How to avoid Metoprolol side effects in 17 ways
1) This drug is going to lower your BP (hypotension) and lower your HR (bradycardia). This might make you feel dizzy when you suddenly get up. Take your time when you are getting up esp. from a sitting position. Be careful going up and downstairs.
2) Metoprolol can affect your blood sugars. If you are a diabetic continue to carefully monitor your blood sugars.
3) Metoprolol can cause different types of heart blocks; these are rare but can happen. Your doctor will monitor for this by checking your vital signs and your physical examination. He or she also can get an EKG to monitor for any changes.
4) Metoprolol can cause bronchospasms. Symptoms would be difficulty breathing and wheezing. Although because of the way metoprolol works (it works over a B1 receptor), the chances of this happening are less likely. However, if you have a bronchospastic disease such as Asthma you would be more susceptible to this. Tell your doctor if you do have an increasing cough, wheezing, or SOB.
5) BB such as metoprolol do have CNS effects. They can cause fatigue, insomnia, and in some cases sleep disturbances, this is because Beta Blockersslow down your heart rate and you will feel more tired as your HR slows down. Because of this, you may want to take your first doses of Metoprolol at nighttime as it can make you feel sleepy. Once you are used to the medication you can switch to the morning with the help of your Doctor.
6) Beta Blockers, like mentioned before slows your HR down. You are at an increased risk for depression. Your Doctor during your annual examination will be not only checking your HR but asking you questions regarding your mood.
7) Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
8) BB can cause weight gain The average weight gain is just over 2lbs. (or just above 1kg) If you are using this medication for heart failure your Doctor can advise you whether this is a medication side effect or related to your heart failure.
9) This drug can cause skin reactions or rashes. Usually this in terms of numbers is less than 5% of the case. Other skin problems include itching, gangrene of the skin and tissues, and loss of hair. It has been associated with the worsening of psoriasis. If you have any of these changes alert your Doctor.
10) Erectile dysfunction, as well as impotence, has been described with this drug in post-marketing surveys. Follow up with your doctor if that is the case to rule out other causes.
11) In less than 1% of cases it can cause GI symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. These are usually self-limiting and should go away.
12) In older adults it can cause hallucinations, short-term memory problems, and confusion. If you are an older adult start the dose at the lowest dose and your Doctor should titrate the dose slowly to avoid side effects.
13) Beta Blockers can also affect your Lipid metabolism in particular your Triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Make sure your doctor checks your Lipid profile regularly.
14) Beta Blockers such as Metoprolol are selective Beta-Blockers. Your Doctor has to be cautious in severe PVD as it can cause lower extremity pain. If you do have increased leg pain while walking alert your Doctor to this. They can be used in mild and moderate PVD.
15) In acute exacerbation of heart failure your Doctor should not use Beta Bocker. He or she can reintroduce the medication once your heart failure is compensated.
16) Drug-Drug interactions: Metoprolol can interact with some of these medications. This list is not exhaustive, but your doctor or pharmacist can alert you to possible drug-drug interactions.
17) Never suddenly stop this medication suddenly without talking to your Doctor, especially at higher doses as it can cause an increase in your blood pressure and an elevated HR. In people with underlying heart disease, it can cause chest pain.