Toprol-XL and palpitations

I had my thyroid out due to cancer on 1/22/08. then because of having to take a high amt of levoxyl (synthetic thyroid hormone) I was put on metoprolol for the palpitations. I recently had more surgery to take out cancerous lymph nodes in neck and my dose of metoprolol was increased from 25 to 50 mgs. I was only on 50 mgs for about 4 weeks when I developed depression, insomnia, swollen belly, acid reflux, swollen legs and anxiety. My mind started to go off on me and I had convinced myself that the cancer was in my brain and that's why I felt like I was dying. I was told by my doc that this med does not usually cause depression. I went over the facts and realized I felt pretty good until I started taking this drug. Even on the 25 mgs my legs which are really skinny, started to look like lumpy cottage cheese but I figured it was due to the thyroid removal. I didn't take it at all today because I just want to be rid of it. I know I need to wean off but how long do I have to?

Hi- I was on Lopressor 50mgs. twice a day for my slightly elevated BP, MVP, SVT, palpitations, and anxiety attacks. Started having some intermittent chest pain (not bad, just annoying). Dr. switched me to Toprol XL 100 mg/day. Of course, insurance made me get Metoprolol ER 100 mg/day (the generic) but I haven't had a problem with it!! I love taking just 1 pill a day instead of having to juggle the two pills and remembering if and when I took them. I take the pill every morning with breakfast (which is usually an apple and a small bowl of cereal and a glass of water). I have gained some weight since being on the Lopressor, but I started the Dash Diet and have lost about 8 lbs. in about 4 months, not too good but I'm not following the diet as well as I should be! I also get tired and occasionally have problems with hearburn and gas, but anytime you take any kind of medication you will have side effects. Wish I didn't have to take any meds but am not willing to subject myself to the effects of high blood pressure, I would rather have the side effects from the meds. My BP is usually 110/75 now and my heart rate is around 70-75. I'm 47 years old and feeling like I might make it into my 90's now!!

I suddenly had high blood pressure. I was put on a heart monitor for 21 days because I was experiencing frequent palpitations. I was given 25 mg Metoprolol ER the genic for Toprol XL on June 6, 2008. I had the usual symptoms extreme fatigue, headache, constipation,swelling, weight gain for the first month. I am 59 yrs. old.
The second month I started to have horrible nightmares, and headaches that would not go away. On Aug.12 while driving home I started to hear voices, had blurred vision and hallucinations. I was driving fast and screaming to make the voices stop.. I ended up in a parking lot. I was crying and for a minute I had a bit of reality. I called the cardiologist office and told the nurse what was going on. She said to immediately stop the meds because I was having a rare serious side effect. I sat crying for awhile and was able to call a friend to pick me up. I stayed at home for 4 days. The entire time my hands shook and my headache was horrible. It was one week before I was able to function properly.
I called my pharmacist and she told me that this drug affects the central nervous system. 2 % of 100,000 people have this side effect. I told her that it was not written on my paper with the prescription. She said that because it is so rare they do not have put it on. She printed out the side effects for me from her web site. A site that is only accessible to pharmacists or Dr.'s. My Dr. wants me to try Cardizeim now and I do not want to because I am afraid. I told him that the BP was down to normal but he still wanted to because of the palpitations. I was given the option of the Cardiziem or seeing and Electrical Man at the Cardiology office. As of yet I have not taken the Cardiziem. This is the first time I have read this web site and I hope that this information may help someone. I finally feel good again except for the rapid heart beat and glad to be alive.

I'm 35 year old woman and am on Toprol XL 50mg (generic version) once a day at night for palpitations. I am also on LisinoprilHCTZ 20/25mg for hypertension which was controlled with that and now Toprol. After two weeks was lightheaded to the point where I couldn't function at times, heart rate would be in the 90-110 range which is high for me and ringing in my ears usually during these times. At the bad times my left shoulder and hand would go numb. Finally the doctor is cutting me to 25mg but I'm wondering if that would really do anything and I have to get off of it all together. My heart is healthy but do have palpitations, any suggestions?

About 8 months ago I began to have a little high blood pressure 140/80 and some mild palpitations. I was put on Toprol XL and my nightmare began. I began to have anxiety attacks and my palpitations increased. I was given Xanax to help with the anxiety attacks. I was put on 50 mg. twice a day and I have weaned myself down to 12.5mg daily. I feel much better now but would like to get off of Toprol all together. I have gained weight, and I believe my vision and memory have been affected. Is there any other drug out there that is better to be on? I have never had a heart attack and my echo and stress tests were completely normal. I have read that people with asthma should not take Toprol. I do have allergy shots weekly and have an epi pen. Not sure what to do?? Any advice??

I'm a 53 year-old male and do regular Cardio Exercise every week and have for 31 years.
A cardiologist put me on Toprol XL 25 MG on November 22nd. The Doctor prescribed it because I add heart irregularities and palpitations which resulted in me going to the hospital as I didn't know what was happening and never had heart palpitations before in my life. I went to the emergency room and they got me stabilized but brought in cardiologist. My heart returned to normal function in a few hours and was result of taking a decongestant as well as Lisinopril 5 MG. I had just started these drugs and had been on them for three days when the heart palpitation instance happened. The decongestant is ... I had done a two hour hard workout at the gym which I do regularly 3 times per week and then the heart irregularities started on day 3 of taking the two drugs. A cardiologists now has stuck me on this Toprol 25 MG after that day because it helps with irregular heart beat plus my blood pressure was a bit high around 140/90. I immediately started noticing side effects from the Toprol 25 MG but stayed on it plus the Lisinopril 5 MG and 325 MG Aspirin for about 12 days at that dose. I started side effects like tremors, tiredness, constipation, strange dreams, anxiousness, impotence, and struggled to do my workouts etc. I made some lifestyle changes like eliminating caffeine, alcohol, etc and that plus the medicine reduced my blood pressure below 120/80 a bit. I stopped the Lisinopril on December 3rd and my blood pressure is still normal and reduced the Toprol to 12.5 MG at the same time. I did research and the doctor also thinks the irregularity was due to the Decongestant and Lisinopril I had taken for 3 days as both have heart irregularity and palpitations as a side effect. I decided I want to get off the Toprol XL altogether and let my body go back to normal functioning. All my problems were brought once I started taking medicine and the only real problem I have is high blood pressure which I can control now with life style changes and natural supplements. I called the cardiologist's nurse and she said not to do anything until I see the doctor on December 18th. I had already decided to cut the dose in half to 12.5 MG on December 3rd anyway and the side effects got better, but then I had instance the other night after taking a spin class at the gym whereby my heart beat stayed up around 82 bpm for several hours and normally is 59 pbm. I also felt anxious and couldn't get settled to sleep real well. I read on the warning label that your not supposed to work out during the process of reducing the dosage so I guess I will have to stop working out until I'm off this stuff. I have been an exercise person for 31 years doing at least 5 hours of Cardio Exercise per week and then racing bicycles in the summer months doing 10-12 hours of Cardio Exercise. I really want off this drug so I reduced to 6.25 MG today and will stop working out I guess until I'm off. I feel a little shaky and feel sort of like I could faint if I did to much exertion since reducing to 6.25 MG today. I was wondering how long it take to get off this Toprol since I was only on it for 12 days at the 25 MG dosage and should I keep cutting the dosage and go down to 3.12 MG after a few more days and then eventually off after a few days at 3.12 MG? Then how long once I'm off should I wait to return to my rigorous exercise routine?

On December 5th, I reported that, after stopping the Metoprolol, I was having some minor withdrawal symptoms. As an update, this week has not been good. I've had tightness in the chest, sleeping poorly and some gastric problems. It is now three weeks since the last dose. How long does it take to become symptom free?????

Today is my ninth day coming off Toprol (had been on 25 mg for 2 1/2 years, then 50mg for 1 1/2 years) - today is the first day that the Dr. does not want me to take any Toprol. It has been SO DIFFICULT... Extreme chest tightness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, headaches. She has me switching over to Diovan (80 mg) which I have been taking for 7 days now. I want to believe that everything I am feeling is from the Toprol Withdrawal and not NEW side effects from the Diovan - but I am scared. I feel really awful, I have no energy. I lay in bed waiting for the bad feelings to pass and they do not. I have lost 7 pounds in the past (2) weeks. Not sure if it is from going off the Toprol - or just not feeling that well. This website has been my only source of sanity and peace. Anyone else gone off this and can tell me what to expect? THANK YOU!

I started taking Toprol XL seven years ago to control palpitations. Side effects I have experienced include loss of hair, coldness in my hands and feet, probably due to the lower blood pressure, and, believe it or not, palpitations. I am somewhat, but not entirely, certain that the palpitations that I originally suffered from were from poor exercise, stress and a bad diet. The new palpitations I get are from squatting, reclining in certain positions, raising my legs up in a certain way which I attribute to side effects from this drug. I am trying to cut down on this drug, but it is hard. My heart has grown accustomed to it and it acts up whenever the dosage is reduced, no matter how slowly I do it. I want to get it down to 12.5 mg. I take about 18-19 mg now (I cut the 25mg in half and take one of the halves and cut it in half again). Some things about this drug: take it consistently, e.g., same time with same amount of food. It will give you some harmless, but scary, palps if you do not keep a regular pattern. Indeed, I can usually tell when a palp is Toprol-induced. Another thing is to be wary of doctors who have you double or quadruple a dosage at one time. Years ago my doctor told me to go from 12.5 to 50 mg after I complained of some palps that I now know were Toprol related. I thought he was nuts because my pulse was already way down due to this drug. I envisioned myself fainting. being a bad patient, I upped it to 25 instead. Later, after looking at a Holter monitor readout, the doctor calls me and says lower my dose to 25 because my overnight pulse was getting to a point that if I took anymore Toprol the pulse would be dangerously low. I never told him I did not listen to him. But I have to say I have not suffered all of the side effects listed on this site such as depression. The drug was and has been effective in controlling the palps that were driving me crazy. My palps were very bothersome and this drug gave me peace of mind. But, looking back, I think I could have brought about the same results with a healthier lifestyle. I am very cautious about taking myself completely off of it entirely and will do that with the guidance of a doctor, not the one mentioned above of course. But they are hard to find. Most of them will tell you beta blockers are the greatest and if you take dosages as low as mine there are no problems whatsoever.

I am a nurse of 20 years and was placed on Toprol XL for super ventricular tachycardia (SVT) over a year ago. I was place on 25 mg dose after a stress test, ekg, echocaridogram and 24 hour halter monitor. I was not feeling any better and I was having periods of weakness, profuse sweating and being clammy. The cardiologist had me wear a 30 day event monitor and it showed frequent PVCs and runs of SVT. So he increased the dose to 50 mg. I continued to have the weakness, tachycardia, PVCs, extreme weakness, poor concentration and extreme periods of sweating with becoming clammy and some chest pain. Oh and I started having severe left leg pain that I had not had since my back surgery, so I went back to my pain specialist for treatment. I became so depressed, thoughts of life not worth living, poor endurance, not able to sleep in bed due to severe leg pain and increasing bouts of tachycardia, irregular heart rate, weakness, and sweating this is while at rest or working the symptoms remained. I forgot to mention that my blood sugar was increasing during this time to the point of in danger of being a diabetic.

I decided to stop the Toprol XL after reading some of the side effects that are less common. I was able to sleep in bed for the first time in 6 months, no leg pain. I called my cardiologist and he told me my symptoms were not consistent with Toprol XL side effects or reaction and to double the dose of Toprol XL. I refused and changed cardiologist, one who listened to me.

The result is I stayed off Toprol XL, after 5 weeks it is getting out of my system. No more sweating spells, cold clammy spells, extreme weakness, I feel part of life again and ready to go back into the world not hide from it, my blood sugar is getting back to normal. I am getting my strength and endurance back but have to rest some still, oh and I am losing the 25 pounds that I gained while on Toprol.

I still have irregular heart rate and that is okay but I am on a new medication that really seems to work. Oh, and the spinal implant that I was to have has been cancelled because the leg pain is almost gone and I sleep in a bed not a chair.

PEOPLE, PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE THIS MEDICATION SUDDENLY, IT CAN BE DANGEROUS!!!

I have been reading about this medication here for some time, and I feel concerned when I read about someone deciding to just quit taking it suddenly. I personally intend to quit as soon as I find a doctor with enough knowledge to help me wean off of it in a safe manner. I've been on it for two years, and the side effects have grown worse than my original health problem, so I understand wanting to just up and quit taking it, but after learning the hard way, I've found out it's not so easy.

Do your homework, read and learn about the potential 'rebound effect' and by all means, talk to your doctor before doing something that may cause you to be in danger ( as in having a heart attack)...if you don't believe me, learn for yourself, the information is easily researched.

Blessings, and good luck...

WOW - it's so great to feel like I may have found an answer! Been on Toprol for about 5 yrs due to palpitations and rapid pulse. Have gained about 20 lbs,. that WILL NOT COME OFF. My short term memory loss I chalked up to middle age, but you know what? It's bad - my kids think I'm getting senile at 53! It shouldn't be that bad. Could it be the Toprol? hmmmmmm

Hello to you all. I have been on Toprol XL for 8-10 months. I have "palpitations" which is why I was placed on this med. Also a diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse. My doctor told me that the MVP can trigger the palpitations and that Toprol is the drug of choice. It helped for a few days. I felt like a new person at first. Then the palpitations gradually started to come back. I have gained 10 lbs. I am 50 years old and assumed that my wt gain was menopause. Now I think that is NOT the answer. I am an RN and I intend to wean myself off of the Toprol after reading the messages here! Why do I need to keep taking a medicine that is causing me to get fat and is NOT controlling my symptoms? Good luck to you all.

I was on 50 mg of Metropolol for 4 years for HBP. While on it I gained 50 pounds, could not lose weight, although I would eat less, developed anxiety, depression, loss libido, was irritable etc.
My husband could not figure out what was wrong with me. Before taking it, I was always a happy go lucky person without mood problems. I also developed palpitations while on it. I have recently weaned off due to cardiologist putting me on a Triamterence, a diurectic and have lost 18 pounds.

But watch out, I weaned myself off from 50mg to 25mg and then to 12 mg in a period of 30 days and have now experienced extreme anxiety, fear of losing control (panic attacks) and shaking at nighttime. Has anyone experienced these withdrawal effects even after tapering off so slowly?

Wow! I am also pleased to have found this site! I am a 41 yr old woman with MVP, diagnosed about 2 years ago. I was put on 25 mg of Toprol, and almost immediately began experiencing fatigue and apathy. It did, however, reduce my syptoms of MVP.

After awhile, I questioned the fatigue and modest weight gain and my MD allowed me to cut my rx in half. I was still feeling all day fatigue, which I cannt afford as a full time working Mom. (Who can, really!?) I was really over people telling me "you look tired", even on days I felt fine. I would wake up sometimes and be shocked at how exhausted my face looked. Had I really aged that much in two years!?

My MD finally told me that if my next heart scan looked OK I could try going off the drug. I cant wait! The cure IS really worse than the disease, for me at least! I would rather deal with palpitations and occasional twinges than this fatigue anyday, as long as I feel confident there is not blockage, which there is not, so far.

I have been on 50mg of Toprol for mitral prolapse for about 8 years. At times I am experiencing confusion and cloudy thinking along with occasional blurred vision/sensitivity to light. I still have some palpitations and erratic heartbeat, mostly at night when I lay down. The confusion is awful.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!

I have gained weight despite my eating habits staying the same. I experience cold sweats in the night. My head tingles and I become very dizzy. My chest (left side) feels like I am about to have a heart attack and I am only twenty nine. My doctor seems puzzled. I am weening myself off of it -taking it every other night. I started taking it for chest pains and irregular heartbeat / palpitations. It has not helped. I have been on it fot six months. Sometimes I feel like I am going to die. It is a horrible way to live.

Been on 25 mgs of Toprol XL for anxiety related palpitations for around 5 years. I gained around 20lbs since and always seem to be bloated, also have had siatic nerve trouble in my left leg and hip and buttock. This small dosage effects my sex drive and erections where things don't work like they used to, I'm on other medications that could affect that dept too. The one constant side effect is lazyness and apathy from the toprol.

Thank you.

I am 24 yrs. old and have been taking Toprol XL 25 MG at night for three weeks now, doctor prescribed for Palpitations and irregular heartbeat, also have Mitrovalve Prolapse. The problem is weight gain, and I have not changed my eating habits. If anything, I have been exercising more, eating about the same. (Also started herbal supplements about a week ago, pretty harmless, just vitamins/sage/etc.) and I STILL cannot lose any weight and feel like I'm actually GAINING. Has anyone else experienced this on such a small dose? I also feel like the toprol has affected my sleeping, however I was having problems sleeping before I started taking it (something that the doctor hasn't gotten around to addressing).

since on toprol for about a yr now, i have a 30 pd wt gain. it is hard for me to loose the weight even when exercising and eating right. gained hbp after delivery of baby. 37 yrs old. see dr on fri. also have palpitations with this med

I am currently tapering off of Toprol in order to switch to a calcium channel blocker (Norvasc). I have resting tachycardia of about 140/min. and frequent palpitations with rest and exertion.

I have been on Toprol XL for 5 yrs and it makes me tired all the time and my legs get tired alot, I also had weight gain and some bloating at times. as a male i'm not as great sexually as before the toprol either. I was put on toprol to stop my palpitations, beta blockers are good for this my Dr says.

31 years old I started taking Toprol XL 25 for palpitations then switch to 12.5 due to drop of pressure. I vet been in cloud 9 since no feeling what so ever sad,depress,week tremors,dizzy,Gas BLOATING no appetite .I was loosing aprx 5lbs a week cold hands and feet, bruised feeling in chest severe neck pain. Sinus pain and pressure.I was running to the ER thinking I was going crazy

I have been on Toprol XL for over a month. I've already gained 5 pounds despite working out more. I switched from Coreg which is supposed to be 'weigh neutral'. Although the effects of Coreg don't last as long and I had some minor palpitations later in the day, I will be switching back. I've also had significant swelling in my hands in the morning.

Have been on Toprol 25 mg for almost a year, and prior to that was at 50mg for about two years, prescribed for fast heart rate/benign palpitations and also for boderline high BP. Worked fine for BP and palpitations, but six months ago, BP went high again, so now on Diovan low dose and still Toprol 25 mg. Anyway, Diovan has fixed the BP. The most major side effect with TOPROL I believe is the cause for my shortness of breath. I have now began weaning myself off of the Toprol (with ok from Cardiologist) and hope to see an improvement with the SOB....it's been terrible. I get short of breath just talking on the phone, and I do not smoke. I'm hopeful that the symptoms will improve one my body is clear of the Toprol. Anybody else experience SOB from Toprol?

Hair loss thinning of hair, ringing of ears! lower and upper back pains! throat tighting spazing out! closes while eatting.
caughing excessive dry mouth, vision blurring, nose running,
headaches mild to massive! dehydration problems, leg and arm cramps. pannic attacks! mild to not so mild. sore throat.
palpitations at times! works in lowering blood presure,but the side effects iv got, makes it not worth taking ! seeing a new doctor soon! to change meds once again ! at this rate I will end up, bald headed, fat, and blind in a wheel chair. why cant these doctors, read the side effects and test people before they hand out these bombastic drugs to them !!
I think someone, has to die before they listen to reason.
secound thought, im talking about hmo doctors! they dont care I forgot !!

I'm male and 34 yrs. old and 168 lbs. I've used Toprol XL 50 mg for almost 10 months now. There's got to be a better drug than this. On the first 4 weeks, I experienced sporadic nightmares and waking-up with cold sweats. I gained 12 lbs immediately, had difficulty getting up from bed in th morning, mild depression, leg pains, low sex drive. On some occassions, I'd feel incoherent and having difficulty making quick decisions. I guess that's also related to loss of mental focus. It came to a point in the following weeks when I left town for the weekend and forgetting my Norvasc and Toprol. I thought two days wont hurt. The 2nd day, my heart-beat sored to almost 130 bpm. My BP was 173/108. I had ice-pick chest pains, palpitations and shortness of breath. I wound up in the emergency room. The doc at the hospital suspected my heart went cold-turkey on Toprol XL. They then gave me the same dosage and an hour later along with Norvasc got me under control. I don't like this med. I was told by some doctors , once you're in it, its tough to get out of it. It is something I'll have to take for the rest of my life. Also, stopping the med may cause cardiac arrest. Dunno if that's true. I did try spliiting my Toprol in half and it has reduced the side-effects on me. I still want out of it though. Anyone having the same dillema?

I am 33 years old and was just put on toprol 3 months ago for palpitations of the heart. I have noticed extreme weight gain, but something else i have lost my taste. has anyone else experienced taste loss.

If taking for "skipped beats" (palpitations) please have "cortisol" hormone checked. High cortisol (and sometimes, dhea hormone, too) can mean ADRENAL GLAND TUMOR! Toprol can cause "panic attacks" on occasion in addition to all the other side affects. Urination (when you have to go... gotta GO NOW) is another.