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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

sapphira | @sapphira | Mar 28, 2019

as to publishing a first novel - a memoir - quite difficult. I tried two agents - one sent me a lovely rejection letter - seriously - She thought it was well written,
but it didn't "grab" her. Memoirs are not marketable so I'm told so I began to write a mystery, but stopped writing as I find it too confining. It keeps me indoors too much - and I need to walk and do more activities. I could self-publish but I find that a bit egotistical and costly. I'd want my memoir/novel published on it's merits, not as an ego trip. All is in abeyance at the moment.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 28, 2019

Hello @sapphira
Writing and/or keeping a journal is a great idea. Writing a novel was quite an undertaking! If you don't mind me asking, was it published or was it just for your own personal purposes?

sapphira | @sapphira | Mar 28, 2019

writing can help a lot - I wrote a novel during my sister's illness. It was a form of distraction for me after visiting and caring for her. Helped me a lot during that time.

healthytoday | @healthytoday | Mar 28, 2019

In reply to @tootsierollpie "Sapphira. very beautiful lady. Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate. My blood pressure..." + (show)

Probably need more than meds, a support group, writing poetry expressing your feelings, writing a story, drawing some pictures.

sapphira | @sapphira | Mar 28, 2019

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @sapphira I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister and the..." + (show)

Thank you Teresa, I will think about that discussion group and if I want to be involved.

sue225 | @sue225 | Mar 28, 2019

In reply to @sapphira "thanks for your concern. I would never stop a medication without talking to my doctor, so..." + (show)

Of course, I agree with you. Just remembering how the doctor warned me about metoprolol. Be well.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 28, 2019

In reply to @sapphira "I sympathize with your hurt and grief. Losing someone dear under any circumstance is very painful..." + (show)

Hello @sapphira

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister and the traumatic events surrounding her death. It is hard to even imagine how you must feel. I would encourage you to join the Mayo Connect discussion on Loss and Grief. You can find the discussions at this link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/loss-grief/.

I think you will find some very compassionate Members in this group you will be encouraging and helpful to you as you seek to live your life without your dear sister.

sapphira | @sapphira | Mar 28, 2019

In reply to @sapphira "I sympathize with your hurt and grief. Losing someone dear under any circumstance is very painful..." + (show)

thanks for your concern. I would never stop a medication without talking to my doctor, so don't worry about that issue. I only question why I still need certain meds when I see him and we discuss it. It's good to review your meds periodically - no harm in that.

sapphira | @sapphira | Mar 28, 2019

In reply to @tootsierollpie "Sapphira. very beautiful lady. Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate. My blood pressure..." + (show)

I sympathize with your hurt and grief. Losing someone dear under any circumstance is very painful and we never stop missing them.
I try to keep busy and despite my bout with takotsubo (weird episode for me), I try to be positive and enjoy the things that have always interested me. Emotional upset can surely throw the body off so stay calm and peaceful as possible - see if that helps.do things that interest you as well. Let go of anger re "her daughter" - At 93 yrs, it may have just been her time to go. We only last so long.

sue225 | @sue225 | Mar 28, 2019

In reply to @sapphira "Three yrs. ago, after suffering the loss of my sister, I had an attack of Takotsubo,..." + (show)

Please don't abruptly stop taking metoprolol before seeing your doctor. Anyone who has been on this drug for a length of time, needs to be weaned off it slowly. Serious heart problems can occur if you go "cold turkey". Just worried so wanted to tell you.

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