Metoprolol and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 5, 2016

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "My tachycardia started in my mid-30s, and though it was rare, it became more severe as I entered my mid-40s, leading to ER visits requiring the injection that stops the heart-no fun and scary. After this, I went to a cardiologist who gave me 50 mg Metoprolol to take as needed. I am happy that I don't have to take it daily because it does make me sluggish on the very rare times that I do. I am pleased to have a solution when these events happen, and my fears of dying suddenly from a heart episode have been drastically reduced."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2018

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I've tried to use this drug two separate times, and in less than two weeks, extreme, almost suicidal depression set in, along with fatigue, shortness of breath, and a constant heavy feeling in the chest. It made my diastolic heart failure feel much worse. At night, my heart rate was 45, even when I was wide awake. All this on just a 25 mg starting dose. I had the same reaction to propranolol several years ago. I'll live with the SVT far more comfortably. Quality of life counts!"

• szu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 19, 2016

Metoprolol for Left Ventricular Dysfunction "Just wanted to share my experience getting off Metoprolol ER 25 mg and switching to Diltiazem ER 120 mg. After a pulmonary embolism (no symptoms except PVCs), I suffered PVC with anxiety and panic attacks, even while treating blood clots with Coumadin. I was put on 25 mg Metoprolol ER to help the anxiety and PVCs - it helped immediately. I stayed on several years. I continued the dosage and tried to stay/get in shape. I steadily gained weight, assumed it was age. Exercising felt impossible. After a year or so, I was also having afternoon hypotension upon standing quickly. I developed symptoms of asthma and chest tightness plus fatigue. I was switched to Diltiazem. After 8 days of body adjustment (with a small amount of Ativan for 2 days), I again feel human."

• Dr ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2022

For Premature Ventricular Depolarizations "Might work for some, but it nearly finished me. Within 4 hours of the first minimum dosage tablet, heart rate was below 40 bpm, blood pressure was 80/40. Barely conscious. Extremely fatigued the next day. Took 1/2 of the minimum dose tablet and same response within 4 hours. Third day, took a tiny piece, maybe 1/10th of a pill, and same results. Stress echocardiogram revealed healthy heart, no blockages, and normal ejection fraction. Emergency room doctor and cardiologist said to keep taking it and increase the dose. No way in hell! Zero out of ten for me."

• big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2016

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "Lowered blood pressure to an acceptable level, but a major side effect developed with extreme fatigue and muscle pain. These were painful enough that the ability to work and perform normal life tasks was difficult."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2021

For Atrial Fibrillation "In September, I had a stroke, which led me to a cardiologist. Had all the tests, eventually diagnosed with afib. On December 28, I was hospitalized for heart issues and COVID. A small vessel in my heart had a clot, dissolved with thinners. On February 16, I couldn't breathe, went to the ER, and got emergency cardioversion (paddle shock to the heart) on metoprolol 50 mg 3 times a day. I absolutely feel awful, and I cut the pill in half to take it 2 times a day and still have bad side effects. I can't sleep. I nod off mid-sentence, can hardly walk to the bathroom, feel shaky, and have extreme lethargy, with a headache 2-3 hours after taking the drug. The worst symptom-I can't breathe, extreme bradycardia. The doctor changes the drug or I get a new doctor. My blood pressure this morning, before meds, was 59."

• rur...
• November 7, 2011

For High Blood Pressure "I just started taking metoprolol 25 mg a day, and its side effects are awful. I experienced hair loss, severe dizziness, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and a feeling of near fainting. I will go back to the doctor to have her halve the dosage."

• Jte...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2012

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I am 59, and have been on metoprolol since I had an ablation about 5 months ago. I was still experiencing a higher than normal heart rate (lower after ablation, but on the high side) and a high diastolic blood pressure. Metoprolol seemed to lower both numbers initially. I was extremely fatigued and I started noticing weight gain. That weight gain has been 18 pounds in the 5 months following the ablation. Now, none of my clothes fit. I have told my doctor about the weight gain, but he did not seem concerned. I am concerned. Has anyone else had this and were you able to do something about it? Now, the heart rate is starting to increase again."

• LB1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2013

For Heart Failure "I have had some pretty bad side effects, including weakness to the point of falling, extreme fatigue (to the point of not being able to walk at all and eventually falling into a depression). The moment I began to wean myself off the medicine, I immediately regained my strength, and everything changed for the better. I did, of course, inform my doctor and did this gradually over 2 weeks."

• Sem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2014

Metoprolol "On Metoprolol Succinate 75 mg, and it has been a miracle drug for my palpitations, but having intermittent chest pain and discomfort, very fatigued, short of breath, affects my thinking, and just exhausted."

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2009

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Started taking metoprolol 8 years ago when I was hospitalized with a bout of tachycardia that wouldn't go away for hours. Diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia. Started out at 50 mg, but had breakthroughs regularly, and went up to 100 mg after a year. The medication works great to keep my heart rate and blood pressure down to normal levels, however, for the first month on the medication, I constantly fell asleep during daily activity, and even now I maintain a sense of perpetual fatigue. Hard to lose weight, and depression creeps up often. Brain fog has slowed my ability to focus and react swiftly, which is frustrating. Still, the medication works so well to keep the heart episodes at bay that I haven't tried switching to a new medication."

• 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....."

• JZa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 15, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "Was on it 25 mg for 4 years for BP and after getting a stent @ 62 yrs. It wasn’t a good match with my system. Restricted breathing, insomnia, exercise intolerance, extreme fatigue, borderline depression. Slowed me down so much I lost interest & energy for doing anything. Felt like I had an Ace bandage wrapped around my chest. My BP was only 140/80 before. After was about 128/65. I’ve been exercising for 14 years. Side effects outweighed the benefit. I switched to Bystolic today ($120/90 day supply). Wish me luck. If this 2nd beta blocker doesn’t work with my system, my next move is to switch to amlodipine; I’ll be going to a calcium channel blocker."

• Old...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Cardiologist prescribed this for anxiety, I think. He didn't tell me he prescribed it, though. The pharmacy called and said it was ready. So, trusting him, I took it at bedtime for two nights. Extreme upper middle abdominal pain, no appetite, extreme fatigue on day two. Didn't take anymore. 3rd day trying to deal with pain in abdomen."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2022

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "This medication needs a 'danger' label. The side effects were dizziness, vertigo, fatigue, faint, vomiting, lightheadedness, pale, cold hands, etc. I don't have any other conditions other than arrhythmia, my BP is normal, and this poison put my blood pressure at 82/52. This is the most dangerous medicine ever."

• Ral...
• May 27, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "With the start of my diagnosis with afib 3 1/2 years ago, I was started on 12.5 mg of metoprolol. From the beginning, I seemed to have been made sicker, e.g., less energy and seemingly more afib. Metoprolol worked against my prostate meds. Had TURP. TURP gave me CHF. While in the hospital, a very old-fashioned heart doctor got me up to 250 mg/day. Lots of its side effects. Stopped it and went to the ER. Went on Coreg. Gave me swelled legs. Back on a low dose of metoprolol. Over time, up to 75 mg of metoprolol. Afib stopped mostly with ICD & 2 ablations. Last straw was numbness in feet and back shooting nerve pain. On carvedilol now and no feet numbness nor back shooting nerve pain. Best I've felt in 3 1/2 years. Only 12.5 mg bid."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I am 49 years old. Recently, I experienced tachycardia, and my BP was up. The doctor said my thyroid medication needed adjusting. Two months ago, while awaiting diagnostics, he put me on 25 mg Metoprolol. It lowered my heart rate and BP, BUT week one of this medication was awful. I was nauseous and tired. By week three, the nausea had subsided somewhat, but my eyes became unbearably itchy. I also thought I was having heartburn, but that evolved into episodes of burning chest pains. A few nights, I considered going to the ER because I feared a heart attack. It was hard to get to sleep and stay asleep. I am used to regular workouts but had low energy. I skipped a day’s dose yesterday and feel incredibly better already. I have an appointment with my cardiologist in two days. I am going to be adamant about an explanation and modification to my medication regimen! I have never had a medication make me feel this sick. It managed my heart rate and BP well, but the intense side effects are not worth it. I wasn’t able to function normally."

• IAM...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 5, 2022

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "In Nov. 2019, I had a single bypass, and my aortic valve was replaced. Due to my high blood pressure, I was put on metoprolol 25 mg twice daily. I also had a 'small' stroke a few days after surgery. I recovered, after therapy. Then, I noticed some side effects. It felt like I was walking in molasses. Very sluggish, low energy. Then, ED got so bad I had no sexual function! Then, in May, I was mowing the lawn and stepped off the drive onto uneven ground and fell. I was holding the grass catcher and it pinched my finger. My daughter (a nursing student) thought I had suffered some severe problem and 'insisted' I go to the ER. During their examination, they asked me if anyone had ever told me I had a low heart rate. I said, 'no,' my pulse has always been normal. In May, I was told to only take 1/2 a tablet twice a day and see my cardiologist. I just saw him, and he said there are better meds if I need one. My BP is now normal."

• IAM...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 5, 2022

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "In Nov. 2019, I had a single bypass, and my aortic valve was replaced. Due to my high blood pressure, I was put on metoprolol 25 mg twice daily. I also had a 'small' stroke a few days after surgery. I recovered, after therapy. Then, I noticed some side effects. It felt like I was walking in molasses. Very sluggish, low energy. Then, ED got so bad I had no sexual function! Then, in May, I was mowing the lawn and stepped off the drive onto uneven ground and fell. I was holding the grass catcher and it pinched my finger. My daughter (a nursing student) thought I had suffered some severe problem and 'insisted' I go to the ER. During their examination, they asked me if anyone had ever told me I had a low heart rate. I said, 'no,' my pulse has always been normal. In May, I was told to only take 1/2 a tablet twice a day and see my cardiologist. I just saw him, and he said there are better meds if I need one. My BP is now normal."

• Cla...
• November 8, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "I recently switched from metoprolol, 1/2 of 25 mg/day to brand name Toprol XL and have found the negative side effects-fatigue, too low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea-to be much less. I still feel a little of that about 12 hours after I take it-I figure that is a slight 'withdrawal' effect, it lasts about 30-45 min. and I don't have it every day. When I took the generic (manufacturer, PAR), I felt on a roller coaster, up and down all day. The time-release delivery feels to be much smoother with the brand name, Toprol-I recommend it. All in all, it works well, keeps my heart in sinus rhythm, but it's a tough drug to have to take."

• Roc...
• September 29, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking 50 mg of metoprolol XL for about a year for hypertension. While it has helped lower my blood pressure, I have side effects. Issues like hoarseness for no apparent reason, occasional fatigue, and occasional dizziness. At times, it lowers my heart rate to the point that I feel dizzy, like passing out (especially in the mornings). I will talk to my PCP to see if I can switch or experiment with another medication. In my opinion, all blood pressure medications have side effects."

• Qsa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 17, 2015

For Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking Metoprolol for three years. I had one episode two years ago, went to the ER and it converted with an IV of something. Was up to 170 when I got there. I started taking 25 milligrams of Metoprolol twice a day and a low-dose aspirin once a day. I had another episode last September. They gave me Flecainide (spelling?) and it reversed on its own. The first time, I had a very stressful day, drank a huge amount of coffee, and didn't sleep well the night before. The second time, I mowed both the front and back yard and did five minutes on a stationary bike. Other than that, the Metoprolol has controlled it and I try to avoid stress, sleep well, and don't mow both yards at once. The only side effect I have is fatigue."

• Anonymous
• October 7, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed Lopressor after suffering a hypertensive encephalopathy in July 2008. Although it has controlled my blood pressure, the side effects (fatigue, confusion, 'fogginess') have become bad over the last 14 months. I'm trying to convince my doctor to switch me to something else."

• 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!"

• Dra...
• September 13, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I had my blood pressure go up to 180/120. It crept up on me, and I have always had tachycardia. So far, it has brought my pressure down some and my heart rate a little. But it makes me very fatigued, and I feel like my breath is taken away from me sometimes. A plus is I have ataxia, and it does not make that worse. But whoa, the dreams are something else."