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'd speak with your doctor. Remember, I'm on 350 mg Metoprolol Succinste and 25 mg Metoprolol Tartrate. The reason I jump into this thread is people worried about low doses of it. Blood pressure wise, do you get faint when rising from laying down? If you're on a stable dose, and not losing weight, and not introducing other medications, I wouldn't think you'd see much change. If you are dieting and losing weight, talk to your doctor, if you are taking new meds, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionJust saying there are more holistic ways to deal if you haven't had a heart attack, stoke or have a serious heart condition..I just had high blood pressure which was mostly due to my my 16hr work days and not enough rest. A lifestyle change can be a miracle.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIf you're addressing the ability for Tartrate to prevent a 2nd Heart Attack, it may be the studies focussed on the Tartrate version and not the Succinate. I can't find why one would and one wouldn't, they're different forms of the same medication, but the Succinate is designed to be long acting. Without studies of the Succinate version, they wouldn't be able to make a claim that it reduces the chance of a 2nd Heart Attack.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm not sure which part you're addressing by "If true, this gives me some concern".
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionthank you all for your replies. my main concern is that, although the medicine can have some helpful side uses, its main job, as i understand it, is to keep the blood pressure low. my fear is if it gets it too low? i mean it's been like three years since the incident and i never had a single discomfort to the chest etc. to alert me.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@vyronp that's what my cardiologist said. It's heart protective.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIf true, this gives me some concern. I take Metoprolol Succcinate, 50mg, for about 3 years now after suffering from an attack of Takasubu when my sister passed away. I have not any unusual symptoms or pathology taking this medication. I am 88 yrs.old and take other medicines as well for pressure, heart issues , etc. I do review these with my internist who is a cardiologist and am due for an ekg in March when I will review again.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsMetoprolol Tartrate, but not Metoprolol Succinate, has, according to the studies, been proven to reduce the chance of a 2nd Heart Attack. Perhaps that's why it's still prescribed. Discuss it with your doctor.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm taking 350 mg of Metoprolol Succinate AND 25 mg of Metoprolol Tartrate daily, as well as Phenytoin, Zocor, Coumadin, and a few other things, I'm not seeing the effects that many in this thread have stated. I understand we're all different, but, overall, I think we must consider that some things might be the Metoprolol, or the effects described might be from other disorders that just happen to be afflicting us while we're on Metoprolol.
Such decisions must be made in concert with, or with the awareness of, your doctor.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYour pressure is great and your heart rate.not a doctor but I wouldn't take that marginal amount! I have had the worst side effects from metoprolol. Have had afib since started on it so am weaning myself off all together.was on 50mg per day tablet, cut to 3/4of tablet to 1/2 tablet down to 1/4 tab to 0. I have done a lot of research on the subject. Even the FDA has serious warnings about Metropolol. Hoping my afib goes away, if not will control with capsules of Hawthorne berry which relaxes the heart muscles