Metoprolol and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Too...
• December 31, 2019

For Heart Attack "HA with one stent in LAD and was prescribed metoprolol and Brilinta. A week later, the side effects all kicked in: shooting chest pains, racing heart, chest/arms/legs tingling, jitteriness, and anxiety. I felt like I was having another HA, so I spent the weekend in the ER where they didn't find anything wrong. My GP prescribed anxiety meds which provided some help a bit. After a month of complaining to my cardiologist, they finally took me off of metoprolol and the anxiety, jitters, and racing heart rate went away. I was still getting chest pains, shortness of breath, and was feeling nauseous. Another month and I convinced my Dr to switch from Brilinta to Effient and the remaining side effects went away. I'm finally starting to feel normal. Not all Drs are open to modifying patients' meds which can be a real issue if you are experiencing negative side effects, so please advocate for yourself."

• Too...
• December 31, 2019

For Heart Attack "HA with one stent in LAD and was prescribed metoprolol and Brilinta. A week later, the side effects all kicked in: shooting chest pains, racing heart, chest/arms/legs tingling, jitteriness, and anxiety. I felt like I was having another HA, so I spent the weekend in the ER where they didn't find anything wrong. My GP prescribed anxiety meds which provided some help a bit. After a month of complaining to my cardiologist, they finally took me off of metoprolol and the anxiety, jitters, and racing heart rate went away. I was still getting chest pains, shortness of breath, and was feeling nauseous. Another month and I convinced my Dr to switch from Brilinta to Effient and the remaining side effects went away. I'm finally starting to feel normal. Not all Drs are open to modifying patients' meds which can be a real issue if you are experiencing negative side effects, so please advocate for yourself."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "DON'T TAKE THIS POISON!!! I was on it only 2 months. Weaned off as directed after experiencing horrible side effects (fatigue, shortness of breath, bloating/gassy, weight gain, joint pain, limb swelling, facial swelling) and went through an absolute nightmare getting off of this drug. I had severe panic attacks, anxiety attacks, depression, insomnia, arrhythmia, vagus nerve dysfunction, and chest vibrations. It has been 8 months since I discontinued this awful drug, and the arrhythmia continues on a regular basis. I never had any palpitations or arrhythmias ever in my life until I took Toprol, and now it's a daily problem. I fully regret ever taking Toprol. It was nothing but bad from the very first pill....."

• Dan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 18, 2019

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have been on Metoprolol 100 mg taken twice daily, along with several other medications for my heart. I have Afib, HBP, CVD, DVT, PE and had quad bypass in 2015 with 2 grafts that failed. I have 6 stents in my RCA. On the metoprolol, I have several side effects: severe dry mouth, hair loss, agitation, anxiety, extreme tiredness, muscular cramps, and depression mixed with PTSD, memory loss. I begged my cardiologist to get me off this medication, and he says no. I do work in medicine. This is extremely difficult to function, and I've had to quit working due to not feeling well. If I knew how this drug affected my life, I would have never allowed a doctor to prescribe it to me."

• mis...
• April 24, 2016

For Angina "I am 54 and had a stent put in with 95% blockage. I was put on Metoprolol 25 mg along with atorvastatin and Effient. The first month or so was tough as I had headaches, chest pains, shortness of breath, etc. I think a large part of it was anxiety from a life-changing surprise condition. No more headaches, and anxiety is much, much better. I have a bit of shortness of breath, even when sitting at times, but I have been able to jog at the gym. Just started again this week and went 30 minutes today. Overall, not sure if anything is working, but I am trying to just trust my doctor and listen to my body. Very tough emotionally, but adjusting."

• Ten...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2020

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "In May of 2020, while in the hospital for knee replacement, I went into SVT with a heart rate of 200. I was put on Metoprolol Succinate ER 50. In August of 2020, I had SVT ablation. I was okay up until December 2020. I had a sleep study test, no sleep apnea, thank goodness, but my heart rate went up to 240. I have been having palpitations, very jittery all of a sudden. Has anyone had a similar experience? I will see a cardiologist at the end of the week."

• Sye...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "The day after I started using metoprolol, I began having side effects. First, it was nausea and loss of appetite, then wanting to sleep in the daytime (I never do this), no energy at all, couldn't accomplish anything, anxiety, and I felt this way for 3 weeks before it dawned on me it might be the change in blood pressure meds. When I looked up side effects of this drug, I knew it was not for me. I am back on Atenolol, which had been discontinued manufacturing, and I'm already feeling better. Wondering how long the effects of metoprolol will be in my system. I'm glad it works for some, but for me, it was like poison."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2020

For Heart Failure "So I've been on metoprolol for over a year. Not knowing until very recently that this medicine has been giving me horrible side effects the entire time. Within the last 6 months, those side effects worsened to the point of dropping my BP so low that I felt dumb or slow, confused, couldn't think straight, almost in a dream-like daze. Problems sleeping, anxiety went through the roof, panic attacks multiple times a day, pain in my chest, pain in my arm, short of breath laying down, just all the way around feeling OFF. Would give this medicine 0/10, also, I only take 25 mg, and this medicine seems to very dramatically affect me when I mess with the dosing. Also, it has been dropping my BP to 80/60, and when that happens is when all of the symptoms get exaggerated."

• Tat...
• April 19, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "I was switched from Carvedilol after many years to metoprolol ER. I have been on it for over a week and I have been experiencing severe anxiety attacks, tiredness, restlessness, and hell. It really destroys my life, and I am hoping Dr. will prescribe something better."

• Mik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 17, 2020

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "(To treat tachycardia, the medicine does a great job at lowering heart rate to normal levels. I would rate it a 10.) To rate the medicine due to the side effects causes lack of sex drive, and as it makes anxiety, depression, and causes you to feel tired like there's no tomorrow. Even if you sleep 18 hrs out of the day, it still doesn't feel like enough, I would rate it a 1 at best.) I have been on this medication for going on 7 yrs. I was started out on a low dose, and now I'm up to 100 mg 2x a day. Now the problem with this medication is it makes you want to sleep constantly, and if you have issues like anxiety or depression, it makes it worse with high dosages."

• Van...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 25, 2023

Metoprolol for Angina "I take 50 mg a day of Metoprolol Succinate ER for angina and microvascular angina. It is a life changer. I started on 25 mg and, as the angina worsened, my cardiologist increased my dosage carefully since I have low blood pressure. The first week is usually bad - dizziness, weakness, and nausea, but after my body gets used to it, life is much better. No chest pain and, as a secondary effect, no anxiety. Not everybody is the same…but this has been a great med for me. I am allergic to many others, so I am pleased with this one. I hope you find what works for you - heart disease is no joke."

• TMM...
• April 3, 2014

For Mitral Valve Prolapse "I started taking 50 mg of Toprol after being admitted to the hospital 6 days ago. I was told I had mitral valve prolapse and that I needed to take 50 mg daily. It has helped in slowing my rapid heartbeat down, but the side effects have almost been unbearable. I have hardly slept, after taking the medicine, I get short of breath and feel like I'm having an anxiety attack, and I take the medicine at bedtime. In the mornings, when I wake for the first two to three hours, I feel shaky, sweaty, nauseous, and extremely dizzy. My regular MD took me down to 25 mg once daily, and I still can't sleep and feel anxious. This is the first day taking 25 mg, so we'll see how I feel in the morning."

• Dus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2022

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have always had an elevated resting heart rate my entire life, but over the years, it has slowly risen from around 80 bpm to 100 bpm on average. So, my doctor prescribed Metoprolol ER succinate 50 mg tablets once daily about 2 months ago. I almost immediately (within a day or two) started to see positive results in my resting heart rate (went from averaging 100 bpm to 65 bpm). That uneasy and twitchy feeling I got when my heart rate would rise was gone. I feel much more relaxed and calm now, and I actually look forward to going to bed, which was something I dreaded every night because I would lay for hours extremely restless with nothing but the sound and feel of my heart beating out of my chest. Although, the Metoprolol was ineffective for me in treating my high blood pressure (was put on Lisinopril - works great). As for treating my tachycardia, I highly recommend those who suffer from a high resting heart rate to consult your doctor about Metoprolol! Game changer for me!"

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2022

"This is by far the worst medication I’ve ever been on, and I was only on it for a week and then tapered off. Extreme dizziness and felt like complete rubbish during that week, so decided to get off it. Went to the doctor one day and said my heart was pounding, but it was only at 86 and put me on metoprolol (12.5 mg twice a day). After a week of poisoning myself, I decided to get off it. The anxiety and always waking up in a panic attack was crazy. The withdrawals are ugly also, though, but I’d rather tough it out than go back on this stuff. I don’t feel like myself at all anymore, but I’m hoping it subsides as I was only on a small dose for a short period of time. Everyone should be careful with this poison."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2015

For Atrial Fibrillation "I've been on metoprolol for 6 weeks after an AF episode of 15 hrs, 2 days after a total knee replacement. I was on opioids for pain and never developed constipation. Came off the opioids and find I have diarrhea, which seems to be the medication. I also developed vertigo 10 days ago. It's reduced in severity, but is still hanging around. Again, seems likely to be the medication. Off all things meant to help me sleep, metoprolol has made for some difficult sleepless nights, not something I've ever had before. At the same time, it's controlling my heart rate and BP, and so far no more AF. My first week home from rehab, I also suffered the anxious feeling, which was an unpleasant, crawly feeling in my chest. It seems to work though."

• Cal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 20, 2023

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have been on Metoprolol for, gosh, 16 years. I'm a 52-year-old male. In my 30s, I had SVTs. I was in the ER with a heart rate over 240 bpm. Felt like my heart was going to explode. I was cardioverted, and when I woke hours later, my rhythm was restored. Eventually, after having two heart ablations, one for SVTs and one for A-Fib, my heart doc put me on 25 mg two times a day. My next visit, I asked to be upped to 50 mg two times a day, and he allowed it. I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks pretty much my whole life. The metoprolol really helps to calm me somehow. I still get plenty of heart palpitations, and they stink, but the even calmness I get from the drug is very much worth it to me. If memory serves, I believe it took a few weeks to become used to it. I believe it made me tired and sluggish. But once I did become used to it, YEAH! It's a pill I hope they never take me off!"

• Mik...
• September 30, 2015

For Atrial Fibrillation "I have taken Toprol XL for years for atrial fib and tachycardia. I get very anxious at times without this, and my blood pressure and heart rate will race with the chance it could convert to AF. Lately, however, my heart rate has fallen to the low 40's taking only 10 mg, and my doctor has taken me off it completely. I feel very shaky now. My hands visibly tremble, and I notice I get more of an adrenaline rush when under pressure or fear. I need something to replace this because I don't want to experience AF again, and I need something to calm me down. Any suggestions would be appreciated."

• wom...
• April 26, 2013

For Atrial Fibrillation "I'm on my third day of metoprolol and feel very mellow. My heart feels quiet in the way you feel when you finally hit the pavement after a dirt road. I feel nervous having my natural rhythm manipulated, but when it comes to the heart, I'll just do what they say. Had an attack of pericarditis three weeks ago and then atrial fibrillation two days ago. I was told that this was normal after pericarditis. Metoprolol is recommended while the heart recovers."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Oh my, side effects were terrible. Racing heart, sick feeling, anxiety, depression, tingling hands and feet. Dr. said to stop it and put me on nifedipine 60 mg instead. Wow, what a change, blood pressure down, sometimes under 120/80. Feel like I have my life back."

• unk...
• November 4, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on Metoprolol for 20 years. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure when I was 23 years old, started on 100 mg, now I'm on 25 mg. I do experience anxiety a lot and tiredness, along with dizziness at times. The medicine does work, just hoping someday my kidneys will mend themselves so I can stop taking this medicine."

• Rac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was put on Metoprolol Succinate ER 50 mg for high blood pressure (150/80) when COVID started almost 2 years ago. When I began having shortness of breath and chest pains, I was too afraid to go to the doctor, so I persevered, not knowing the cause. I lost 20 pounds, but I kept feeling worse and worse, barely able to function and extremely depressed. One day I started checking my blood pressure later in the day instead of in the morning and was shocked to see it was dropping to 90/50 and pulse 50, which is when I was having episodes like I was going to pass out. Finally, after seeing my doctor, I've gradually cut down to a quarter pill (12.5 mg), which I'm also afraid to completely stop, even though my BP is very low to normal all of the time. I'm sure this pill helps people and wouldn't want to interfere with anyone's meds, but getting off of this is brutal. I have anxiety already, and each time I cut back, it's really bad and headaches for weeks."

• Cur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I had taken Metoprolol for months and noticed it wasn’t doing as good a job at blood pressure control as Bystolic, and then as I increased the dosage to compensate, the side effects started. The anxiety was unreal! I had been treated for afib, and soon after Cryoablation, the afib was back. I really think after reading these reviews that Metoprolol is to blame. I have been off of it now for 2 days and am back on Bystolic and still have some anxiety and palpitations, but they seem to be slowly subsiding. Don’t use this blood pressure medication if you want to keep your sanity. I also want to note that I had extreme trouble sleeping while on Metoprolol. I’m never trying any other beta blocker but Bystolic."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I was on Metoprolol ER. The succinate gives me a fast heartbeat and irregular heartbeat and anxiety. I am gonna ask the doctor to switch back to ER. That one, my HR was always low, and no irregular HR."

• flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2021

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I am a 22 y/o woman who was diagnosed with SVT after having frequent, long, and intense episodes of a resting heart rate at 170. This medicine cured me of the high heart rate, but I became very depressed and got anxiety out of nowhere. I felt numb and dead inside, honestly. I was taking 25 mg twice daily of the extended-release kind. I am 6’0, 145 lbs. My doctor is letting me try getting off the medicine. So far, I have felt like a new person and finally feel happy and not as out of it and mentally absent. I took 1/2 the pill instead for each dose and then switched to 1/2 at bedtime. Soon, I will try not taking it at all. So far, so good. This medicine made me almost suicidal and extremely uncomfortable in my own mind, body, and life. I hope things will continue to go well being off the medicine. If not, I will not let myself take the original 25 mg/twice daily dose because that made me feel like a depressed, psychotic zombie."

• Lif...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 15, 2021

For Heart Failure "I was diagnosed with heart failure and was prescribed metoprolol more than 16 years ago! I also was briefly on Coreg (carvedilol), a more effective heart medication, in my opinion, but I couldn't take the side effects, including the racing heart and the nervousness. Let's face it, most medications cause side effects, some more serious than others. Because of this, I asked my cardiologist to allow me to take all of my heart meds at night, which made a huge difference in my being anxious, dizzy, and lightheaded during the day."