Metoprolol and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2022

Metoprolol for Left Ventricular Dysfunction "Left ventral cardiomyopathy with normal arteries, result of a virus in my heart many years ago. I was doing well enough, EF 45-50, after more than a dozen years in 2017 that I was taken off of digoxin and HCTZ and remained only on losartan 100 mg. January 2022, I had a stroke. Echo while hospitalized (EF 32) was put on metoprolol succinate ER 12.5. It was increased to 25 mg after a follow-up echo 4 months later (EF 33). A couple weeks later, my feet were swelling. A month later, an irritating cough and wheezing. Increased to 50. Within 2 weeks, my chest, head, and feet felt intense pressure. Basically, I was a pressure cooker. Heart rate would soar with any physical activity. Reduced to 25 mg on my own. Saw a cardio 10 days later, just as I was feeling better, and was told I was in heart failure, go back to 50 mg. So I did and went through the same horror. After 2 weeks, I literally felt like I was going to die. Dropped to 25 mg for 5 days then 12.5 mg. Doc was okay but wants me on it. I HAVE TO GO OFF OF IT!"

• 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."

• 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."

• pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 14, 2019

Metoprolol "I was given a prescription for Toprol-XL by my doctor a year ago for an arrhythmia and some elevated blood pressure. About 6 months later, my insurance said I should take metoprolol instead of Toprol-XL because of the cost - what a horrible experience. The problem was I didn't know it was the metoprolol that was basically making me worse. My pulse dropped below 50 - my ankles and legs swelled up - I was short of breath - still had an arrhythmia. Finally, about 6 months later, I asked my pharmacist which of my medicines was causing my heart rate to be so low - he pointed to the metoprolol. Needless to say, I went back on the Toprol-XL brand only, and I am good. I get angry when I think how I suffered for over 6 months while taking that garbage generic."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2019

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "This medication is the worst medication I have ever taken in my life. I never had nightmares, I never had trouble sleeping, granted I had depression, but never nothing like nightmares or anything like that. This stuff is horrible. I literally stopped taking it once I read the side effects. This is one nasty little pill. They're just going to have to find something else to put me on that doesn't cause that because I cannot keep doing this. I never had any problems, no nightmares or anything like that until I started taking the pill, and I constantly feel like I'm suffocating to death. No, ain't happening, beware people, beware."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2020

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I'm 24 years old. I've never had any heart issues besides some PVCs every now and then. About two months ago, my palpitations became more consistent, my heart would beat out of my chest uncontrollably out of nowhere, and I constantly felt like I was going to faint. I went to the ER a few days ago because I was having another episode and couldn't take it anymore. They were able to catch it all, and the cardiologist decided to put me on a low dose of metoprolol. So far it hasn't been too bad, it has especially given me relief with the tachycardia. I still feel the PVCs, but they are not as constant and severe. Only concerns I have are I feel very short of breath at times, and I literally can't sleep at night anymore. I'm hoping it gets better."

• hyp...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 9, 2019

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "Taken for 4 yrs on a low dose of 25 mg. It helps, but my heart rate stays low, and after taking it, I feel dizzy and short of breath. My bp was borderline high, and my Dr prescribed it at 100 mg daily, which was unbelievable. It doesn't take much if you're young and relatively healthy."

• 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."

• 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....."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2011

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on some form of metoprolol for seven years. It was actually my first prescribed medication at 28. I never even thought about side effects as being the problems I was experiencing; thought there was always something else that the doctors were overlooking. Now that I have read these comments, I suffer from most of the common ones: tiredness, weakness, trouble losing weight, strange dreams, increased sweating, difficulty breathing, etc. I have had numerous tests off and on for the last two years, and nothing is ever found. I have also since then started taking clonidine and amlodipine. Some of these symptoms are probably drug interactions. I noticed a chaotic heartbeat when clonidine was added to the medicines. It has gotten worse for the past two years."

• Anonymous
• June 19, 2016

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "My cardiologist prescribed one half Watson Metoprolol succinate 25 to normalize heart rate in Dec., and this is a new form for me and is a much better product than Mylan Metoprolol tartrate I was on before, it caused breathing and chest discomfort, and I quit taking it. I don't like taking a beta blocker, but the Watson product I feel is much better, and it can help me control my heart rate."

• 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."

• Tex...
• February 8, 2016

For Premature Ventricular Depolarizations "I'm a 50-something female, and I've been taking Toprol XL 25 mg once a day for about 10 years for PVCs. It has worked very well to control my racing heart that woke me up in the night. Occasionally, I still feel the extra/skipped beats, but they are no longer worrisome. For about the past year, I have been experiencing some shortness of breath at rest. I am wondering if this is related to the medication. Does anyone have any ideas about this?"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

Metoprolol "Two months ago, my husband had a tarry stool! We went to the ER! He had also experienced high pulse rates. They did a colonoscopy and upper G.I., found nothing! O2 was at 95% after the procedure, he was on 3 liters of O2! Started him on 12.5 mg twice daily. Now experiencing many side effects, including rapid pulse, shortness of breath, a raised rash, and today his face started to swell! His voice sounds different as well! Also has edema, cold intolerance, and is fidgeting! This was inappropriate medication, as he’s never had a heart attack, angina, or chest pain. Pulse increase started after Prevnar 13 shot! ER only found CO2 level increasing, so he’s now on a BIPAP! The only good thing we discovered from the ER trip! The doctor said to cut the dosage in half for a week, then only a quarter dose for one week! I’m worried, and he’s not the same as before anesthesia! Too much was given!"

• 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."

• EJF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2018

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Terrible and outright dangerous. This is a generic that is made by different pharma companies using whatever fillers and coating they get at the lowest possible price from goodness knows where; quality varies from one to the other, and from refill to refill; caused the opposite effects - NOT lowering BP - rather increasing it sky high! My pharmacist told me that many patients complain about it and gave me the brand (Toprol) to try - very different results! Only complaint now is tiredness, a bit wobbly, and some pressure and shortness of breath after taking it; I take 25 mg and break it in half, and take each half 6-7 hours apart, which was my pharmacist's recommendation, and it’s better. Stay away from the generic, consult your pharmacist, and be well!"

• upp...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 15, 2012

For High Blood Pressure "Been taking this medicine many years. I have experienced weight gain, shortness of breath during exercise, and now I am sweating 'pink,' which is ruining my clothing. It does not wash out even after using laundry 'spot cleaning.' Anyone else experience this?"

• 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."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "My husband has been on Toprol-XL for over a year. Started on 100 mg for very high BP. Also on Atacand 4 mg for mild left heart failure. Now reduced to 50 mg on alternate days. Side effects: severe Peyronie's disease and loss of libido. Fullness in stomach and loss of appetite. Various aches and pains, swelling in hands and other random areas. Seems to get a rebound effect of breathlessness, or it's just a side effect. BP is good at low 120/65. May try cutting it in half to 25 mg a day. Dr prescribed a different beta blocker that has worse side effects, so he hasn't filled that out. Also, it's only available as a generic, which from his experience with Metoprolol was worse. He gets the brand drugs through Canada."

• LF8...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 30, 2014

For Heart Failure "I took Metoprolol as a kid for a type of heart failure. My doctor said it was same as what athletes get. At age 29, I had been switched to Metoprolol 50 mg once daily. After a few years, a new doctor took me off of it, and I began jumping awake, gasping for air. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and put on a CPAP. It never helped. I kept having it, turned up until the pressure was wide open, but still I jumped awake at night. My doctor was beside himself with what to do, and finally, I was placed back on the Metoprolol 50 mg, and in two weeks, my sleep apnea disappeared."

• Car...
• December 28, 2016

For Mitral Valve Prolapse "I had terrible symptoms of MVP that landed me in the hospital for 5 days. I started taking this medicine, 25 mg a day, and my symptoms are so much better. I used to have shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, and weakness, but it's so much better now. I only occasionally have some palpitations, but nothing like before. Metoprolol works great!"

• Gar...
• February 26, 2018

For Atrial Fibrillation "I had two stents put in after a heart attack. About three months later, I started getting dizzy, and at times would go down to my knee. I was on 5 mg metoprolol. Then I was put on 25 mg metoprolol and had the same thing going on. So I was put on 50 mg and had one time heavy breathing, but that all went away after 20 minutes. Have been on 50 for 3 weeks, nothing else. Time will tell. I noticed no triggers outside of caffeine."

• 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."

• 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."

• keb...
• January 31, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "I am taking Metoprolol 50mg 3 times per day since the beginning of January, and my heart rate is still very high, 137 bpm on average for a seventy-one-year-old male, previously active and in good health. When I climb stairs, I am short of breath and feel weaker than normal. Previously taking Digoxin 62.5mg x3/day. This controlled/capped my HR at 115 bpm without side effects. So my HR has increased by comparison since starting Metoprolol. I would welcome all your comments."