bystolic. As far as bystolic while my insurance doesn’t cover it I have been able to go on the manufactures website and have been able to sign up for a coupon that lowers it from 132 a month to 36 a month and the coupon is good for 90 Days at a time. The amlodipine is a free medicine. I wish you luck.
Votes: +0
DO
doudah01
16 July 2012
I was previously taking metoprolol plus 4 other blood pressure medications for an enlarged heart. I also have ongoing arrhythmia. 2 years ago, my cardioligist prescribed bystolic 5 mg and what a difference! I weaned off so many pills and am now taking 1 bystolic at night and 1 amlodipine in the morning. Also take Coumadin as I have a mechanical aortic heart valve. No more drowsiness, extreme tiredness, more stamina, etc. Haven't experienced any side effects at all. Recommend to anyone who is not sensitive to the drug.
Votes: +0
IN
Inactive
12 Nov 2018
Did the bystolic do anything for your arrhythmia at all? I'm very interested in your answer. thank you.
ST
stilld1
16 July 2012
i was put on metopola for internal shakes..sorta the way you feel if you don't eat... the product is good for anxiety..but groggy the next morning..exercise seems to help the internal temors also.. Switched to bystolic cause no more tremors and tired of the groginess. bystolic kept the b p in better range... now I take low doses of each..trying 2.5 bystolic and 50mg metroploic to see if that combo is best for me... the bystolic is only 30 dollars for me..metrop is 4 dollars.. talk to your doctor as always...
Votes: +0
DO
doudah
12 May 2012
I was on metropolol for 4-5 years and finally asked my cardiologist if he would replace it with a drug that would not have the side effects (tiredness, drowsiness, etc.). I was also prescribed Lisinopril and several other heart drugs (5 in all). He prescribed Bystolic, 5mg and I've been taking it now for approx. a year. It's like night and day. I'm down to two pills per day, 5mg Bystolic at night and Amlodipine in the morning. I do take Coumadin because of the mechanical valve. My blood pressure is much more stable and actually closer to ideal (normally runs 125-135 over 60-80) and I feel much more like a normal human now. I can recommend the drug to anyone who can tolerate it (there's always someone who is sensitive to a given drug).
Votes: +0
JA
Jafo3
9 July 2018
Thank you for this post. I've been on Lisinopril and metropolo as well as effient, aspirin, atorvastatin I've been telling my doctor's for 4 years now that I feel tired, and have pretty extreme vertigo. The doctors seem to want to blame everything else but the meds telling me it might be an inner ear problem, or that it's in my head etc. I was wondering if anyone else had the same symptoms as I am and if they changed meds and if so how things went. At times I've forgotten to take my meds and felt alot better so I'm pretty sure it's the meds also my symptoms only started when they put me on them or increased the dosage. Thanks again
BR
brandisum2003
26 Oct 2018
My father takes the same medication you do and it also makes him feel terrible I was just wondering if you switched to something and how did it work for you compared to the others thank you very much.
EM
emccree
11 April 2011
I am 41 years old and I have ventricular tachy which was associated with fainting episodes. I was on metoprolol for 6 months but I could not handle the severe depression it caused me. I could hardly function anymore. I switched to bystolic and at 5 mg I was passing out again, which means it was not enough. I was bumped to 10 mg 2 weeks ago. I feel like a raging nut-case. My memory day to day is a challenge, and I feel rageful and desparate. I can tell my heart is skipping beats and I am light-headed often. It is like an emotional, physical and mental heaviness and I am scared. Everyone is different... but be careful... I will be changing to something else.
Votes: +0
CA
Cassyroach91
15 Feb 2018
Yes I was only on metoprolol for the second time for only 3 days and It caused me super high anxiety.
EL
electra_cm
12 July 2010
I am 26 year old female on Metoprolol. I have the same problem... the metoprolol makes me so tired. I am in the process of switching to bystolic because of that and insomnia. Hopefully you can get your insurance to cover it... you could also see if there are assistance programs available.
Votes: +0
RA
Rajive Goel
10 May 2010
I am 53 & have been using Metopropolol 100mg SR since the last 2 years after i had 2 stents put in my heart, have been told by the doc. that this medicine is perhaps the best in its class of drugs, its very expensive, i shall talk to my doc. regarding bystolic, now i tale 2 caps per day, & attend office & do my daily chores such as driving too... best would be to consult your doc./pharmacist, perhaps they are the best judge, hope this helps, best of luck
