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Metoprolol - Short bursts of shortness of breath

Posted by joyfl2 @joyfl2, May 29, 2022

I have been on 1/4 of Metoprolol Succinate 25 mg for almost 2 months. I was unable to tolerate more of this medicine as it led to heart pounding and palpitating. Originally put on this medicine for high heart rate. Now that I’ve been on it - I have all these new symptoms: palpitations (hard pounding heart beat if take more than 1/4 pill), chest fluttering, extreme constipation, periodic tightness in my underarm/chest, and brief bursts of shortness of breath. Has anyone else experienced these brief shortness of breath recurring episodes while being on metoprolol? They come all throughout the day whether I’m at rest or moving around.

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realitytest | @realitytest | Oct 22, 2022
In reply to @techdrx "Everyone reacts to these meds differently so monitor yourself closely. For me, even the smallest "crumb"..." + (show)
@techdrx

Everyone reacts to these meds differently so monitor yourself closely.

For me, even the smallest "crumb" of a 25mg metoprolol causes significant bradycardia (30-40 bpm), dropped blood pressure to 70/40 and bi-geminy PVCs. This followed with shortness of breath, dizziness and pre-syncope just sitting in a chair.

Needless to say Metoprolol, and possibly other beta blockers, is a no-go for me.

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Sounds much like me, except that when I experience tacchycardia (for no apparent reason, rarely) I do take 12.5 mcg and it helps.

(Trying 25 mcg my first time, I developed the same bp, BPM and extreme shortness of breath as you describe. Nearly passed out. Thereafter, I was told by my cardiologist that I could take a half dose PRN. Mostly I avoid it like the plague.)

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1 reply
realitytest | @realitytest | Oct 22, 2022
In reply to @kcpdohn3333 "Sorry to hear about physican lack of help. I can recommend the organization stopafib.org They are..." + (show)
@kcpdohn3333

Sorry to hear about physican lack of help. I can recommend the organization stopafib.org They are a patient resource group, have meeting 1x a year to bring latest top docs and procedures in to speak. It was founded by Melanie Truhill who had Afib and could not find answers. I hope this gives you another resource.

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Thanks very much for your informative response. I especially appreciate the reference to that website!! Looks very promising.

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techdrx | @techdrx | Oct 22, 2022
In reply to @realitytest "Sounds much like me, except that when I experience tacchycardia (for no apparent reason, rarely) I..." + (show)
@realitytest

Sounds much like me, except that when I experience tacchycardia (for no apparent reason, rarely) I do take 12.5 mcg and it helps.

(Trying 25 mcg my first time, I developed the same bp, BPM and extreme shortness of breath as you describe. Nearly passed out. Thereafter, I was told by my cardiologist that I could take a half dose PRN. Mostly I avoid it like the plague.)

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Sounds like the metoprolol is very effective PRN for tachycardias but is overkill for non-tachycardiac rhythms. It was incorrectly prescribed for PVC suppression in my case but beta blockers are poor PVC suppressors. The heart rate reduction exacerbates the symptoms of the already reduced numbers of effective beats from the PVCs.

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1 reply
realitytest | @realitytest | Oct 23, 2022
In reply to @techdrx "Sounds like the metoprolol is very effective PRN for tachycardias but is overkill for non-tachycardiac rhythms...." + (show)
@techdrx

Sounds like the metoprolol is very effective PRN for tachycardias but is overkill for non-tachycardiac rhythms. It was incorrectly prescribed for PVC suppression in my case but beta blockers are poor PVC suppressors. The heart rate reduction exacerbates the symptoms of the already reduced numbers of effective beats from the PVCs.

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Good points.
Just one more example of how different people respond so differently to the same medication. It can take quite a while to come up with one's personally optimal dosages and medicines. Trial and error, but for safety, only under medical supervision.

Still it's very helpful to have access to such feedback from others, as here. (It was someone on CONNECT who gave me the idea of requesting of taking Metoprolol in the "pill in a pocket" way. Basically PRN)

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pgood1947 | @pgood1947 | Jan 27 6:08pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Not Colleen here, but just put your cursor over the link (blue text) and click, you..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Not Colleen here, but just put your cursor over the link (blue text) and click, you will be taken to that discussion. To get back to this original discussion so you can look at the next link, click on the "back" button on your browser - usually and arrow on the top left of your browser.

PS I actually was taken off Metoprolol because I had shortness of breath while using it. It interfered with my asthma medications.
Sue

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I am so glad I found this site. I have been taking metoprolol 50 for about 1 month. Also take diltiazem which I have been on for a few years. I have copd but have noticed a drastic increase in shortness of breath since I started the metoprolol

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suzzee3 | @suzzee3 | Jan 27 6:33pm

I was put on it for palpation and my heart rate would drop down to the low 40's. My cardiologist told me as long as your not dizzy or short of breath. Well it made me dizzy and short of breath. I went to the ER for a UTI and the Doctor that I saw told me to stop taking it. He said your heart rate is usually normal and if this stuff takes it to low there's no coming back. I have not taken it since. Turns out I was having the palpitations due to having a little pneumonia in my lungs and it went to long without being diagnosed that I also developed something called pneumonitis. Pneumonitis is pretty scary. I looked it up. I did 7 days of antibiotics for the pneumonia and was still having g shortness off breath but my oxygen registered normal. Finally got a CT Scan instead of a x ray. I am praying my lungs don't have permanent damage now from going so long without being diagnosed. I can't seem to find go Doctor's anymore and the specialist I had been referred to have not helped either huh

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pgood1947 | @pgood1947 | Jan 28 10:31am

Guess that’s why they call it practicing medicine

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voxnora | @voxnora | Jan 28 6:32pm
In reply to @kcpdohn3333 "Metoprolol ER is the other option. It’s extended release. Many AFIB persons take 25mg ( or..." + (show)
@kcpdohn3333

Metoprolol ER is the other option. It’s extended release. Many AFIB persons take 25mg ( or higher dose daily). The Metoprolol tartrate is for bringing high heart beats down quickly. AFIB and altitude and exercise seem to be a trigger for me.
I take 1/2 tab Metroperol Tartrate 25 mg to lower heartbeat when in AFIB.
I also take 25mg Metroperol ER daily. I’ve had 1 ablation 3 years ago and suspect I will receive a recommendation to have another from my EP.
You should ask your cardiologist about the proper prescribed use of Metroperol. Wishing you success in controlling AFIB, it can be a try and see drug option.

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I know it’s been a over a year but what time of the day you took your metoprolol succinate ER morning or nighttime and what time? Thanks

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sillygirl67 | @sillygirl67 | Jan 29 7:41am

I take Metoprolol in the morning

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