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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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knewb | @knewb | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @jlbyrd975 "I've been on metoprolol about 8 months for one bout of afib. I was prescribed 25mg..." + (show)
Profile picture for jlbyrd975 @jlbyrd975

I've been on metoprolol about 8 months for one bout of afib. I was prescribed 25mg twice daily. I took that for 2 days and my pulse was in the 40s so went down to once a day. It was still low 50s so I went to 12.5 and have been on that for most of the time. My resting pulse is mid 60s which is lower than it's been my whole life. I'm sensitive to most drugs and metoprolol I think is one of them. I'm having terrible back and hip pain to the point of it affecting how I walk. I've told my cardiologist and my pcp but they both say metoprolol isn't the cause especially at such a low dose. Tonight I started halving the 12.5 and will use that for a week and then stop. If after a few weeks if the pain goes away I'll know it was the drug and see what alternative drug is suggested by my cardiologist. Has anyone else had back and hip pain?

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100 percent ! It crippled me like I suddenly had major arthritis. It was unbelievable pain . I did physio and had X-rays showing some moderate arthritis in my left hip. I experienced other side effects and on 12.5 mg once a day. I went off it and within 2 days I was pain free no word of a lie. Metoprolol for me was a drug full of side effects that no one would believe I was experiencing as it’s a low dose. So not true!!

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sue225 | @sue225 | Jan 13, 2021

I was told by both a pharmacist and my cardiologist that you cant stop metoprolol cold turkey. You must be weaned off it. Can trigger serious heart problems just stopping.

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silverkat | @silverkat | Jan 13, 2021
In reply to @scottij "I took metoprolol for a very short period before and after mitral valve surgery (subsequent heart..." + (show)
Profile picture for scottij @scottij

I 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!

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I took it too, but was suffering from rashes. My doc changed it to carvedelol. which seems to be okay.

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healthytoday | @healthytoday | Dec 4, 2020

Since met lowers your heart rate, makes sense to leave it.

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healthytoday | @healthytoday | Dec 4, 2020
In reply to @lynnecb "I am on metoprolol succ.150/twice daily. I have HCM w/obstruction. I am 67 & too scared..." + (show)
Profile picture for lynnecb @lynnecb

I am on metoprolol succ.150/twice daily. I have HCM w/obstruction. I am 67 & too scared to have the surgery. After reading comments here, I’m seriously reconsidering.

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Good luck with your issues. Hard time to be ill.

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lynnecb | @lynnecb | Dec 3, 2020
In reply to @respier "I’ve had 3 catheter ablations. I was started on 50mg, then to 75mg. Now, I’m on..." + (show)
Profile picture for respier @respier

I’ve had 3 catheter ablations. I was started on 50mg, then to 75mg. Now, I’m on 150mg daily...and my cardiologist is adamant on about the dosage.

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I am on metoprolol succ.150/twice daily. I have HCM w/obstruction. I am 67 & too scared to have the surgery. After reading comments here, I’m seriously reconsidering.

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jankanrite | @jankanrite | Nov 18, 2020
In reply to @amandaa "@jankanrite, I would say it depends on the size of the hospital and the population of..." + (show)
Profile picture for Amanda Burnett @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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Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Nov 17, 2020
In reply to @jankanrite "Hi Amanda, my cardiologist said for me to stay on it, I also take flecanide for..." + (show)
Profile picture for jankanrite @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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healthytoday | @healthytoday | Nov 17, 2020
In reply to @jankanrite "That’s what I do also..I agree with you totally😣" + (show)
Profile picture for jankanrite @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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jankanrite | @jankanrite | Nov 17, 2020
In reply to @healthytoday "I tell the doc that the med is fine, because, I know the next step would..." + (show)
Profile picture for healthytoday @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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