| Key to ratings for toprol-xl: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
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| 1 | foggy brain, feeling completely "out of it", no motivation at all. | I've only been on this drug a few weeks and I'm going to stop. I wish I had found this site BEFORE I started taking this drug. I had been feeling good for a year or so (after medication problems for hypothyroidism) and wham, here I am feeling tired and lethargic again! I'm going to really try to control my boderline high BP with diet and exerciswe. | F | 45 | 14 days | 2/3/2010 | 3 | blood pressure, heart rate | Peyronie Disease, low sex drive, inability to maintain erection, tiredness, weakness in muscles. | M | 69 | 4 years | 2/1/2010 | 1 | chest pain | depression,flu like symptoms,headache | M | 62 | 30 days | 1/26/2010 | 4 | irregular heartbeats | chest pains, insomnia, lethargy (that may be caused by something else. Weight gain. | If I miss a dose, my heart goes wild so obviously I must take Toprol (generic for me) but will talk with cardiologist about alternative drugs. There is batch inconsistency so the side effects can change. If there is something better and if I can afford it, I would prefer to be on a more stable medication with fewer side effects. | F | 68 | 5 years | 1/17/2010 | 5 | heart problems | i did not have any side effects to this medicine they did try the gerenic and i could not take it i had chest pains it made me sick at my stomach the gerenic did not work for me. thanks nell | i am still taking the toprol-xl if i dont take it i will start haveing chest pains. and feel like i am going to pass out. thanks nell p.s. i have been taking this medicine for i thank about 5 or 6 years | F | 63 | 6 years | 1/13/2010 | 4 | High blood pressure | No side-effects. Took at night at first. Now I take it in the morning. No weight gain, not tired. | Hair loss after four or five months. Possible due to toprol or delayed reaction to an extremely stressful situation. | F | 61 | 4 months | 12/26/2009 | 1 | BP was okay after heart attack | Cardiologist said it would make my heart work less. About every three months I would end up with bouts of low blood pressure which felt like heart attacks. No blockage was found, but went through numerous cardiac caths which cost a bundle. After awhile, I wouldn't even go into the hospital because I was going broke. The time it reoccurred in the ER, the last thing I remember before passing out is the nurse saying "BP is 50 over 30 and dropping". | The cardiologist told me repeatedly over 4 years that Toprol could not cause these symptoms, but I weaned myself off of it 18 months ago and haven't had a recurrence yet. That was from a 25 mg dosage, so I can't imagine what a stronger one would have done to me. | M | 49 | 4.5 years | 12/18/2009 | 1 | hypertension | When I started the drug it gave me chills and motion sickness. I was on a minimal dose of 25 mg. for blood pressure. After 4 months I started having palpitations (heart pounding but no rapid pulse) about 2 hours before next dose was due. I also had chest tightness and shortness of breath doing very little, and I do NOT have a history of asthma. I had some chest twinges with exertion, such as climbing stairs. Getting off of it was HELL! | Withdrawal from this drug was AWFUL! My doctor cut the dose in half, and on the fourth night I had palpitations, heat and tightness in my chest, shakiness, ice-cold hands and feet, and my hands were white! It felt like all of the adrenalin that had been suppressed burst through. I almost went to the ER, but the symptoms were so vague I didn't know what to do. It almost felt like a heart attack without the chest pain, or like an addict's withdrawal. In the morning I was freezing like I had the flu. My MD put me on Xanax to treat the symptoms until they calmed down. The second drop, which stopped the med, I had chills, cold white hands, and palpitations on the fourth day again, but less severe. I found out that 1 out of 100 people has a withdrawal effect from this drug. No beta blockers for me ever again!!!!!! | F | 53 | 4 months | 11/19/2009 | 1 | High blood pressure, tachycardia | Experienced foggy/lack of memory. Couldn't carry on conversations, at times, for forgetting what I was saying or couldn't express myself. Weight gain of 20+ lbs although eating healthy. Hair loss on top of head (usually thick). Vivid nightmares after days of sleeplessness. Tired during the day. Hard to get started in the mornings... no motivation. Tightness, painful swelling in arms and hands. Blurred/poor vision. Ringing in ears or 'white noise' rushing sound like butterfly wings. | Doctor prescribed AmbienCR for insomnia which meant sleeping through my days offs (did not take all of the time). This led to MORE nightmares when I DID sleep. Diagnosed with IBS and was prescribed Elavil which led to dry mouth and itchy skin. Became more depressed and they added Lexapro to the concoction... to hell with it. I've been off the Toprol and Lexapro for 3 days and feeling better. Having spurts of 'giggly' talking. Slept without taking Ambien, this weekend. Wondering if some of this weight gain and hair loss will improve. Personally... I wouldn't recommend these 'side effects' on anyone... won't take it again. Weaning off WITHOUT doctor's consent... he can bite me! | F | 52 | 19 months | 11/15/2009 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | I would not want anyone that I know to take Toprol XL! I started on this medicine after my mother passed away. I began feeling exhausted, could not sleep, I had dry eyes, joint pain,rapid weight gain, low blood pressure, dizziness, ringing in my ears, swelling in my legs, ice cold feeling in my legs, carpaltunnelsyndrome, pin point red rash, hair loss, short of breath, heart palpitations, excessive gas, confusion, sweating, side pain, hoarsness, sore throat. I discontinued this medicine 3 months ago I have just now been able to sleep 6 hours at a time. My legs still swell and I have not lost any of the weight. | How long does this medicine take to completely get out of your system??? | M | 49 | 12 months | 11/10/2009 | 1 | pvcs and pacs | headache shortness of breath anxiety got worse stop sleeping I didn't have energy to do anything depression got worse i didn't know what was going until i started to read the side effects of toprol and it fitted all the symtoms i was having so i am coming off of it a little at a time it also make my blood pressure go up | please please be carefully before you let the drs put you on it | F | 62 | 3 years | 10/30/2009 | 3 | Tachycardia/palps/HBP | Constant cold feet, strange and vivid dreams, lethargy. | I gradually went from 25mg to 100mg, for HBP that they believe was symptomatic of the tachycardia. It dropped my BP to 130/80 which is considerably lower than the 160/90 that I started with. This outweighed the side effects for me but I would like just one day of warm feet. | F | 24 | 2.5 years | 10/20/2009 | 4 | Irregular heartbeat | N/A | F | 44 | 3 years | 10/7/2009 | 4 | Tachycardia, PVC's, PIH | Generic forms of medication caused increased palpitations and put me into atrial fibrillation at the age of 28!! Switching back to the name brand and paying the price of the medication has helped significantly | Have been on Toprol XL name brand for 4 years. Tried multiple generic versions over the course of a year as my prescription plan mail order company kept switching suppliers. All generics of this medication are not the same, beware. I had significant side effects on gerenic. Went back on name brand and now fine. Had my first child on Toprol XL name brand without problems and now pregnant with second child and still on the medications | F | 29 | 5 years | 9/1/2009 | 3 | high blood pressure | Initially this drug made my legs ache on simple walks. Gradually, that went away, but it dulled my usually cheerful mood, cut my energy level and now, is causing hair thinning. I know my body is dependent on it because when I delay my 100 mg. to a few hours later than usual (evening dose with a meal), I start to get a headache. | When the generic was available I used it, but suffered with itchy scalp and itching on my hands just before the recall. Of course, my doctor made no inquiry when I asked if I could be allergic to a drug I had been taking (in the brand name form) for years. I am so disappointed that a doctor would brush off patient concern, not even asking if my pharmacy had switched me to the generic metropolol. I have had trouble losing weight since being on this medication and was alarmed when my regular doc mentioned blood sugar levels creeping up for a while and I I noticed how easily belly weight rolled on. Weight gain upsets me, so I watch my intake and food choices much more carefully. The hair loss will be discussed at my next appt. | F | 60 | 9 years | 8/29/2009 | 2 | slightly elevated heart rate | fatigue, feelings of depression, some flu-like symptoms, heart rate would not go past 110 when i exercised. | I was only taking a tiny 12.5 mg dose and was surprised by how it affected me. My mother takes it in higher doses with no problems, so I am not sure why I reacted that way. I just don't think it is the right drug for me. The only positive thing i did notice is that my feelings of anxiety were improved taking this medication. | F | 37 | 14 days | 8/29/2009 | 4 | palpitations (benign) | Dramatically improved my palpitations but decreased heart rate so exercise was difficult since my heart rate could only go so high; improved anxiety and calmed me down (big plus); limbs fall asleep often during nighttime if sleeping in awkward position; concerned about possible effects on pregnancy (may increase risk of miscarriage) so I've decided to go off using a 7-week step-down protocol | Earlier in 2009 there was a problem with the generic manufacturer that resulted in it being pulled from pharmacy shelves since the dosage was not accurate as formulated | F | 34 | 5 years | 8/17/2009 | 1 | reduce heart rate | isomnia and shortness of breath were unacceptable | M | 85 | 8/10/2009 | 1 | 50mg | weight gain, worsening anxiety, fatigue, joint pain, significant insomnia | I started taking this for Atrial Fibrillation, this year my doc wanted to increase it because of a slight elevation in BP at the office 130/80. I said no way and finally decided to seek another opinion. I have only one episode a year and occasional flutters which I now know may be a side effect as well. My new doc suggests coming off , so I am starting the taper. I can't wait to feel better. | F | 53 | 5 years | 8/6/2009 | 4 | Migraines & BP | Heartburn, chest tightness | Was on this medication for 18 yrs. but was switched to Inderal LA when it was pulled off the market for a few months. Took a long time to adjust to the Inderal, but 3 months into the new meds I started to lose my hair & had to go off it. The Inderal was working wonders for the migraines, but the Dr. suggested I go back on metoprolol ER. It's been 3 weeks & a lot of adjusting from 100 mg a day (what I was on for years) now to 50 mg. a day. My pulse runs higher than before, but the blood pressure is stablizing. Had 3 days of migraines the 2nd week I was taking the meds, so I'm afraid this isn't going to be as effective and my hair has not stopped falling out yet. The only true answer would be if I didn't have to take any meds! | F | 41 | 3 weeks | 8/1/2009 | 3 | Pre hypertensive | Early days...vivid dreams/extremely low bp and heart rate...fatigue. Now 1 year later just a little fatigue in the morning. I take it at night. | I have been on Toprol XL 25 mg 1x nightly for 1 year. It was a nightmare in the early days due to side effects. I had tinnitus before taking it so can't say it caused that. I am wondering if it is making the tinnitus worse now as it seems louder. A cardiologist put me on it because of anxiety and panic attacks associated with getting really bad tinnitus. I think he was aggressive putting me on it and never told me about the side effects. I would like to wean myself off it and would appreciate anyone who has had success doing it let me know what to expect. My bp is on the average 115/70. winterbridge55@gmail.com | M | 56 | 1 years | 7/30/2009 | 1 | Mild heart attack | chest pain, depression, muscle aches, nightmares, no sex drive, erection problems, cold hands and feet, dizziness, short term memory loss, you name it! | This drug is systemic poison! It may control BP in some people but it eventually makes more damage than good. I was taking this junk for 4 months 50mG twice daily. These were worst months in my life! Beware – this drug can take your life away! I would not recommend this crap to my worst enemy! | M | 48 | 4 months | 7/26/2009 | 1 | BP | Chest pain, anxiety, some depression, shortness of breath, HIGHER BLOOD PRESSURE THAN WITH TARTRATE | My doctor put me on this so I would have to take one pill a day, versus two 25mg of metoprolol tartrate (one pill 2x daily). Bad news/horrible drug matching many of the other reports and complaints on this website. I went back to the tartrate, which I had been taking for 3.5 years, and all is well. How what is supposed to be the same drug can have such negative effects is beyond me, but this board attests to them. | M | 67 | 1 weeks | 7/22/2009 | 1 | Dr. put me on Coumadin and 25mg of toprol XL I havent't been the same since memory problems neck pain dizziness on and on. I first though it was the coumadin I Stopped taking it three days ago. I will see. | 7/14/2009 | 1 | Chest Pain and High BP | All of a sudden i started to have pain ,--very severe---in my ear and my eye watered so much, it swelled almost closed. I went to the dr. who ran many scans, and they show one of my jaws is out of line , so he called it tmj., But--I am going to get off Toprol, because I believe that Toprol is the culprit ! ! ! I have NEVER had any trouble with tmj before , so since the pain in my ear is soooo bad, I read that Toprol can cause gland and ear problems, and tinnitus. I am going to wean off. I only take 12 and 1/2 mg. , but I still think Toprol is the problem . I feel bad, and can't seem to function problem. Has anyone had ear pain on this stuff? PLEASE let me know. cbt@centurytel.net | F | 75 | 2 weeks | 7/12/2009 | 4 | Atrial Flutter/Fib | Tiresome, Low sex drive | I was prescribed Metoprolol by my cardiologist because of palpitation/atrial flutters. The drug seemed to help greatly. Before, I was having palpitations every day, sometimes all day. While taking the drug for three months (25 MG, twice/day) I had only about seven days of flutters which lasted a very short period of time. I heard the drug blocks testosterone, which is probably the cause of the lower sex drive. My flutters seemed to get worse when my doc was trying other heart rhythm medications, in addition to Metoprolol. I'm trying to schedule the ablation surgery so I can stop taking Metoprolol and completely rid myself of the flutters. | M | 36 | 3 months | 7/7/2009 | 4 | Hypertension | Over 50MG this drug can interfere with sleep (severely) and can make your otherwise healthy heart work too hard, but under that dose it WORKS. | At 25MG Toprol my blood pressure is controlled, and my middle of the night insomnia (3AM) is subsiding. Stress induced PVCs and PACs (all benign) are minimal. I've tried Vascor and Benicar, both these drugs scare the heck out of me; Vascor created a symphony in my left ear (horrible) that won't go away (and I was only on 2.5 MG for three weeks!), Benicar I discovered is an immuno suppressant and actively used for this purpose at well over 40MG every six hours with NO additional affect on hypertension so this is NOT an anti-hypertensive drug, it's intended for something else. Do I want to suppress my immune system to lower my BLOOD PRESSURE? I think NOT. Toprol may be an "old" drug, but how many people has it KILLED??? Not as many as some of these new drugs, trust me on this one. | F | 62 | 12 years | 6/14/2009 | 1 | HBP | This medicine is horid! Could not breathe - very short of breath, chest pains all the time, no energy, no sex drive, depressed all the time. No ambition to do anything, gave up doing most everything except work. I would come home from work and crawl right into bed and watch TV - muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, felt like I was in a fog always, couldn't think straight. I am now on Azor and trying to come off of the Toprol....that has been very hard to do. Every time my dose is decreased I get heart paplations, shortness of breath, so dizzy that I can not drive, shakiness feeling inside, and these symptoms last for 3-5 days - just in time to decrease the dose again. Once off, I will never let them put me on a Beta blocker again. | F | 47 | 5 years | 6/11/2009 | 1 | HBP | Horrible ringing in the ears and very low pulse. | Be very, very careful coming off this drug. It can really mess you up if you try to stop it cold turkey. I reduced the dose over a week or so and still had some really horrible side effects the day I stopped entirely. | M | 59 | 6 months | 6/10/2009 | 3 | LEFT VENTRICUCLAR HYPERTROPHY | EXHAUSTION, WEIGHT GAIN IN STOMACH, DON'T CARE ABOUT JOB, CANNOT FUNCTION UNTIL 4 OR 5 P.M. WHILE WORKING 10HR WORK DAYS, CHILLS, PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, FELL DOWN IN FRONT OF GROCERY STORE, HAIR LOSS, I JUST FEEL 10 YEARS OLDER IN 6 WEEKS! | I TAKE IT WITH LISINOPRIL/HCTZ....I NEED TO WEAN OFF AND WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING NATURAL I COULD TAKE | F | 54 | 6 weeks | 6/8/2009 | 1 | hypertension | headache, dizziness, brain fogginess, inablity to concentrate, insomnia, reflux, muscle aches, fatigue, feet problems, palpatations | Have been on this drug for 9 months and could not figure why I have been feeling like crap and continually getting worse. Feeling as if my life was going to end at a young age. The fatigue and muscle aches were severe. I really started putting pieces together when my RX looked different and thought they sent the wrong drug. I did research on many sites and found common threads in all of my side effects and linking them to this drug. I was even thinking I may have brain cancer or something with the fogginess. Started reading and appauled by the side effects that MANY people experience. These drugs should be outlawed and drug manufactures should be liable for the damage they are doing to lives!!!! I have an extremely ill husband with renal failure and do not need to join him in being unhealthy with this poison they are giving. I was otherwise healthy besides the hypertension. How long before the side effects subside after discontinuing? | M | 46 | 9 months | 5/26/2009 | 1 | Resting Tachycardia | Dont take it no matter what it is old and out dated and it can KILL you and if it doesn't do that the side effects are insane and the WITHDRAWAL is HELL.. Please if you reading this do your research and get on one of the newer drugs and keep it at a very low dose so you don't have to go through what my experience of a true living nightmare has been... also remember you pay the DOCTORS to work for you and they are human not GODS.. listen to your own inner voice.. | F | 35 | 3 years | 5/25/2009 | 5 | tachycardia/chest pain/htn | for the first week some drowsiness then no problems | my heart rate at rest would be 120 even when sleeping. my heart was working so hard and fast that it was not filling up enough to get enough blood flow out causing me to have severe chest pain. this medication has been wonderful. resting heart rate 70's and b/p normal | F | 35 | 5 years | 5/23/2009 | 3 | pvc's and pac's with added lower BP | I have been taking Toprol XL 50mg for 9 months now. ALways sleepy, tired, lethargic. DIZZY. everything makes me dizzy now even riding in the car. Spacey in the head sometimes i feel like i can't get my thought across while i'm talking. weight gain of 11 lbs in 9 months. I have no energy. | As far as my pac's and pvc's it absolutely has helped that. i hardley ever get them now. but the trade off of the sleepy and no energy and wt. gain is driving me crazy. I have to get switched to something else where i have energy again to do normal things. | F | 31 | 9 months | 5/17/2009 | 3 | BLOOD PRESSURE | M | 50 | 5 days | 5/8/2009 | 4 | High BP/blocked rt. renal artery | hair loss, neck stiffness, ringing in ears, visual skin & complextion changes, brain fog, horrendous nightmares | Began taking Toprol-XL August 2008. I take 100 mg. a day Toprol-XL in AM , along with diurectics: HC(Hydro-chlorothiazide)5 mg.1xday (morning)& Demadex (Torsemide)5 mg.1xday (morning). BP down to 130/80 from 160/90. Side effects (though lessened) are still w/me but I decided to wait them out...and I do feel better. Hair loss has slowed and nightmares no longer; brain fog much less/creeps in sometimes and I struggle to 'push it away'by forcing myself to compensate mentally. No weight gain but was doing Weight Watchers before Toprol-XL and have lost 40 pounds since 6/4/08; however, the losses come in a strange cycle-lose 4 pounds in a week; no loss for 2 weeks; gain 1 pound; lose 3 to 4 again..but I will continue to work at this. Dieting is NOT the answer; eating correctly is the answer. | F | 64 | 9 months | 5/7/2009 | 2 | heart palpitations | unbareable fatigue,drowsiness,the feeling of the drug being in your body,severe achiness (as if the flu- without the other flu symptoms. | F | 44 | 30 days | 5/3/2009 | 4 | MVP, severe palpitations, anxiety | Other than my recurrent neck stiffness I have not had any problems on this medication so far. I have been on 25mg for a 1.5 months and Ive had at most 2 noticeable palpitations and they only occurred because I was extremely upset. | I was undiagnosed for about a year as my symptoms gradually became worse and worse. Frequent and prolonged panic attacks & severe anxiety. I later developed muscle aches & spasms especially in my neck, localized numbness in my left arm and face, slight blindness in my left eye, severe nausea, elevated BP, a resting heart rate of 90-100BPM and beyond severe heart palpitations. Felt like my heart would stop beating and then the next beats to make up for it felt like a horse kicking me in the chest. At my worst I was sleeping about 14 hours a day and sitting the remaining hours because I was dead tired from my heart beating so hard and fast for so many months. Even with all the sleeping and resting for 6 months and eating through the holidays I wasnt gaining any weight and I thought I was going to die. Finally I was put on a holter monitor and that picked up what my doctors would miss every time i visited them. I was diagnosed with MVP and an arrhythmia after having an ecocardiogram. After being on this medication for a week I was a completely different person. Almost back to my old self. My boyfriend was beyond amazed by my transformation. I feel the best I have felt in a year. I do get a bit tired occasionally but its worth it. I have lost weight while on this medication because I am able to be more active. I hope that I can continue to have such a liberating result from this medication and I hope that anyone considering taking this will at least try. I wish you al | F | 24 | 2 months | 5/1/2009 | 3 | to control BP | Itching, dizziness, Am taking 25 mg daily. | It keeps my pulse at 60 but BP is still borderline. So I now take 5 mg Benicar to maintain it near normal. | F | 70 | 2 years | 5/1/2009 | 3 | A-fib episode | Fatigue, especially in am, foggy out-of-it feeling, weight gain of about 8-10 pounds, muscle aches, some ringing in one ear, dry eyes, dry mouth | Take 50 mgs once a day-would like to reduce dosage. Dr. has said not to. Also have an underactive thyroid and am on medication for that. But would really like to get off the Toprol to see if I would feel any better. | F | 66 | 2 years | 4/30/2009 | 2 | hypertension | Almost continuous mild nausea and 'discomfort' in upper left abdomen, and difficulty swallowing (not like an allergic reaction--have had that experience--it's different!) after an increase in dose from 50 mg to 200 mg. With increase in dosage, also suffered from insomnia--waking up at 4 or 5 a.m. | In addition, two of the 3 pharma companies that were making the generic were forced to stop production due to poor quality. It was when I began using the drug from PAR that all the side effects greatly intensified. Am going to begin the brand name as soon as it arrives. Am also going to gradually decrease dosage, as I think that 200 mg is more than I need. Side effects definitely do NOT outweigh the benefits, as there are many other meds that can treat hypertension. | F | 62 | 2 years | 4/26/2009 | 1 | Borderline h bp 150/84 | ED, bad dreams, hallucinations, shortness of breath,mild chest discomfort, Anxiety bouts, depression | The doctor put me on toprol 25mg for borderline hbp. My wife and I both noticed a complete out of character change in me, waking up in the middle of the night yelling from bad dreams,bouts of anxiety, hallucinations.I stopped taking it after 7 weeks. I still have after effects and it has been 6 weeks since I stopped it. I received more info from this website and all these other toprol users that I will ever receive from any doctor that I would visit for 10 minutes.I have started using aleve which seems to block anxiety feelings. I read this from page one of a recent member of this website. I am in very good shape do daily exercise, low fat diet, no alcohol or smoking I am wondering how long this after effect of toprol will stay with me. My current bp is 120/68. This is poison, not recommended.I never had any of these symtoms before I started using toprol. | M | 66 | 7 weeks | 4/20/2009 | 1 | Hypertension, shortness of breath | Weight gain, hair loss, insomnia, profuse sweating, ringing in ears, inability to concentrate, short term memory loss, nightmares | This drug was added to the current blood pressure med that had controlled my blood pressure for the past 10 years. I was put on Topral XL when my blood pressure started to rise. I truly believe it is (White Coat syndrome) I moved to different city and started seeing a different doctor. (I was with my previous doctor for over 20 years.) My blood pressure only rose when I went to the new doctor. I have very thick hair but since being on the drug, My hair is thinning to the point I'm almost ready to purchase a wig. I have not truly slept through the night since being on Topral XL. The sweating is horrible and embarrassing. I am on Weight Watchers and prior to starting Topral, was doing very well. Now in spite of exercising and eating according to my WW plan, instead of loosing, I'm gaining weekly. I have been on Topral for for 3 months an I have gained 25 poounds. My hands and feet are swollen to the point of I'm not able to wear my wedding rings. My doctor has reduced the dosage and continues to tell me that "my body just needs to adjust. The benefits out weighs the side affects." Ive taken it upon myself and I will not be refilling my prescription. I have been weaned to 12.5 mq once a day and I'm going to take it every other day and eventually discontinue Topral all together. I can not take the insomnia, because it causes me to be cranky and irritable and tired during the day. I'm going to loose my job if I don't discontinue taking Topral. | F | 51 | 3 months | 4/18/2009 | 5 | SVT (arrythmia) | I was having heart arrythmias after my daughter was born (at age 37). After being mocked by the first cardiologist, the second one properly diagnosed me as having SVT and started me on toprol-xl, 12.5 mg (I've now been on it for 9 years.) It has worked well for me--the arrythmias are scary and apparently can be life threatening, BUT: I HAVE ALWAYS INSISTED ON THE NAME BRAND MEDICINE. With much pushback from my insurance companies (I've had several in 9 yrs.), I've always REFUSED THE GENERIC. I have to always remember to ask the doctor to write the prescription as "dispense as written." Even still, the insurance co.s have sometimes found a way to "override" the doctor's presc., but with much fighting on my part, I can still get the name brand. In the end, I have to pay about 90% of the cost of the drug, but since it works for me (and so far I have been lucky enough to have an income) it's worth it. | I can't say I've had any problems, BUT: 1) I take the name-brand only (NO GENERICS), and 2)I only take 12.5 mg daily, which is a minimum dose. | F | 46 | 9 years | 4/8/2009 | 1 | Blood pressure | Suffered severe upper and lower G.I. illness. | AstraZeneca has way too much MILK SUGARS in Topol's fillers. If someone is lactose intolerant they cannot take this pill! I ended up in ER and overnight for observation as I was so dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea. Subsequently had a colonscopy and an abdominal angiogram that both proved negative. Doctors didn't know what caused my illness...it came on right after I was on Toprol for about 2 weeks. Prelude was hideous smelly flagellation immediately after I was on it before the diarrhea and vomiting started. I e-mailed AstraZeneca and they basically blew me off. | F | 56 | 3 weeks | 4/8/2009 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Weight gain of 20 lbs. with no change in lifestyle, puffy all over, waking up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, labored breahing during any physical exertion. | I have been taking this med for approx 4 years. I am DONE with it!! I thought it was just me feeling so crappy. I was happier and healthier before taking this drug. I will find an alternative method for treating my HBP. | F | 41 | 4 years | 4/6/2009 | 4 | PVC's after open heart surgery | I thought it worked quite well. Gradually worked my way up to 100mg a day to keep pvc's from happening. Weight gain, feeling like I'm walking through mud and become breathless with any even very slight incline or carrying any weight like a purse or a box. Just put up with these side effects. Then went to another mfg. (sorry, can't think of the name, but it's a blue pill) and started left leg swelling and turning red. Then chest pains and pains in my jaw sent me to the dr. He took me off and started a new costlier drug (can't think of that name either, but had samples) and bp still doesn't come down enough. Going back to dr. next month. Supposedly can't get Toprol XL for 6 months. Except for weight gain, it's the lesser of evils. I think I'll wait for it, but am also on Hyzaar, baby aspirin, simvastatin, a hormone, a thyroid pill and med for asthma-Singulair. Frustrating trying to balance them all. Was told pvc's are not life threatening. | F | 58 | 3 years | 4/2/2009 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Weight gain, swelling, hair loss and shortness of breath. | If a medication does more harm to your body that good. what is the use. these side effects I believe can be dangerous over a long period of time. Take control of you health. eat right and exercise. I have been off this medication now for 2 weeks and I am feeling so much better | F | 62 | 6 years | 3/25/2009 | 5 | Fast Heartrate and High BP | Before I was put on Toprol my feet would turn purple when sitting, I would also feel my heart beating out of my chest at times accompanied by dizziness, weakness, and at times feelings of being on the edge of fainting. I was originally put on 25mg once a day - and within a week I felt 100% better. After a year, I was upped to 25mg twice a day. | While I have gained in the neighborhood of 15 pounds, like another writer, I believe in part that is due to my reduced activity that comes with age. Hair loss is minimal, no more light headed feelings, or dizziness. No longer do my feet turn purple when sitting. No odd dreams or problems sleeping. Overall I am very happy with the effects I have experienced since taking this drug. | F | 46 | 2 years | 3/23/2009 | 3 | tachycardia and dysautonomia | rapid weight gain (70 lbs) in one year, cold hands and feet, major fatigue, shortness of breath easily, hair thinning, joint pain everywhere, bloated stomach, exercise intolerance, lack of energy, crying all the time, no socializing, short term memory loss, concentration problems, feet hurt really bad when standing, eye pain and dryness, high glucose levels, swelling in neck, blood pooling in legs which causes pain, can't take daily walks anymore, not working for over a year, could go on and on...... | I started taking metoprolol xl for unexplained tachycardia. It took alot of trial and error with the dosage, but finally found what would work to stop the "episodes" which all my docs called panic attacks. After a year I finally found out I have dysautonomia. My specialist added klonopin and I have been doing really well with the "attacks" but I have all these other bothersome side effects. I didn't even know metoprolol was the culprit until I came across this site! Everyone just kept blowing my symptoms off. It all makes sense now, but I don't know if the pay off is worth the side effects. I really don't want the ringing in the ears to start, I have had short episodes of it lately and I would go nuts if it were permanent. I don't really know what to do now because getting in to the dysautonomia specialist to discuss this takes like 3 months. When I don't take a pill right on time, I can feel it. My tachycardia reaturns and I get really weird feeling and sick. It's a double edge sword for me!!! What to do? | F | 32 | 1.5 years | 3/20/2009 | 1 | PVC | CANT SLEEP FOGGY SLOWLY FACING DOOM CRYING (REALLY)DETACHED ANXIOUS LIVE WITH PVC JUST BAD MEDICINE IF YOU WANT A LIFE GET OFF THIS MEDICINE!!!!!!!!!! | IVE BEEN ON IT FOR 9 DAYS AND IM DONE IT WILL STEAL YOUR LIFE I HOPE YOU READ THIS BEFORE YOU START TAKING IT ITS NOT A YOUNG 80 OR YOUNGER FIND SOMTHING ELSE. | M | 41 | 9 days | 3/17/2009 | 2 | Mild Heart Attack | Could not sleep through the night, would wake up and could not go back to sleep. ED was what made me go see my Cardiologist and PCP and tell them I wanted off. | Took Toprol XL for almost 3 years. Started after a mild heart attack when Dr. determined I was a possible candidate for Aortic Valve Replacement. 2 years into Toprol therapy I had the valve replacement and continued on Toprol for yet another 8 months. After not being able to sleep and starting with ED (erectile dysfunction) and reading this board, I told my cardiologist and PCP I wanted off Toprol. I was put on Diovan 3 months ago and I can now sleep through the night and the ED is gone, I am back to normal in that department. | M | 53 | 3 years | 3/14/2009 | 1 | High Blood Pressure/High Heart Rate | Weight gain, depression, no energy | I have been on this medicine for almost 6 years and have complained countless times to my doctor how unhappy I am with it. He refuses to change my medicine! My blood pressure readings are still high. Maybe he gets a kick-back from the makers of the drug. I am being forced to seek a new doctor. | F | 32 | 6 years | 3/7/2009 | 1 | Migraines | Severe headache & chest pains | Was on the metoprolol extended release for approx. 6 mos. when I was told they no longer could get it. They substituted the Toprol-XL and I spent 2 nights in the hospital with severe chest pains, extremely dangerous blood pressure readings & the worst headache I've ever had. After 3 days of vomitting and going thru withdrawl (I was reducing the dose by 1/2 during that time) I started a new medication. Due to change I'm now facing a number of issues trying to get back on track. | F | 40 | 7 days | 2/23/2009 | 1 | Resting Tachycarida | Boy I tell you what got on 50 mg of Toprol XL and my body adjusted very quickly because heart rate went up and got taken up to 100mg still did ok, it controlled my heart rate and bp (even though I didn't and don't have high bp), accept weight gain about 25lbs. And it was fast also had funny pains in my chest and acid re flux which I never had before. Then I was put on a Hormone called Yaz and it made my heart soar, but the docs didn't want to see it that way and raised me up another 100mg and then my HELL began!! Trouble sleeping, couldn't lose weight no matter what regime I was on, constipated, dizziness, light headedness, major anxiety, and then one night I went blind, it went away but I dropped 50mg immediately. Then still had problems I got off the Yaz but my body had got to adapted to the High dose of meds and since I didn't have high BP it started to soar my bp up and down insane up's and downs'. And my heart rate would go soaring if I started moving around to much. Finally coul | STAY OFF this DRUG | F | 35 | 3 years | 2/22/2009 | 3 | Heart arrhythmias | Increased hair loss during the course of taking this drug. | It helped control my arrhythmia rather well, but the hair loss was too much for me to take. My dermatologist told me to switch to a calcium channel-blocker instead. Beta-blockers are apparently notorious for causing hair loss. Why don't cardiologists tell us this stuff?? >:-( | F | 57 | 2 years | 2/16/2009 | 3 | High Blood Pressure | No energy, No Sex | I start taking Toprol whenever my blood pressure was 140/95 which happens about once or twice a year. I will take 50 mg tablets at night for about a week. I will then reduce the dose to 25 mg for a few days and then 12.5 for a day or two. No problems with the 1 week tapering. I don't know if on and off use is ok - my doctor hasn't gotten back to me on this one. Blood pressure is a funny thing and we never know when it's going to spike. You could go to the doctor every year and not know that you have high blood pressure. I went yesterday and my pressure was 103/80 however today it was elevated again. The secret is the following: Loose weight, exercise, don't smoke, and don't binge drink. With this plan, you hopefully will not need blood pressure meds. | M | 46 | 9 days | 2/16/2009 | 2 | enlarged heart, mvp | floating, out-of body-feeling, 24/7 dizziness, cold extremeties, chest pain, throat swollen on right side, laboured breathing, confusion | For four years I was happily on metoptolol generic succinate (made by Sandoz, first 100mg, then two years ago reduced to 25mg). All fine until last November, when I was given a different metoprolol generic, made by Par. Sore, pulsating throat and palpitations started within 3 days, and ten days later came the dizziness and cold extremeties and breathing problems. Went to brand-name Toprol XL and then Lopressor, no relief. After 3 months of hell have stopped it now completely, ben off for three days. But the side effects are still there. Anyone know how long it takes for this drug to leave your system? | M | 4 years | 2/13/2009 | 1 | irregular heartbeat | weight gain of 90 pounds over 5 years, numbness in toes, swelling of neck and face. | I want to get off it after reading many similar experiences from other users. | M | 59 | 5 years | 2/6/2009 | 1 | Palpitations | Alot of weight gain (40 pounds in 5 years), joints ached, muscles ached, hands swelled, bloatedness, extreme fatigue, felt like I was dying a slow death | I took Toprol (generic form) for 5 years because of palpitations or SVT. The first 2 years seemed ok but didn't realize I was having night hallucinations until my husband woke up during one of them and realized that my "stories" of what went on during the night were actually hallucinations. Told the doctor and didn't believe me but changed it to Toprol XL. That is when the real problems started. My joints started aching, muscles aching to the point I couldn't walk. My hands swelled up, etc. I gained 40 pounds which I've never had a weight issue before and I was told it was because I was getting older. For my aches and pains, I was told to take 800 mg Motrin because the aches and pains happen with age!! Mind you I was only 35 at the time of my first complaints. I finally came off of it 2 months ago and I've been fine (no palpitations) and getting back to my old self. This drug is toxic!!!!! | F | 39 | 5 years | 2/3/2009 | 1 | heart rate | numbness of toes; weight | weight gain is almost 100 pounds | M | 59 | 2/2/2009 | 3 | I have a stent for 10 yr. | low limbido, tired, depression, ED, mood swings...sad. achy | Plan to try get off my reduced dosage of 12.5 which was suggested by my newer cardiologist when he learned I was medicating the depression with alcohol. May try Nebivolol. Still have the problems, less the self medicating, may go back to lisinipril if nec. | M | 66 | 5 years | 1/27/2009 | 3 | previous heart attack | i read in prevention magazine, that if you must get the generic, ask fo the pro-pharmacutical which is the exact version of the original toprol..side effects i have with generic ,lightheadness, extremely old hands and feet in winter (in the house !) | M | 60 | 3 years | 1/23/2009 | 2 | PVC's occuring in patterns | Very, very, very short of breath with very minimal exertion. Strong heartbeat in my neck. Blurred vision. Fatigue | I am in the process of changing cardiologists to get a second opinion. Scheduled for event moinitor (again). Holters don't seem to catch all the arrhythmias. | F | 49 | 3 months | 1/18/2009 | 1 | high blood pressure in dr's office | Exhaustion, loss of hair, dry mouth, joint pain, heavy legs, loss of ambition coupled with depression, low libido and other side effects too numerous to mention. | Dr. did not believe my high blood pressure was "white coat" and scared me into this medication. After 3 years of this poison I finally bought a monitor, weaned myself off the Toprol ever so carefully over time and found that it was indeed "white coat" All side effects disappeared. I feel like myself again. | F | 54 | 3 years | 1/16/2009 | 4 | palpitations, MVP | none | taking 50mg, when I forget it for only 1 day my palpitations are back but when I regularly take it it works like a charm. | F | 51 | 5 years | 1/15/2009 | 1 | SVT/Palpitations | extreme fatigue, trouble breathing | I had an ablation seven years ago for SVT and have been mostly symptom free since then. I was hospitalized for palpitations and erratic heart beat two weeks ago and after one day on a halter monitor was prescribed metoprolol 25mg. I have been beyond exhausted since taking it. Was initially told to take it in the mornings but could not make the 45 min. drive to work. I switched to taking it at night but no amount of sleep gets rid of my exhaustion. I feel clumsy, sleepy, and am very quick to tears which is very unusual for me. I'm trying to get another rx, but would honestly much rather have another ablation than continue feeling like a zombie. | F | 24 | 2 weeks | 1/15/2009 | 2 | SVT's/ PVC's | Very fatigued, feel like always in a fog, dry eyes, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, and very irritable. | I would recommend discussing looking into all options before deciding on this med. I am going to insist when I see my EP doctor in the next couple of weeks to wean me off. I have not felt like myself since taking this drug. | F | 37 | 7 months | 1/12/2009 | 4 | Chronic Hypertension | Weight gain, slight swelling, slight change in bowel habits | My blood pressure was consistently about 150/100 for the past 5 years, but wasn't diagnosed with HTN until April. Being on this medication originally prescribed at 25mg, did not lower enough and was still in the 140-130's/90's. MD added a diuretic which caused low potassium and made me urinate constantly so we discontinued it, and doubled the Toprol dose. My blood pressures are now around 135-125/85-75. I have gained about 10 lbs since starting this medication, although I am not sure if it is related to the med or not. I have noticed some swelling in my fingers when I remove my wedding ring, but none in my ankles. Make sure to always take this medication, and do not stop immediately; if you do you will experience rebound hypertension and high heart rate, even if you did not have these before. First time I missed a dose my BP went up to 210/100... also, when I switched from 2-25's to 1-50 mg, my BP actually went up for the first day. | F | 23 | 7 months | 1/3/2009 | 1 | HBP | Ringing in the ears, loss of sexual desire including ED, depression, nervousness, bad dreams at night, sleepyness in the daytime, and weight gain. | Don't take this drug or it's generic Metoprolol. I was taking Toprol-XL for BP but my BP was still high. My Dr. kept adding other drugs trying to get the BP down. I was always tired and sleepy, then they did a glucose test and said I was diabetic all of a sudden. My triglicerides were up two areas I had never had problems with before. I was also getting headaches that I've had before. I stopped taking Toprol-XL and the generic and changed Dr. because that one swore by Toprol. I'm now taking Lisinopril it's cheaper does a better job and no side effects. It took several days for the ringing in the ear and the ED to go away but it did. | M | 63 | 6 years | 1/2/2009 | 5 | HBP, and Mitral Valve Regurge | None that are noticeable. Although, if on a rare occasion I miss a dose I experience 'rebound effects', mainly fast heart rate, and likely higher blood pressure. Go figure. | I believe it has (and will) increase my life span. | M | 31 | 4 years | 1/1/2009 | 1 | Hyper tension | Nightmares every night,totally tired, brain fog, very low heart rate, depression, feeling useless, loss of ambition. | Told my cardio doc to stick this medicine rectally. Went to myGP who put me on Linsonpril. Works good, no cough YET. Have went on D.A.S.H. diet and feel like a million bucks. Will stay on this diet forever. Also quit Lipitor and voltaren under docs care and feel wonderful. Voltaren causes HBP over time. To me I think all drugs except in case of life or death SUCK! I eat right and exercise, BP is avg. 134/74.:)))))) | M | 63 | 7 months | 12/28/2008 | 1 | fast heart rate and high B/P | Get off the Toprol and the generic too. I was on the generic for one year and I have just about all the side effects that others have written about. SO, it is going to be hello Bystolic and good bye Toprol and the Generic Metoprol. Goodbye 100 mg!!! | These drugs are nasty. Might work well for some and some refuse to believe that all the side effects they have could be this medicine. I finally woke up one day and said enough for there are other medicines out there. I gained lots of weight which looks like solid fat. Nothing fits, my fingers, ankles and other parts swell. I ache in the knees, have zero energy. Have nightmares that one would think I was in a bad movie, plus I was sleepy in the day time. I would fall asleep in the chair. Since I have been on Bystolic for four days, not much has changed, except peace of mind, but I think the Bystolic will work if I have to go to 10 mg, from the 5, I will. I WILL NOT take Toprol or the generic Metoprol again-it just did too many bad things to me, just like it did most all the other people who have written in this site. There are too many other medicines out there to continue to take this medicine. I wish I had been brave enough to stopped it long ago and maybe this roll of fat around my | F | 60 | 1 years | 12/21/2008 | 5 | bp and skipped heart beats | none so far that I can tell. | It has my b/p at 116/65, heart rate at 68 with out any skipped beats. Previously it would skip 12-15 beats in a minute. | M | 69 | 13 months | 12/20/2008 | 3 | heart disease | fatigue, bowel problems | M | 78 | 1 years | 12/20/2008 | 3 | Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia | Severe fatigue and depression | I was prescribed 25mg daily for inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST). While my symptoms have been mostly addressed by the medication, I have found that I experience severe fatigue as a result. I am constantly tired, no matter how much sleep and exercise I get. I cannot take caffeine because of my heart condition, so that is not an option. I am hoping to switch to another beta blocker to relieve the constant exhaustion I am experiencing. | F | 28 | 1 months | 12/15/2008 | 1 | High b/p | Irritability, brain fog, chest tightness, fatique, sadness, coughing, dry throat, sweating, & itchy dry eyes. | Never took meds until stent placement & ended up with high b/p so I know it's the med. On 25mg but I'm starting to take 1/2 & ween off. I felt better before the meds! My time on earth ends with Gods decision & not before! | F | 56 | 30 days | 12/15/2008 | 3 | Sudden Cardiac Arrest | I am having difficulty breathing, have gained weight, coughing, have been told after starting the generic form of Toprol XL that I now have "cough variant asthma" | At first I was "throwing PVCs" I was assured that this wouldn't kill me, so I could relax, and by taking Toprol XL 25 mg in the morning I stopped feeling the PVCs. Then I had a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, thankfully was saved by an AED, and the doctor increased the Toprol to 50 Mg, added Lisinopril and Vytorin. Although they could not find the cause for my electrical malfunction. I was nervous and anxious, so they increased the Toprol XL to 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. A year later the generic came out. That winter I went to the emergency room thinking I was having heart attack, but it was "cough variant asthma". After 2 years of dealing with this I started researching my meds, I'm on an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications also. I am in the process of getting off of Toprol as my EP doctor thinks that I'm right that it might be causing the asthma. Next to go will be the anti-depressant. But right now, after reducing Toprol to just 50 mg in morning, I' | F | 48 | 6 years | 12/6/2008 | 1 | Heart attack | Toprol made me COLD. So cold that I was wearing a winter coat in the house in May. When my wife and parents decided I needed to go see a shrink and were ready to take me to the funny farm, I stopped taking it and within 2 days I was fine. | M | 45 | 7 months | 12/6/2008 | 1 | SVT's and Lone Atrial Fib | I first noticed insomnia, stomach upset with weight loss, tingling finger tips and then came anxiety with increased palps (connected, I'm sure). The overwhelming feeling of "un" wellness is mostly how I feel with taking this med. | Hate the med with a passion! I also cannot walk my neighborhood without going into tachycardia for the first ten minutes which also affects my anxiety level. I regret the day I took the 12.5 mg's of Metoprolol as well as the 12.5 mg's of Toprol XL I currently take. I am going to wean from this 12.5 but can you cut a XL half in half? My Cardio suggested a washout from the BB and attempt at CCB. Anyone had success with this? | F | 47 | 18 months | 11/30/2008 | 1 | SVT | I was dizzy, couldn't even get out of bed, weak, sick to stomach, threw up, blured vision, dry mouth,very low blood persure, constintly cold,sleepy all the time, whole body was sore, and still had pain and trobel breathing. The symptoms were worst then the actual epsoid itself. | I was taken toprol for bout 2 weeks and just stoped taken it myslef and felt better just like that. I dont like the meds and flet that i did not need to take the med. i was taken 25mgs and it felt like i was going to die. | F | 21 | 2 weeks | 11/26/2008 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Lousy feeling, you know you are on a drug; dizziness at certain times of the day; weight gain probably from the drug; lack of mental sharpness | Eventually only had lousy feeling and dizziness at times and some weight gain. I had been on 3 BP drugs at once. Was able to wean off one. Was feeling better and getting back in shape. I wanted to wean off Toprol-xl also since my BP was never really that high to begin with. I reduced the Toprol-xl to 12.5mg over a number of weeks and felt better after about 2 months. At last Dr. vist I told him I had reduced the dosage to 12.5 and he had no problem since my pressure was well in control, 120/80. At that visit I needed the Toprol prescription refilled. Dr. asked me if I wanted to go with the Generic version. I said ok as long as It worked the same as what I was taking. BIG MISTAKE! I read many posts from people who had done the same thing and had the same horrible side effects, palps, chest pains, neck and shoulder pain, dreams, reflux, general horrible feeling. I kept taking the Generic thinking I had something else wrong with me. After 3 weeks I realized the Toprol-xl change was the o | M | 64 | 5 years | 11/14/2008 | 2 | Hypertension | extreme fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, depression, weight gain, slow heart beat in the 40s. I do all the right things to control my blood pressure- very athletic, eat all the right things, no salt or processed foods, etc.- but I have a family history of HTN. | I was on 100 mg of metoprolol and 120 mg. of Diltiazem. Before finding this website I thought I was spiraling downhill. I don't have a history of depression, yet I felt so blue. I had racing thoughts, irritability, hopeless feelings, lack of motivation, and such crippling fatigue that I had to force myself through the day. I am the mom of two wonderful little girls, and I wondered why my life was so wonderful yet my outlook so bleak. After reading these reviews, I went to my PCP who tossed another beta blocker at me without any thought at all. Not confident in that thoughtless prescription, I went to a cardiologist specializing in HTN, and there I received an in-depth exam and exploration of my issues. I asked her about something I read here, that beta blockers are banned in Britain. She said not so, that they did a study and found that of all the classes of HTN drugs, beta blockers did not offer additional protection against stroke and heart disease, like other hypertensives, | F | 35 | 6 years | 11/11/2008 | 4 | High Blood pressure | Weight gain, about 7 lbs in 3 months. I am a fitness instructor and added running to 15 miles per week. Still gaining weight. Overly tired. Hard to catch my breath when I run. BP was 150/90 on 50 mg a day it is 116/60. I am now breaking the pills in half and BP is 120/70. I go back to Dr. tomorrow to let him know if I gain one more pound I will have a stroke. | Dry eyes, dry mouth, hand numbness. On 50 mg it was like ambein, it knocked me out so I took it at night. On 25 mg I am having funny dreams. I have never been a big dreamer. I just turned 41, so I might think the weight gain was my age, but I watch what I eat and started running more per week. I want to live, but there must be something better for me. | F | 41 | 3 months | 11/9/2008 | 2 | Hypertension/Palpitations | tightness in throat, numbness & tingling in hands and feet, fatigue | F | 37 | 60 days | 11/6/2008 | 2 | post-ablation | extreme bruising correlated with the start of toprol and ending within three weeks of stopping it. | M | 29 | 4 months | 11/1/2008 | 4 | fast heart rate/high blood pressure | none really - but I was considerably heavier during the 5 years I was on it (about 15 lbs more). A little difficult to get heart rate up when exercising maybe. Felt more calm. The weight gain was gradual. | It did lower my heart rate; I was prescribed after having my heart rate shoot up to 140 (panic/anxiety attack)and had 3+ readings of HBP (but I think it was more so "white coat syndrome"); I think it was 25mg twice a day. Blood pressure was under control and definately lowered my heart rate. After 5 years my doctor advised me to wean off of it. Ever since I stopped (a few years ago), I've been taking 1200mg of fish oil every day and i've lost the 15 lbs pretty quickly. I seem to have a faster metabolism (like it was prior to this medication), eat healthier and exercise regularly. My blood pressure has been fine ever since - 120/80 & lower. | F | 36 | 5 years | 10/15/2008 | 5 | HBP 155/120 - etc. | None | If your heart rate slows down, which Toprol is designed to do, you metabolize slower HENCE some weight gain without added activity can occur. I was 135 pounds for years and I gained 7 pounds, stopped eating things that by the way ARE BAD FOR YOUR HEART ANYWAY! and I went to my normal weigh. My hair loss is genetic...although I hope Toprol isn't adding to it. I finished a full run through at my cardiologist for the second year running. All conditions have been made normal by controlling stress, food, and staying on Toprol religiously. | M | 21 | 2 years | 10/4/2008 | 3 | hypertension | weight gain, no energy when exercising, ringing in ears, rising hypertension, increasing triglyceride numbers, higher and higher cholesterol, abnormal heart rhythm when I've never had that before,final straw was telling me I was becoming diabetic, weight around midsection regardless of exercising more and eating a pristine diet. Seemed like classic "metabolic syndrome." | Toprol and generic version for 5 years-100 mg in the last couple of years. Stopped taking by dropping dose in half over a period of a month. Immediately lost 10 lbs after only a month without eating less or exercising more. The weight gain, and inability to lose weight was the most difficult for me. I would exercise vigorously(even though that made my slowed heart feel "heavy"),eat a perfect diet, and every month weigh more. As soon as I stopped Toprol, the belly fat started to go away rather quickly without effort. The withdrawal was very scary for me-resting heart rate went from 60 to 130 just sitting around, and blood pressure was all over the map.I felt like I could explode during the final weeks of stopping the drug. Totally uncomfortable racing heart.I would never take it again after that experience. Have not taken the drug for almost 2 months now, and my blood pressure is not much changed. It is still somewhat high, but it was the same on 100 mg of Toprol, and my other | F | 50 | 5 years | 9/26/2008 | 5 | HBP & Anxiety | I started this med 3/2008. Taking 50 mg once a day in the evening. Only felt a bit tired when I first started it....but that's all. | I first wrote in a comment on this drug 3/25/08 since I had a good experience with it just on it a few wks. Now that I am on it 6 months, wanted to give others an update. I take the generic toprol xl - 50 mg once a day. It still is working great for me. I tried the generic and brand name, and found no difference. (generic is cheaper and i use that). My blood pressure is still in the normal/low range and my anxiety is still under control. For people to say they gain weight from this drug, to me it's more your diet and your exercise. When I first used the med, I was a bit tired, but after I was on it, I started to walk an hour every day, lift weights and cut back to 1200-1300 calories a day. My weight has gone down to normal range and I feel great! So if one is gaining weight....take a good look at what you are eating and start to exercise if you can...even if it's just a short walk every day. I did gain weight too, but cannot use the meds as an excuse. When I watched my calor | F | 48 | 6 months | 9/24/2008 | 2 | arrhythmia | acid reflux, headaches, headaches, headaches, headaches ... | I have occasionally taken Toprol XL for arrhythmias. Recently, I took a single tablet of Metroprolol (50 mg) and have had headaches since! I've had to leave work early because of the headaches!!!! And BTW: while only 25mg of Toprol XL will calm my palpitations, I need 50 mg of the generic! Avoid the generic if you can!!!! | F | 43 | 1 weeks | 9/20/2008 | 2 | 100 mg-200mg-50mg | weight gain,insomnia,tired as the day is long,so many can't think of all of them | i've been on it for 3yrs dr. avoids any conversation about my symptoms and a link to my meds. since i've been on it i'm now borderline diabetic triglycerides are through the roof I have blood tests from right before starting toprol, they refuse to make any link i have a fatty liver I quit smoking in 04 but have put on 40 lbs I have no drive to do anything i would nap during the day but i work so i take vivarin to stay awake. we are considering dropping all meds except cholestoral meds this in my opinion is not a good drug for some it's as if it's destroying my internal organs but as long as my heart rate is down thats ok. mind you I did cardiopulminary stress, took that sob to 17 1/2% incline at 2.5 mph for 14 min than dropped to 12 1/2 & 3.5 mph did that for 1.5min and was spent. but dr still thinks i have a need for these meds. | M | 45 | 3 years | 9/17/2008 | 4 | HBP | I have some insomnia, but take Ambien when needed. I had been taking Ambien prior to taking Metoprolol, so don't know if it is the cause of my insomnia. Also, joint pain in my fingers especially in the morning since taking this drug for 2 months. Overall it has lowered my BP from 154/94 to 133/80. | F | 51 | 2 months | 9/9/2008 | 4 | High Blood Pressure | I do experience shortness of breath, throat closes, always clearing my throat. Seem tired but I don't think it's due to the meds, just very active. | Just lost 26 lbs. and do work out 4-5 days per week. Eat Healthy, and BP was checked 2 weeks ago and was 120/70. This is the lowest it's ever been. I was taking 100mg just lowered to 50mg (on my own). I feel great, doc was happy. | M | 46 | 5 years | 9/9/2008 | 4 | Post-Pardum Hypertension | I have a lot of bouts with diarhea and constipation, I have developed leg pains and constantly freak out about it being blood clots though I don't think it is. The anxiety gets to me. I am on 25 mgs daily. | It keeps bu heart rate around 50 beats per minute at rest- I had panic attacks that had my heart rate at 125 upon waking so it has helped but I am also on Ativan-(as needed)My bllod pressure seems to be ok- it does spike but only goes up to around 140/95 when I am extremely agitated. I have hypothyroid disease and they think once that is straightened out, I will be getting off all these meds. Just having a baby and going through all those hormonal changes, the tiredness and taking all these drugs on top of it- I have been in a tail spin during these past 7 weeks. All in all though- toprol doesn't bother me that bad- I was on Methydopa and it was horrid. | F | 27 | 30 days | 9/8/2008 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Weight gain, major depression, feeling like I didn't want to leave my house, no energy, anxiety | This is the worst medication I have ever taken and I will never take a beta blocker again. I was on 25mg for about 2 and a half months. I made my doctor wean me off of it. I went from 25mg to 12.5mg for a week then half of that for a week. I have been off of them completely for a week and still having extreme anxiety and some depression. Does anyone know how long it takes to completely get out of your system? Thanks, Kim | F | 41 | 2 months | 9/8/2008 | 1 | tachycardia | It has been almost a yr. since I had an ablation done and stopped taking the toprol xl. This is to help all of you who are struggling with the side effects. ie, anxiety! Don't give up or give in. Don't let the Dr. put you on benzos or antianxiety medication, believe me it will make it worse. I know how terrible the withdrawal is, but the other medications will not help in the longrun. Don't believe your Dr. either when they tell you that the Toprol would not cause your symptoms. I wish someone would have believed me about the withdrawal and had just helped me through it mentally. I was put one everything from anti anxiety to benzos, nothing helped until I got myself off of everything. It took almost a yr. I suffered from ringing in the ears, esophageal spasms, palpatations....on and on, all from the drugs I was giving. So this is what I did... I purchased a detox hypnosis cd and listened everynight. I went on the homeopathic pharmacy website and purchased some the the products | F | 69 | 1 months | 9/4/2008 | 3 | PALPITATIONS | some tiredness, occasional chest pain, blurred vision. | was taking atenolol which was really screwing me up, feel much better with the toprol. | M | 52 | 30 days | 9/2/2008 | 2 | hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | I was on 200 mg. for 3 years - weight gain of 60 pounds in first six weeks and continued to gain an additional 90 pounds during the 3 years - finally got doc to drop dose to 50 mg. and woke up first morning on lower dose feeling like I had come out of a fog - my mind was clear. Not sure if side effects I feel (heavy legs, fatigue, aches, etc.) are due to the drug or the weight now - generic (which usually is fine for me) version did not work - had a return of symptoms (took me a month to make the connection). | F | 51 | 6 years | 8/27/2008 | 1 | PACs/PVCs | Listless, weight gain, depressionl, headaches, bloating | Coming off it is a weird, long process. I had to wean myself off, and am still going through the side effects of the last cut from 12.5 to 0 mg. It has been worth it, though, without a doubt. | F | 37 | 3 years | 8/26/2008 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |