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I began 50 mg Toprol XL 2 years ago then reduced to 25 mg when pa...

Posted at 4:44 AM on Nov 29, 2007 by vkb719, #25311
I began 50 mg Toprol XL 2 years ago then reduced to 25 mg when palps and blood pressure normalized. Had trouble sleeping. Back in August, I began taking the generic version Metoprolol. One day I couldn't feel my index finger and thumb on right hand and immediate began to worry. I also began feeling depressed and was having terrible panic attacks. Sleeping was non-existent. Also, my chest felt as if it was on fire. Throat closed up and had difficulty breathing. Went to Walgreens nurse and she looked at me funny and said it was allergies to try Claritin and Flonase. DID NOT HELP! Went to the Dr. and he too chalked that up to allergies and gave me a shot. That relieved the breathing symptoms but nothing else. He told me numbness was tendonitis and gave me a "pretty brace." Numbness and tingling did not improve in fact went into other arm which caused me alarm. I went to chiropractor for help...nice massages but still numbness! Then my hands and feet started going cold...I'd had it. Went back to Dr and he put me on Xanax for panic attacks, told me I was depressed and need to see a psychiatrist for mood altering meds. I was ready to slug him! The numbness and tingling are insane! The Dr. to appease me switched me back to Toprol XL...no relief then tried Atenolol. The thing is for a few days while the insurance was figuring out what to pay for, I didn't take meds and began improving. Tried Atenolol and symptoms came right back. Called Dr and was told to just stop altogether...no weaning. Terrible tightness in chest could not breathe...miserable and scary. The next day I got a little better. Sleep improved somewhat but still having trouble with muscles tingling in feet up to knees and muscle cramping in right calve and for arms. Wondering how long this stuff stays in system. Seems to me I should be done...I have been off 17 days and am looking for relief for muscles symptoms...also looking for new Dr...anyone out there know how long this stuff hangs out in your muscles and stuff?????
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Reply about 1 year ago on Nov 29, 2007 by vanessa74, #3140

Hello - it takes approximately 30 days for the drug to work its way out of your system. I am in the process of weaning off as well and it is HELL... Best of luck and health to you.

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Reply about 1 year ago on Dec 04, 2007 by vkb719, #3241

It has now been three weeks and 2 days since I last took blood pressure med. It was insane coming off. Short of breath, chest pressure, insomnia, vision problems, muscle joint pain, cramps etc...BUT I think I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Praise God! The tingling and muscle problems are minimal, numbness and tingling in hand are minimal, vision problems come and go. The biggest change has been in mood and sleeping. For the first time in over 2 years I do not need a sleep aid to go to sleep! I have always loved sleep but to be honest the last few years I dreaded night time because I knew sleep would come and go, mostly go, and that was when the thoughts started racing. Muscle weakness is also getting better...jelly legs are almost gone! Vision gets cloudy when I am tired, irritants in the air or the light is too bright or too low. Not happening near as much though. I was put on for palps and went to the health food store to see about natural remedies...I now take hawthorn berry, fish oil, co Q 10, L carnitine and others plus I cut out all triggers such as caffeine (drinks and chocolate) cut back on sodium. I monitor my pressure and at times I was ready to rush back and get back on meds because it was 137/97 but when I sat and relaxed it would go down to 129/80. Yesterday it was123/78 so I believe you are right...I am approaching that month mark and am so excited. I am hoping to keep it down with diet...weight is only 126lbs so that is not issue...probably just stress. Learning to take deep breaths and not let things get to me. I am going to do everything in my power to stay off of med (I am only 39) but am prepared to go back if I HAVE to. Thanks for your insight!

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