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Q: metroprolol withdrawal
asked by: tc1414 on April 22nd, 2008
New User
Just wondering if anyone can recount their experience with weaning off metoprolol and if they had any adverse side effects when doing so...
I recently came completely off of the drug after weaning slowly down (started at 50mg, 2x per day, then went to 25mg, 2X per day for two weeks, then down to 25mg, 1X per day for a week). I've been off for three full days now, and have had quite a ride. The first full day I was off, my heart rate went up to over a hundred, and stayed there for most of the day, tapering down in the evening to a cool 80bpm. On the second full day, I had no problems at all, heart rate stayed in the 70-80 range all day. Now, on the third day, my heart rate has gone back up. It's been around 110bpm most of the day again, and now, in the evening, is starting to taper down...right now it's about 94bpm. I had a short instance of lightheadedness today while sitting down, but it lasted all of 20 seconds...so not sure if I can attribute that to this whole ordeal. It's getting fairly uncomfortable.
Here's the main question...I've called my cardiologist, and they want to schedule a halter monitor, which I'm fine with...but I can't get in to see him until four days from now. Is it ok to wait this long? At what point do I cave and go to a hospital?
Please relay any experiences you may have had in a situation like this. I can find a lot about side-effects while taking metoprolol, but not a lot about what happens after properly weaning off the medication. Thanks!
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eeyore46
replied on April 22nd, 2008
Experienced User
Why were you placed on it and why are you weaning off? I was put on Toprol (Beta Blocker) because I have Mitral Valve Prolapse and my pulse rate was ALWAYS over 100 resting. At times, it has been 133 resting. I took it for approximatley 6 weeks and it really didn't help. I probably needed to have been on a higher dosage, but my cardioligist felt I really didn't need it at all, only if the palpitations were bothering me. I do not have a heart disease or any kind of blockage. I had a heart sonogram, wore a 24 hour holter monitor, and a stress test - all being positive. I decided to stop taking the Toprol after all of the tests came back positive. My doctor tells me it is nothing to worry about, Mitral Valve Prolapse is very common and can cause an elevated pulse rate.
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tc1414
replied on April 22nd, 2008
New User
i was originally put on it a couple of months ago because i experienced Afib during a short trip to the ER. the reason I went to the ER was totally different (sarcoidosis), but while there my heart rate went up over 150. it came back down after a couple of hours of being on a drip. upon release, the cardiologist decided to put me on the metoprolol for a short time to make sure i didn't go into Afib again.
my biggest problem is that, prior to the ER visit, I never had a single problem with my heart, no palps or Afib or anything. i also had an ECG and stuff done in the hospital, and all that came back clean. i'm just worried that now, after taking the beta blocker, my body may have become dependent on it.
thanks so much for your response!
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eeyore46
replied on April 22nd, 2008
Experienced User
I am not familiar with sarcoidosis. How old are you? I am 46. My father has had numerous surgeries, triple bypass, aortic abdominal aneurysm surgery, both carotic artieries, etc. He is also on Toprol. I know I am not really answering your questions, but just hope this helps in some way. Hopefully, the doctor will have some answers for you at your next visit. If you feel you need to seek help before, do not hesitate! Are you having any other symptoms such as anxiety? Mitral valve prolapse is known to cause anxiety, so that is what I contribute my high pulse rate to since all of my tests came back positive. But.........if you are uneasy about any of your symptoms, do not hesitate to seek help, it will ease your mind and maybe save your life, if there is a problem they have not detected.
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tc1414
replied on April 23rd, 2008
New User
thanks for that. i'm 27 years old, so all of this is a little intimidating. sarcoidosis is a type of infection, i guess, that happens in the lungs. it causes a dry cough, burning sensation in the lungs, things like that. the doctors explained it as one of those things that science doesn't know where people get it from, and it ends up going away on it's own. weird.
i am having slight anxiety with all this...more or less just worried that my heart will start racing again at any moment. yesterday was another good day, though, so hopefully today stays level, too!
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