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How did you wean off Metoprolol?

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Feb 21 1:08pm | Replies (543)

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@tootsierollpie

I do not think my doctor is helping me. I have diabetes and high blood pressure. I am 73 i weigh 180 female. Gall bladder out at 18. Complete hysterectomy at 46 endometriosis stage 4 and fibroid turmors. They sliced the aorta I had 14 units of blood transfused. They also cut the ureter and forgot to take the stint out for 6 months until I complained of pain. Uncontrollable blood pressure started 6 years ago overnight it had always been 110 over 70 never over 125/80 overnight it went to 210/115 and continued to be high. In the doctors office at times 235/130. They just sent me home. Meds are clonidine .03 3 times a day. Metoprolol 100 gm 3 times daily. I am a zombie cannot keep my head up lost hair dry mouth. Brings my pressure down to 180/101 bounces around at that.
I did some research and found metoprolol can intefer with clonidine making them ineffective. My doctor hates when I try to ask her for changes she threatens to fire me. quit me as a patient. So I tried on my own. I weaned myself down to one Metoprolol at night. Continued the clonidine. My blood pressure dropped to 170/90 stayed low until time to take the Metoprolol I took one 100gm tablet and blood pressure spiked to 201/102 stayed that way for about 8 hrs then came down some. Next day I skipped metoprolol blood pressure came down to 120/80 stayed around there all day. I read about cold turkey of metroprolol said it could be dangerous so I am took it again blood pressure is back up 187/99. Doctor will not take me off Metoprolol I told her and she yelled at me said self medicating is going to kill me. I do not know the answer. Any one have any ideas This high blood pressure is bad. Oh on top of that the two days that I did not take metoprolol my blood sugar dropped from 250 to 126 whats with that?

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Replies to "I do not think my doctor is helping me. I have diabetes and high blood pressure...."

Source #1
""Using metoprolol and clonidine together may lower your blood pressure and slow your heart rate. Using these medications together can cause a slow heartbeat, headaches, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out. If you take both medications together, tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.""

Source#2
""On the contrary, beta adrenergic blockers may also potentiate the hypertensive response to withdrawal of clonidine in patients receiving concomitant clonidine and beta-adrenergic blocker. If a patient is treated with clonidine and Metoprolol Tartrate concurrently, and clonidine treatment is to be discontinued, stop Metoprolol Tartrate several days before clonidine is withdrawn. Rebound hypertension that can follow withdrawal of clonidine may be increased in patients receiving concurrent beta-blocker treatment.""

Comments:
It appears that Metoprolol can cause hypertension if Metoprolol and Clonidine are taken together and Clonidine is discontinued. An interesting situation. Although this isn't your situation, it shows that an unexpected reaction can occur if both are taken together under specific circumstances. If I were you, I'd be sure to:

• See another doctor for a 2nd opinion.
• Carefully tell him or her of my research.
• The above potential interaction between Metoprolol and Clonidine as detailed under specific circumstances.
• The possibility of Idiosyncratic Reactions, where medications, or hypothetically combinations of medications, produce reactions opposite to the intended reaction.
• I would divulge all medications, supplements, herbs, vitamins, alcohol, tobacco, and other items used or consumed. There's a chance that something isn't being metabolized as intended, doctors need to know everything a person is exposed to.
• I'd consider looking for a good Endocrinologist.