I have been on Toprol XL for five years now. My heart was beating too fast and after taking multiple test my doctor put me on Toprol XL. In the beginning I use to have nightmares. I use to see big spiders all around me. After taking the med I figured out that I couldn't take the med and lay down to go to sleep. The side effects that I have experience is nightmares, hair loss at the top of my head and shortness of breath. I am afraid to try anything else.