How did you wean off Metoprolol?

Posted by kenny48 @kenny48, May 11, 2018

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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@amandaa

@jankanrite, I would say it depends on the size of the hospital and the population of the area you are in. Statistically, about 1,500 patients undergo ablations at Mayo Clinic and we have quite a few cardiologists, so I would say that 300 for one physician is not a bad number at all. Are you considering the surgery?

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Yes....I am a bit concerned going into hospital for a procedure during Covid. I have a consult with the doctor today.. thank you..will stay in touch..:)

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@jankanrite

Hi Amanda, my cardiologist said for me to stay on it, I also take flecanide for afib which is horrible too. He wants to do an ablation on me soon. Dr says that if successful I can stop the meds potentially all together...🙏 This Dr has performed 300 ablations thus far. Is that good or bad? 😳 I am a bit nervios...

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@jankanrite, I would say it depends on the size of the hospital and the population of the area you are in. Statistically, about 1,500 patients undergo ablations at Mayo Clinic and we have quite a few cardiologists, so I would say that 300 for one physician is not a bad number at all. Are you considering the surgery?

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@jankanrite

That’s what I do also..I agree with you totally😣

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Second opinions help. I follow my instincts as much as possible understanding my fear can affect them. Study online pros and cons of meds, treatments etc.

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@healthytoday

I tell the doc that the med is fine, because, I know the next step would be trying a different one. And that whole process has proved to be a pain. I'd like to go off all of them. Metroprolol is like driving a car with one foot on the excelerator and one on the brake. After raking leaves, the brake wins and I sit down winded. With less of the med, I can go on alot longer, but eventually feel a bit odd and get the swelling in my abdomen. I just hang in there.

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That’s what I do also..I agree with you totally😣

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@amandaa

Hi @jankanrite, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear you are having a problem with the physician prescribed medication Metroprolol as well. It seems the symptoms with these medications are increasing. Did your doctor stop you cold turkey like @mc4777 physician did? Are you having the same symptoms or are there others that you wish to share, as well?

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Hi Amanda, my cardiologist said for me to stay on it, I also take flecanide for afib which is horrible too. He wants to do an ablation on me soon. Dr says that if successful I can stop the meds potentially all together...🙏 This Dr has performed 300 ablations thus far. Is that good or bad? 😳 I am a bit nervios...

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@amandaa

Hi @jankanrite, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear you are having a problem with the physician prescribed medication Metroprolol as well. It seems the symptoms with these medications are increasing. Did your doctor stop you cold turkey like @mc4777 physician did? Are you having the same symptoms or are there others that you wish to share, as well?

Jump to this post

I tell the doc that the med is fine, because, I know the next step would be trying a different one. And that whole process has proved to be a pain. I'd like to go off all of them. Metroprolol is like driving a car with one foot on the excelerator and one on the brake. After raking leaves, the brake wins and I sit down winded. With less of the med, I can go on alot longer, but eventually feel a bit odd and get the swelling in my abdomen. I just hang in there.

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Hi @jankanrite, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear you are having a problem with the physician prescribed medication Metroprolol as well. It seems the symptoms with these medications are increasing. Did your doctor stop you cold turkey like @mc4777 physician did? Are you having the same symptoms or are there others that you wish to share, as well?

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@mc4777

Thank you Both for listing your side effects. I am on Metropolol
50 mg now cut to 25 mg 1 day then stopped cold turkey as per my Dr. and I was having at least 3/4 of the symptoms you both mentioned. Plus low heart rate, crazy palpitations. It’s only been 2 days so at least I have hope these symptoms will slowly subside. Dr. Switched me over to calan sr 120 mg for my blood presure and to help with palpitations. Plus a small dose of Xanax as needed for anxiety.
I noticed
terrible gas,
loose stools,
nightmares,
Dizziness turning over in my sleep caused the room spinning,
Losing weight
Low heart rate 45
Bp low 100/65
Dry mouth
Difficult breathing
Fatigue
Heart palpitations
Anxiety
Depression
hair loss
I am so glad to hear that these will subside slowly.
Thank you for giving me insight and hope. This is terrifying to go through alone!
They should add all these symptoms to the RX pamphlet!

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I am having the same problem:/

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@scottij

I did not mean to imply that I made that decision on my own. As my original post indicates I trust my professionals. My cold turkey quit was approved by my cardiologist and aided by having taken it for so short a period.

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I wish I could go off of Metetc, but when I half it, I get rather manic, and them my abdomen swells from fluid and I just go back on the recommended dosage (which is low). I want my better mental function back and more energy, but, that's the price I pay. I'll talk to the doc about it next visit. The slow release works better.

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@hopeful33250

Hi @lucky1038,

There are other beta-blockers, other than Metoprolol, that don't have the same side-effects. If you talk with your doctor he can probably find a replacement med for you.

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thx

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