How long does it take for metoprolol to work?
How long it takes metoprolol to work depends on what form is given and what condition is being treated. Effects on heart rate can be seen within one hour after taking metoprolol tartrate tablets and within 20 minutes after the intravenous form is given. The onset of action of metoprolol succinate is similar to metoprolol tartrate.
Metoprolol tartrate is immediate release (fast-acting), while metoprolol succinate is extended release (released over time). You usually take metoprolol tartrate twice daily and take metoprolol succinate once daily. Metoprolol tartrate also comes as an injection that’s given in the hospital and used in the early stages of a heart attack.
The dosage of metoprolol may need to be adjusted depending on what condition is being treated.
- For high blood pressure or angina, the dosage may be increased at weekly intervals to reach the maximum effect.
- For heart failure, the dosage of metoprolol succinate may be doubled every 2 weeks to reach the maximum effect.
- For heart attacks that are caught early, the intravenous form of metoprolol tartrate is usually given. If treatment is started later, metoprolol tartrate tablets are usually given twice daily.
Read next
What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
Research has suggested that taking your blood pressure medication at night instead of in the morning can provide better blood pressure control at night without compromising daytime blood pressure control and reduce your overall risk of dying because of cardiovascular disease by 45%. Continue reading
Metoprolol Succinate vs Tartrate: What's the difference between them?
Metoprolol is available as two different salts: metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.
The main difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is only available as an immediate-release tablet which means it must be taken several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that can be taken once a day. As a result, there are differences in the dosages and indications for both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading
Does metoprolol make you sleepy?
Yes, metoprolol can make you sleepy. One reason may be because beta blockers slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Your body might adjust to the medication, but if you feel so tired that it is interfering with your daily activities you should let your healthcare provider know. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Metoprolol Information for Consumers
- Metoprolol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Metoprolol (detailed)
Related support groups
- Metoprolol (193 questions, 405 members)