I was given Metoprolol, a generic for Toprol-XL several months a...

Throughout my experience with this medicine, I have lost faith in Dr.s and in the medicine they prescribe. I do not believe they know enough about the thousands of medicines on the market as well as the side effects and possible drug interactions. I complained to my Dr about weight gain with the Toprol and he said it had no effect. Wrong...it slows down the metabolism. Then when more serious complications came about with switching to Metoprolol, he turned a deaf ear and prescribed anti-depressants. I recently had to go to the Dr. with a severe sinus infection and just the thought of going to see one sent my blood pressure through the roof. It's normal now without med, but it was a long haul! Hang in there, and I will pray that you find some answers.

Yes, yes, yes - weight gain is a definite side effect. I was put on Toprol XL (generic) and placed under medical restrictions (no exercise other than walking) and I gained FIFTEEN POUNDS in just 3 months. How is that good for someone with HBP?

Taterwood1: You should definite check out all medications suggested by doctors online. WebMD, Medscape and ePocrates all are reputal sites that even the professional respect. They offer drug interactions checkers. ePocrates has a mobile version that works on Windows, Palm and Blackberry devices - and its FREE.

Good Luck!

This entire discussion is just blowing me away; I am at work at this time with breathlessness, and a kind of lump in my throat through the middle of my chest to my back, very uncomfortable and somewhat painful. I have had these effects since starting Toprol XL in 2002.

I am a migraine sufferer and the Toprol is supposed help me manage my migraines, which by the way, have gotten stronger and more frequent in last year. I thought it was the the Imitrex, at first, so early on switched to Maxalt which did offer some relief from the side effects and cleared the headaches...Now for the kicker...I have a total ringing in my ears that is a cross between Cicada flies in the summer and a television hiss when the channels aren't coming in. I have pressure behind my eyes and have become so light sensitive, I dare not go out in the middle of the day. I have suffered major hot flashes to the point I keep my thermostat in winter on 45, I keep intestinal problems (diarrhea), Previous to Toprol XL, I was an avid country/western/ballroom dancer, traveled locally and hiked national parks. Now, I barely get out of bed in the morning, have gained 60 lbs., quit a major research position, due to no energy, reduced my responsibility and barely have the energy to prepare nutritious meals at home. I sleep in 4 hour increments, as I now suffer from unrestful sleep, something I've never had a problem doing, for a total of 7-8 hrs at a time and felt great, until I started this drug. I have been told over and over it was the only thing available. I'm not sure what is going to change, but I will find another way of managing outside of the Toprol XL. I think it is going to take me out, before the so-called hypertension I'm supposed to have. Oh, another thought, my Dad has had elevated BP since his check in the service, WWII. Didn't take meds until last 10 years, now he's 82. Maybe I'm normal.

I am having the same results with Toporal XL. Ringing in my ears, tiredness, weight gain. No Sex drive or even desires. I am at my wits end. JS