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How did you wean off Metoprolol?
Hi,
I've been taking both flecainide and metoprolol now for eight years, as a prophylactic for Afib. I recently moved to North Carolina and have a new Cardiologist. Have had a lot of PVC's this past two months, and had to wear a heart monitor for an entire month. He said that although I had a lot of PVC's I didn't have even one PAC! He also noted that my BPM was low in the low fifties most of the time. He asked why I was taking metropolol. I told him that the only thing my previous doctor had said was " it makes the flecainide, work better". He suggested I stop taking the metoprolol to see how I do without it. Unfortunately I read a lot of information on the internet. I read that it can be very dangerous to stop taking it. I take 25 mg metoprolol succinate, split in half. Once in the morning with my flecainide, and then again in the evening for a second dose. He wants me to take half in the morning and skip the evening dose for two days, then stop entirely. Has anyone else stopped taking this drug in a similar manner? I'm worried that the cut off is too soon.
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I think Amanda asks the key question, why would you arbitrarily change any dosages of your medications?
You are on what seems to me, high dosages at this time; I would surmise that there is a good reason.
You have PVCs and no AFIB.
Your doctor appears to want to lower the effort on your heart, why would you take a chance on a heart event?
You best step is to fully discuss this with you doctor to achieve a better understanding of your situation/options.
Certainly you should be your own advocate, but there is a difference between that and taking a "shot in the dark."
SO far so good, I hope you solve the PVCs.
I had 20K PVCs and was on many medications. Metoprolol was one of them. Had a cardiac ablation done at OHSU on Friday. Doctor had to insert two catheters, one in the left femoral vein and the other in the right femoral artery. The PVCs were in a very difficult place. I feel better 48 hours later.
While in recovery the doctors saw more PVCs on the EKG monitor. So we will see if I am done with medications or just live with what remains.
Lifestyle changes are everything. What I eat or don’t eat and drink. Weight management. Managing sleep apnea. Avoiding anxiety and stress. I am very thankful.
Hello any updates
I want to personally thank you for listing your side effects. A little over two years ago I moved from MA to PA and switched cardiologists. I was on Metoprolol Succinate 25mg because I couldn’t tolerate a higher dose. My new primary wanted me to increase to 50mg which I did. I felt fine but with the Covid and not seeing my doctors in over a year I now wonder if my symptoms are actually side effects.
Shortness of Breath
Chills
Weakness
Fatigue
Lower extremity swelling
Numbness in my feet
My feet are red in the morning after sleeping at night
Weird Dreams
So many other symptoms
I have to go for tests Wednesday and then I am going to schedule appointments with both my cardiologist and primary. I basically can’t function when I use to be active. I have a pulse ox and thermometer and ordered a BP monitor this morning. I am actually thinking of doing 25mg every other day and 50 mg on the opposite days times one week then down to 25mg. Appreciate any feedback.
Hello @sferrell414 and @jsp1953, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a welcoming online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others.
@sferrell414, Were you asking @razorclams if they had any updates on Metoprolol?
@jsp1953, Thank you for listing your symptoms and asking if they might be side effects of the Metoprolol Succinate and the recent increase in dosage. @glr702 @razorclams and others may have some thoughts or information to share with you. Are you able to call your doctor or pharmacist and ask about the possible side effects or see if they have any suggestions?
Hello did everything go ok after you got off of it
I was on metoprolol 25 mg once a day for more than a year. Then I was given Tikosyn with this Afib came to sinus nod. But BP went further down. So metoprolol was taken away. Had no side effect.
For last two and half year I did not take it. Last week, with return of Afib after a cardio version my pulse rate started going alarmingly. Then again we started metoprolol one tablet a day.
I have gained 40 lbs on this medication.
That's my dose, and I'm have gained 40 lbs in 6 months! My hair is also thinning and my skin looks terrible!
Hi @jovigrace, I can see you're concerned about the rapid weight gain and other side effects from metroprolol. I think you'll find this article from Mayo Clinic informative:
- Beta blockers: Do they cause weight gain? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/beta-blockers/faq-20058385
Have you talked to your cardiologist about the weight gain? It is important to distinguish whether this in normal and expected weight gain or possibly problematic like buildup of fluid. It might be a medical issue or perhaps a different beta blocker would work better for you. How long have you been taking metroprolol?