Lopressor Side Effects

Generic name: metoprolol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 30, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Lopressor Side Effects associated with metoprolol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Lopressor.

Applies to metoprolol: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Metoprolol may worsen the symptoms of heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular breathing or heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, trouble breathing, or weight gain.

Some men who use this medicine may cause erectile dysfunction. Check with your doctor right away if you have decreased interest in sexual intercourse, inability to have or keep an erection, or loss in sexual ability, drive, or performance. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.

Do not suddenly Stop taking metoprolol (the active ingredient contained in Lopressor) without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, which can be dangerous.

This medicine may cause changes in blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar (including fast heartbeat) and increase the risk for serious or prolonged hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Check with your doctor if you notice a change in your normal symptoms or a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests. Call your doctor right away if you have anxiety, blurred vision, chills, cold sweats, coma, confusion, cool, pale skin, depression, dizziness, fast heartbeat, headache, increased hunger, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, seizures, shakiness, slurred speech, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Do not Stop taking metoprolol before surgery without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may cause some people to become less alert than they are normally. If this side effect occurs, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert while taking metoprolol.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are using the extended-release capsules.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may increase your blood pressure.

Serious side effects of Lopressor

Along with its needed effects, metoprolol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking metoprolol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking metoprolol:

Symptoms of overdose

• bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• change in consciousness
• loss of consciousness
• no blood pressure or pulse
• stopping of the heart
• very drowsy or sleepy

Other side effects of Lopressor

Some side effects of metoprolol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to metoprolol: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule extended release, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were tiredness, dizziness, depression, shortness of breath, bradycardia, hypotension, diarrhea, pruritus, and rash.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Heart failure (up to 27.5%), hypotension (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg) (up to 27.4%), bradycardia (heart rate less than 40 beats per minute) (up to 15.9%),
• Common (1% to 10%): Cold extremities, arterial insufficiency, palpitation, first degree heart block (P-R interval 0.26 seconds or greater), second or third degree heart block, postural disorders
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiogenic shock in patients with acute myocardial infarction
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Disturbances of cardiac conduction, cardiac arrhythmia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Intermittent claudication increased
• Frequency not reported: Claudication^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, gastric pain, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Retroperitoneal fibrosis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Tiredness, peripheral edema, accident and/or injury, death, fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, precordial pain
• Frequency not reported: Lactic dehydrogenase elevated
• Postmarketing reports: Chest pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, vertigo, stroke, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia, somnolence, impaired concentration
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alertness decreased
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Amnesia/memory impairment, tinnitus, taste disturbance
• Frequency not reported: Short-term memory loss
• Postmarketing reports: Syncope^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Shortness of breath, wheezing, dyspnea
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Rhinitis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sweating increased
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Loss of hair
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Photosensitivity reactions, psoriasis aggravated, gangrene in patients with preexisting severe peripheral circulatory disorders, hyperhidrosis, alopecia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia, nightmare
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nervousness, anxiety
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Confusion, hallucination, personality disorder, disturbances of libido
• Frequency not reported: Sleep disturbance^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle cramps
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Arthralgia, arthritis
• Frequency not reported: Musculoskeletal pain^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight gain
• Frequency not reported: Unstable diabetes
• Postmarketing reports: Blood triglycerides increased, high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Visual disturbance, dry and/or irritated eyes, conjunctivitis
• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Liver function test abnormalities
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis
• Frequency not reported: Transaminase elevated, alkaline phosphatase elevated
• Postmarketing reports: Jaundice, non-specific hepatic dysfunction^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Impotence/sexual dysfunction
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Peyronie's disease^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Positive antinuclear antibodies^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Thrombocytopenia
• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
• Does metoprolol lower resting heart rate?
• Metoprolol Succinate vs Tartrate: What's the difference between them?
• Does metoprolol make you sleepy?
• Does metoprolol cause hair loss?
• How long does Metoprolol stay in your system after you stop taking it?
• How long does it take for metoprolol to work?
• Which is safer: metoprolol succinate or tartrate?
• Is Metoprolol a blood thinner?

Further information

Lopressor side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer