Toprol-XL and short term memory

WOW, I am so happy to find this site. I am a 56 yr old female. I too am on Toprol. I was on 75 mg 2 x's a day for HPB and mitral valve prolapse pain. Then yesterday the Dr. increased my dose to 100 mg 2x's a day .Today my ankles and feet blew up like balloons. I have been having profuse sweating and was cold and clammy for the past year and no Dr could tell me why!! NO sex drive , depression,sleep apnea, severe insomnia, brain fog, short term memory issues, moody, irritable, my husband has threatened to leave me. NO appetite!! Floaters in my eyes started a few months ago, I have so many symptoms that I have read in all your posts. No quality of life for the past year. I have felt like I was losing my mind, gained 35 lbs in past 2 years without changing my eating habits. I gained the weight after I had lost 50 lbs. Been on Toprol about 2 1/2 years ( I think ) Every symptom I have experienced I have read in your posts!! I have type 2 diabetes and am on glucophage, I also take 10 other scripts. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, RSD in my left arm, muscle pain and joint pain. Pain in my right upper qaudrant. Nausea/ some vomiting, NO ENERGY, Loss of interest in most of life. So now after reading all your posts I have to ask myself, are all my symptoms linked to the Toprol and not syndromes or illnesses? I am calling my doctor in the morning and getting off this med!! They will just have to put me on something else!!!
So how do I post to receive replies?
Joyce47oh

WEIGHT GAIN, NUMBNESS IN FINGERS AND FEET. LET PAIN. I ALREADY HAVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE, THYROID DISEASE AND AM MISERABLE ON THIS.

I GAINED 12 POUNDS IN TWO MONTHS. I'M IN A FOG AND CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING. HAVE REALLY BAD LEG PAIN TRYING TO EXERCISE.

I THINK THIS DRUG SLOWED MY METABOLISM.

I have been taking 25mg generic for about a year. Have had increasing short-term memory loss and beginning to have episodes of slight tremors. I can't correlate this with anything else except starting this med - can these things happen on such a low dose?

62 year old male. After one month of taking it, my doctor raised me from 50 mg Metoprolol to 100 mg. No side effects until the dosage was raised. Then immediately got a traveling toothache, going from one tooth to another, culminating in an extreme earache. Had many of the symptoms mentioned in this forum, including short term memory loss resulting in my first auto accident in 40 years--a parking lot collision which was my fault. My doctor refused to ascribe any side effects to the drug except headache ; but I was told by local pharmacists that doubling the dose was too drastic and that my symptoms were typical. Had some rebound after stopping on my own a week ago, but pretty much back to normal, and the side effects are gone. I've tried other BP meds and am convinced that modern medicine just doesn't do it. Am looking into natural alternatives.

Started Toprol last summer for palpitations and skipping heartbeat. Have gone up and down with dosage. I've read just about all of the side effects and there are only 2 out of many that bother me. Most of what I've read are women. Do any men suffer from decreased libido? This one is KILLING me!! Also short term memory loss.

I started taking Toprol XL after being diagnosed with SVT back in May of 2003. I was only in my late 20's & was very trusting, at the time. I was recently sent to a cardiologist because I was having horrible chest pain & the Toprol XL 50 MG wasn't working at keeping the heart rate down. The GP put me on a double dose as well as Cardizem to help with the chest pain & rapid heart rate. I was already on Lanoxin 0.5MG, the highest dose allowed. The cardiologist took me off of the Cardizem right away because he said that is was too stressful for the heart to be on that much heart medicine. I went though several tests & was told by the cardiologist that I didn't have SVT & that this was actually Postural Tachycardia (POTS) & Neurocardiogenic Syncope. I was taken off of Lanoxin, but kept on Toprol XL 100 MG. He put me on lots of salt & water to increase my blood volume which would help my blood pressure when standing. That was in June of 2007. All went pretty good, I thought, until January 18, 2008 when I was working. My heart rate went up to 136 just standing or walking across a room. I called the doctor & talked to a nurse who suggested that I take another 1/2 of a Toprol. I did that & felt better for awhile, but it was short lived. I had been having chest pain, rapid heart rate, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, short term memory problems, rapid weight gain, hair loss, cold extremities, & other things I can't think of right now for what seemed like forever. My gynecologist & my cardiologist first thought that I had thyroid problems, but all tests have come back negative. They then thought that maybe it was from the birth control pills that I had been on for the ovarian cysts. I was changed from one medicine to another & at first I thought that was what was wrong. I am now certain that all of the problems that I have been having were & are a result of the Toprol XL. I was even told that all the problems were "psychiatric in nature". I know that that isn't it at all! I have never had anxiety problems & the GP now thinks that's all that is wrong with me & wants me to go on Zoloft. I tried it, but became so ill that after one pill, I quit. I now plan on weaning myself off of the Toprol XL without the GP's knowledge or consent. The cardiologist was planning on weaning me off at some time in the future, but I am starting without him knowing it at the time. I'll just tell him when I see him next month. Thanks everyone for alerting me to the facts about this medicine. If I had known then what I do now, I'd have never consented to starting it in the first place. My only question is, are some of the "side effects" going to be a permanent thing for me or will they eventually go away? Any advice would be welcome! Thanks again!

I took Toprol for almost 2 years then in Aug generic came out Metoprolol and I switched over. I was taking 25mg. After a few weeks, I noticed numbness in my index finger and middle finger. Then it happened in other hand. Doc said I had tendinitis in one hand and slept wrong on the other...I was also depressed and having panic attacks. From the onset of taking Toprol my sleep was disturbed,but thought it was age related. Once I went on Metoprolol insomnia set in. Then my feet went cold and numb and my arms were so heavy and tingly and my joints hurt. My right shin hurt to touch as well. Vision was cloudy and had trouble adjusting to light changes. Finally it dawned on my that the changes occurred about the time I started the generic. I went back to doc and he pretty much told me I was crazy, prescribed Xanax and a session with a psychiatrist! He switched me back to Toprol and I felt no better then he switched me to
Atenolol with same result. By this time, my chest was on fire and I had extreme difficultly breathing. Called doc and he told me to stop cold turkey. I did and thought I was going to die one day. Throat closed up blood pressure soared. He stopped me on Nov 11 or 12th. I have been on nothing. Blood pressure is not leveled. When I first sit down it is like 140/93. If I wait a few minutes it goes down to 120/80 or a little lower. I was expecting to feel a lot better by this point in the game. I still have numbness in my pinky and ring finger and in my toes. If I take Advil it lessens to where it is not so bothersome. Anyone know how long this stuff takes to get out of your system? I am shopping for a new doc since mine know things I am a hypo. I am a 39 yr old female with no other health issues. Was originally put on for stress related palps.

I have been taking it for two weeks. The first week I noticed severe itching lasting 30 minutes or more within 3 hours of taking the 50 mg pill. I also had headaches, insomnia, nightmares, ringing in my ears and short term memory loss. I thought these symptoms would decrease when my body adjusted to the medication. After taking it for one week, my blood pressure did not go down, but increased. I called my doctor's office to let them know. I should have reported these side effects at that time, but since I just talked to the nurse on the phone, I didn't mention them. The nurse told me the doctor wanted me to double my dose since it was not decreasing my blood pressure. I then began having swelling of the hands, feet, ankles & lower legs, joint pain, increased thirst, dry lips and mouth, shortness of breath in addition to the original side effects. The only thing that stopped was the itching. I am going to call my doctor's office Tuesday (we are in the middle of a 3-day weekend/holiday) and report all of this.

September 15, I first started taking Toprol XL 50 mg for an irregular heart
2007 beat. That was about 2.5 years ago. It didn't help me at
1:27 PM first so my Dr. upped it to 100mg. It helped for about a
year and a half before I began having diarrhea and loose bowels for over a year now. My doctor didn't seem too concerned about
that. At the same time I was taking 1500mg of Niacin a day. I thought
the loose bowels came from too much Niacin, so I asked the Dr. to take
me off that. That did not help me at all. I am seeiing my Dr. next week
I do hope I can get off of Toprol. I have other side effects as well, enlarged thyroid, dizziness, short term memory, depressed,sleepy. But I do mow the lawn without any fatigue. I am tired of the diarrhea every day 2 to 3 times a day. Thanks to everyone who has posted their side effects/ It helps to know others are having the same side effects I am with Toprol.

I'm a 56 year old woman. 5'4" 116. Very fit .Have hypothyroidism and take Synthroid.. Was diagnosed with high blood pressure (which I beleive is due to a too high dose of Synthroid) Was prescribed toprol, just 25 Mgs. Wow!! Was that a bad experience. With the first few days of taking it, began the Foggy brain, dizziness, no ability to concentrate.. no energy.. Head aches, joint pains. Complete lack of interest in doing much of any thing including sex!. Have became almost reclusive because I didn't feel confident interacting with people (I'm a VP of Sales.. not good for my job)! I was bumping into things.. Felt like I was on another planet.. Thought I was nuts... Great to have found this site Also.. Have gain 5 pounds that are not falling off since I stopped this med on my own after only 10 days.. YIKES! Who does this stuff work well for?

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

I have been on Toprol xl 200mg for over 3.5 years now. due to high blood pressure problems. and Hmo Doctors who refuse to change meds. typical of hmo systems. I dont like this medication and have been fighting with Doctors to get off it.( no luck) as yet! I have tryed myself a few times doing it slow at small dose, however I have withdraw symptoms! and im forced to go back to the medication again. I think most Doctors fear this problem so they try and pass the buck to a hmo cardiologist, who only tells you, I dont do that - go back to your primary Doctor? its like running in circles !
bad part I have every know side effect from this medication, Doc gave me 4omg of Diovan to counter act the toprol effects.. ahhh! that didnt help.. make them worse..and caused more effects ! blurred vision -chest pains
short term memory loss, Hair loss, and thinning real bad.. I have counted over 56 side effects for just toprol xl alone.. and another 31 for Diovan
plus the fact Diovan was recalled one time before.. and then changed and re-released again.. I feel like the walking dead - Im so tired all the time..
and boy! if your out in the heat.. 85deg F. or more.. watchout people.. you can pass out cold ! from this crap - its got some real bad effects when it gets hot outside. stay in doors and out of the heat ! unless you have to work like me.. I guess one day I will find a good Doctor who will help me
for now, Hmo systems stink ! but im stuck with one till October.. then its bye bye for Hmo's for me.. there has to be a better way to go !
Toprol xl is not the ansure or cure ! by the way I get palpitations off and on from diovan or toprol xl .. its very strange... hate this medication

Weight gain, short term memory loss, not focusing when driving, depression, weird dreams, low sex drive, no drive at all.

Weight gain, sluggishness, memory fogs. I've been on Toprol for nearly 3 years and my 2 biggest areas of concern are my weight and memory. I've gained 25 pounds in 3 years (never had a weight issue before and I'm 40) and CANNOT lose it. I've been on a very restricted diet for the past 4 weeks while also power walking 30 min/5 days a week with NO WEIGHT CHANGE! That is what prompted me to look into possible effects of Toprol. During the past 3 years I've also noticed a problem with my short term memory which I naturally contributed to my depression. Well, the good news is that with my diet and constant exercise, my blood pressure has dropped to 118/78 and I am seeing my doctor and presenting many of the forum entries to her this week. I am going to have her change my meds and hopefully be able to come off completely. I'm currently on Toprol XL 50mg.

I will update on changes!

I have heart palpitations and was shocked back into sinus rhythmn via a cardio-vert procedure. I have been in regular rhythmn for over a year. However during this time my moods have become excessively black, my sleep has been irregular, and I can nod off at a moment's notice. During this time I have had lapses in short term memory and have suffered from bouts of bad judgement which I have never suffered from before in my life.

My cardio suggests keeping me on these but I feel I must get off of the medication. I have been off for up to three days and have found that my outlook and vitality has improved greatly.

A pharmacist heard my breathing and told me I was over medicated. My doctors prescribed 20/12.5 Benicar, olmesmartan, twice a day for systemic hbp and Toprol once a day for pulmonary hypertension. I gradually stopped taking the Benicar because I could barely function, felt like I had been beaten down all day, had the sharp pains from one point to another and couldn't remember anything short term. I'm also allergic to sulfa which is an ingredient in olmesmartan. I'm only taking Toprol. I feel 200% better. The "charlie horses" aren't nearly as bad and the sharp pains and muscle tenderness are gone. My short term memory is better as well. I drink lots of water and take a potassium supplement. As a result, I retain much less fluid.

Hair thinning anyone? blurr vision ? confusion daily? cramping and aches and pains all over ? headaches ? dry mouth? ringing of ears? dry eyes when waking up ? cant sleep and nightmares? short term memory loss ? upset stomach tummy aches? itching all over ? gas and trapped gas ? tired -no get up and go, and when you do get up and go, you cant ! for long? waight gain of 8 to 10 pounds ? cant loose waight - ? sore inside of nose ,with running nose ?
anyone got these symptoms. im on 200mg toprol xl per day with 40mg diovan . I also get intermitten palpatations .
b.p is down to almost normal now, but I feel the walking dead
here..with all the side effects - im seeing a cardiolgest in a few days ! cant take it anymore side effects ! I dont feel normal anymore.. what is normal ?

I have been taking Toporal XL 50 mg & altace 5 mg for about 3 years. Had 4 way by-pass 1-year ago and went through cardio rehab sucessfully. Been back to work for about 8 months and recently began feeling stressed out, shortness of breath, short term memory loss, tired and depressed. Recently admitted to hospital for chest pain, vertigo & nausea. All tests came back negative & allowed to go back to work. Toporal reduced to 25 Mg per day and altace increased to 10 mg per day. Given new prescription for anax (?) for anxiety. Hope this will help me get back on track.

Short term memory loss. Tiredness

been on toprol xl for about 1 1/2 years, started having problems urinating. (had to go bad but would only come out slowly) I weened myself off the toprol and now have no problems urinating (after 2 days). also had some weight gain, muscle cramps, short term memory loss, dificulty focusing. As far as I am concerned they can keep the med.
jeff

50 mg./ weight gain (10 lbs.), short term memory impairment, decreased sex drive, but fewer migraines and anxiety symptoms, straining sensation in chest gone

i've been on toprol xl since november 2004. i have gained 15 lbs!! i've always been the same size my whole life (i'm 28) and suddenly none of my clothes will fit. working out doesn't help either. i called my heart dr about this, & he, of course said, this medication doesn't cause weight gain. maybe you're just getting older!!! what?? i also have abdominal pain & gas all the time when i never did before this drug. i'm also tired all the time, and like someone else said, my short term memory is affected. i took myself off of it a week ago. can someone tell me, will the extra weight come off naturally now that i'm off ot it???? please email me if you know.

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38 year old female, starting toprol xl 50 daily six months ago. After the first few days went down to 25 daily due to chest pain, migraine, mood swings.

Currently hoping to go off med - was prescibed it for palps, mvp, migraines, and anxiety.

I have gained weight and inlisted the help of a personal trainer 6 weeks ago - has helped but the weight won't come off.

I feel tired, nightmares occasionally, slightly depressed, moody, and lack of short term memory is effecting my job performance. I hope to get off this drug soon too.

have been on about 3 months; seem to urinate more; occasional stiffness in my neck; hot flashes; some confusion with short term memory. Any one have the same issues? I also drink three cocktails per night. Is alcohol an issue?

confusion,short term memory loss, severe feet pain,swelling of feet and hands, muscle cramps,and tired most of the time. restless nights, have no energy. i am 54 have hbp lately bp is unstable to say the least. since i have read these other side effects i will go back to get different bp medicine. Rick

Hi,

Had BP spike due to panic attacks and primary high BP 170/110. Was put on "water pill" and 25 mg, did nothing, 50 mg, lowered it some but not enough. Then 100 mg. BP is 127/79, but have had modest weight gain, short-term memory loss, decreased interest in sex, and the mental fogginess. See the Dr. in Feb., can he substitute anything for this? Heart rate is down to 65-70 was 100-110. Also eating less, and walking but still the weight gain. Thanks. 46 year old male.
Randy

My Toprol has been upped to 100mg daily plus my doctor also added Maxzide, which is a diuretic. I have to take my Toprol at night due to extreme fatigue, become dizzy upon awakening, have short term memory loss, feel as though I am in a fog at times, have lost the mental "sharpness" that I used to have and seem to have lost my feelings. My boyfriend is upset because I don't seem to have an interest in him anymore, and to be honest, on this medicine I really don't have an interest in him or anything else. The only plus is that I used to have pre-menstrual migraines every month and since the Toprol was increased, I don't have them anymore. The depression is making me lose out on life tho, and I plan on talking to my doctor about changing it.

Achy joint pain increasing the pain in my wrists, hands and feet. Ache in big toe does resemble gout. Cervical neck pain and hip joint pain come and go, but the pain in my wrists, and feet remain constant. Lower back muscle pain and deep muscle pain on my right chest area. Some loss of short term memory and confusion in daily routines that did not exist before. The severe anxiety when missing a dose is very disturbing and that is exactly what happens to me and I don't want to be "addicted" to a drug. My depression (which was under control for thirty years) has now returned. If this is the price I have to pay just to lower my BP for a bit, than NO THANKS. I am on 50 mgs of Toprol and I want my doctor to decrease my dose.

I had short term memory loss but was also taking lilitor and blamed it on that, quit taking it and the memory went back to normal, however have had large weight gain and strange dreams plus hot flashes.

Short term memory loss. Slowed reflexes. Mental foggieness. Whenever a dose is missed even by a few hours, severe rebound effects in the form of anxiety that feels similar to consuming massive amounts of caffine. I am taking 50 mg/per day of Toprol XL.

disturbing dreams, difficulty waking, exhaustion, short term memory loss, confusion, aching joints, swollen knee, muscle cramping, difficulty concentrating. Switched to Lopressor which helped a little but am still having the problems with nightmares, sleep disturbances and mental fogginess. Doesn't seem to be as bad as with the Toprol XL, though.