Connect
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.
Connect
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.
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?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am having the same problem:/
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI 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.
thx
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi @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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm glad that you clarified that, @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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello @scottij,
While I'm glad to hear that you had no issues after going off the metoprolol it is always best to contact your doctor if a medication is causing a problem and get a different script or a plan to reduce the med with the doctor's approval. This is especially true for meds that affect the heart and/or blood pressure.
I also took metoprolol for a short time and didn't do well with it. I contacted my cardiologist and told him about the problem. He prescribed a similar med, but one that did not have the side-effects.
Remember to contact your prescribing physician before removing a med and check to see the correct way to do so.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI took metoprolol for a very short period before and after mitral valve surgery (subsequent heart transplant alleviated the need for a beta blocker). I hated the metoprolol and quit cold turkey though I was not on it more than two months total. No issues for me in stopping.
Good luck and...
Best always,
s!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction