I was on 50 mg. then increased to 100 mg. After about 10-14 days...

I was on 50 mg. then increased to 100 mg. After about 10-14 days on the 100's, I began itching all over ... broke out in a horrendous rash, especially on my back, arms, and legs. Went to my GP who quickly diagnosed a new BP med called Bystolic 5 mg. for a trial. I've been on Bystolic now for only 2 days. Rash is driving me crazy! I realize now that when I was on the 50 mg. of Toprol XL, I was itchy ... but I never broke out in this huge rash until I had to increase it to 100 mg. I thought, because I was 52, it was *flushing* due to hormones. Boy, was I wrong! Dr. told me to take Zyrtec for the itching/rash. Now, after changing to the Bystolic, I feel much better (B/P and heartrate). Seems like I was having an allergic reaction to the Toprol XL which is maybe why it didn't work as well. Even though the Bystolic is a much lower dose than my Toprol, my BP feels much lower, and so is my heartrate! Toprol XL's big side effect is the itching and rashes which can be debilitating. Oh, I had horrendous nightmares on Toprol ... so bad, I didn't want to to go to sleep!