Get Informed: Metoprolol
Active Ingredient(s)
Metoprolol
What does it do?
This product is used for the treatment of high blood pressure, and is also used to treat patients with a history of angina or heart attack. It works by blocking 'beta' receptors that play an important role in regulating heart function.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-14 9:08 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-14 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Metoprolol
- Toprol
- Toprol XL
- Lopressor
- Metoprolol Tartrate
- Lopresor
- Metoprolol Succinate
- Metapro
- Betaloc
- MET XL
- Lopresor Oros
- Lopressor Geigy
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its potential dangers if treatment is suddenly stopped.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 07 Aug 1978
- Est US Patients*
- 5,822,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Metoprolol or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Metoprolol Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Metoprolol interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Metoprolol used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 38,600 patients that use Metoprolol (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | 73% | 
|
| Heart Disease/Stroke Prevention | 24% |
|
| Atrial Fibrillation | 16% |
|
| Angina/Chest Pain | 11% |
|
| Heart Valve Problems | 7% | 
|
| Anxiety | 5% |
|
| Heart Failure/Edema | 3% | 
|
| Migraine/Headache | 2% |
|
How well does Metoprolol work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 38,600 users taking Metoprolol (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iGuard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 76%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Metoprolol outweigh the bad things.
- 11%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Metoprolol.
Common Side Effects of Metoprolol
iGuard regularly polls our more than 38,600 users taking Metoprolol (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
25% of patients experience side-effects on Metoprolol
2% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Metoprolol
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Fatigue
-
Dizziness
-
Weight Gain
-
Vivid Dreams
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Breathlessness, Drowsiness, Dryness, Grogginess/Confusion, Headache, Hearing Loss, Light Sensitivity, Loss of Appetite, Loss of Libido, Memory/Speech Problems, Mood/Behavior Changes, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Nausea/Vomiting, Palpitations, Postural Hypotension, Restlessness, Slow Heart Rate, Sweating, Swelling/Edema, Tinnitus, Vision Changes
Global Patient Feedback for Metoprolol ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking metoprolol for A-Fib to keep my heart rate from spriling while waiting for a cardioversion in mid- April 2010. I currently take 25 mg every 6 hrs three times per day. A few problems with tiredness, stomach bloating, lightheadness, heavy dreaming dry mouth and some wierd dreams. Also, it keeps my BP very low (under 110/70) and with my daily wine serving in the dinner hour, it drops as low as 90/55. Anyone else on metoprolol find that a glass of wine lowers the BP even more?
71 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-14 08:51:04
Question/Comment:
The only problem I have with Toprol XL is that I have "heavy" dreams so I always wake up feeling depressed and have to "shake it off". Is there any other medication I could ask to be switched to that would not have more side effects and allow me to have normal happy dreams?
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-07 17:21:00
Answer/Reply:
I, too have heavy dreams and wake up depressed. It takes time to reorient myself and get back to normal
84 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-14 14:24:43
Question/Comment:
I have been on metoprolol since 2008 after I had an ablation to fix a SVT that I kept having- The last attack of SVT I had my pulse was 240 bpm. They were able to lower it at the hospital after about 40 mins. and several drugs later. After the procedure the doctor put me on metoprolol because I continued to have a high resting heart rate 100-110. I also have Mitral Valve Prolapse and this drug does help lessen the symptoms from that also.
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-04 13:07:27
Answer/Reply:
I had the same procedure done and it took care of my SVT, my heart rate is 65-70 continuously, but I remain on Metoprolol to keep my blood pressure in line.
71 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-12 01:06:00
Question/Comment:
I have just started taking Met XL AM 25 (Metoprolol 25 mg with amlodipine 5 mg) twice a day. My pulse has dopped to 56. Is it OK.
26 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-10 06:34:28
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The normal range for an adult heart rate is 60-80. You are just under normal. Typically there is not an issue until your pulse is below 50 beats per minute or if you are feeling side effects from a low heart rate such as tiredness or dizziness. The most important factor is that you are monitored by your doctor. If you continue to have low heart rates or if you are experiencing side effects, please follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.
Posted: 2010-01-10 19:11:52
Answer/Reply:
is it 56 awake or sleeping?
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-04 13:11:30
Question/Comment:
Any lung problems associated with this medicine? My mother in law is in the hospital with lung issues and is now taking this for her blood pressure. She was concerned with some of her new medicine that was prescribed.
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-03 20:10:37
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Bronchospasm and shortness of breath and wheezing have been reported with metoprolol. Patients who have preexisting lung conditions are at a higher risk for these side effects. However, it is more likely to happen with metoprolol when the dose is higher than 400mg per day. Have your mother-in-law discuss her concerns with her physician. Her physician has her complete medical record and can best determine the cause of her current issue in her lungs
Posted: 2010-01-04 23:43:54
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326
Patient Comments about
Metoprolol