Side Effects Guide

There are a lot of medications known as beta blockers on sale these days. They are typically prescribed to patients who suffer from serious health conditions associated with blood and heart vessels. Metoprolol belongs to this group of drugs as well and is mainly used to treat congestive heart failure, angina, high blood pressure etc. Nowadays it comes in two versions, namely Lopressor and Toprol. These brand names are easily available at the market.

Just like with any drug, adverse reactions are possible with this medication as well. Nonetheless, not all people who take it will face these health problems. Actually, the prevailing majority of patients tolerate it pretty well and do not have any serious complaints related to it. In case metoprolol side effects still develop, they frequently prove to be minor and do not require any medical treatment. Though serious adverse reactions are quite rare, you still have to be aware of them in order to be able to notice the first symptoms and contact your health care provider in time.  Thus, common negative reactions comprise tiredness, diarrhea, slow heart beat, dizziness, itching, depression (one of the most widespread complaints), difficulty breathing, unexplained rash, weight gain, hair loss, decreased blood sugar level etc.

Unfortunately, some patients who were prescribed this medication reported more serious negative reactions, which may become life-threatening if overlooked. They include chest pain, confusion, unexplained swelling, irregular heartbeat, hives, fainting, wheezing, swallowing and breathing problems etc. So, if you are currently taking this beta blocker and develop at least some of these symptoms, you are highly recommended to visit or call your physician as quickly as possible.

The above mentioned drug has been thoroughly studied in patients with high blood pressure, heart problems and angina. This is because these people are more likely to develop unpredictable and life-threatening conditions in the result of taking this medication. Some people from this group of patients reported the following adverse reactions: nausea, numbness or tingling in feet or hands, swelling of hands, legs, feet or arms, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, constipation, dry mouth, heartburn, gas etc. Rare conditions, which were observed in less than one percent of patients, included headaches, insomnia, severe allergic reactions, short-term loss of memory, hepatitis, increased level of liver enzymes, tinnitus, Peyronie’s disease,  reversible hair loss, dry eyes, diabetes, arthritis, psoriasis worsening, erectile dysfunctions etc. However, it may be not easy to identify whether any of these symptoms is a negative reaction to this medication or just a condition not related to the treatment.  Nonetheless, do not underestimate your doctor’s recommendations and make him/her aware of all the complaints you have.