How did you wean off Metoprolol?

About a year after starting Metoprolol, my normally low blood pressure, (which initially went even lower on Metoprolol) started to climb. Cardiologist thought this was normal part of the aging process. Since it was sometimes high and sometimes not, I had the bp monitor test done and was told to monitor at home. Anyway, I thought it was weird that this was happening. Coincidentally, my appt with the specialist for osteoporosis was around this same time. Bloodwork showed my VitD levels were low. Started taking VitD religiously (1000iu to 2000iu daily). Within a few months, blood pressure back to my normal/low level and it has stayed that way.
I asked a bp specialist if there was a connection and he said there had been some small studies done showing a link.
So far no new meds needed!

I used to get Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, likely from limited exposure to sunlight in the winter. I began taking Vitamin D3 once per day, 2000IU, year round and really have not had it since.

Many years ago, I was on prozac. After retiring from teaching, I decided to ween myself from the med. I went to every other day, then once every 3 days. From there, I stopped. There was a withdrawal of muscle pain. But I managed to get through it and never returned to such meds. I prefer vitamins, low stress. When one is retired, it's so much easier to eliminate the stress factors that brings on the med for depression meds. etc. I still have a low grade chronic depression but just live with it.

@gir72. Have terrible shortness of breath on metoprolol. Dr suggests av node ablation and pacemaker.

Hi everyone. Over the past 9 months I’ve tapered from 50mg to 12.5mg Toprol XL. I went from 50 to 25 and stayed for 3 months, then went to 12.5 after a month on 25. My doctor said 12.5 was so low I could stop after a week. I had heard of problems and decided to wait a month. Day 3 of stopping the 12.5 I had massive rebound and Kim the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. After stress test and CT doctor finally admits rebound. He now recommends going to every other day for a month and then continue to space out. Has anyone tried this approach?

AFRobin thank you for your reply. Can you believe the doctor sent me home knowing my B/P was that high? It has been 6 weeks since my visit to her. I have an appointment with New Doctor April 15th. I stopped taking Metoprolol completely now. B/P without metprolol dropped to 120s 130s /77 and low 80s. just using CLonidine. I had weighed 188 I have lost 8 lbs. in 6 weeks. However Metformin and glipiside for my sugar levels well when I take them now the blood pressure spikes I am at a loss to understand why. Best I can do now is I have started watching everything that goes in my mouth. Salt intake below 1,000 gms a day Carbs less than 100 Eating like a rabbit. At any rate I appreciate your suggestions. I have given up all caffeine I was never big on soda or candy or cakes or pies...so I can handle not havind it at all. I do miss pasta. lol

You found my weak spot! The cardiologist brings up the "E" word at every appointment. I am almost 20 years older than you with a mixed bag of arthritis and pain issues and have to my detriment always put exercise on my list of allergies.
A neighbour of of ours is a doctor who had a heart attack in his late 40's. He continues to run on a regular basis and believes that exercise is a "panacea" for health problems.
Thanks for sharing your happy ending medical story. Wishing you many many years of continued good health.
And now, I better go for a walk!!

Hi Sue225! At age 46, I was on beta blockers for the worst case of Afib my cardiologist had ever seen. I was on Sotalol max dose of 320 mg per day for almost 2 years and felt horrible!. The doctor tried to have me lower what he considered to be a dangerous dose but my heart would flip out. I was like an old lady, with no energy and psychologically feeling like I was fragile and handicapped. I would ask my husband to do everything because I was too 'sick'.
One day I decided to do some research and read that lowered estrogen can cause arrhythmias. I asked my doctor for estrogen and my Afib stopped completely; slowly (important). But the gynaecologist said not to take estrogen unopposed; that is without progesterone because it can cause cancer in reproductive organs. So I took progesterone and the Afib returned but not so bad. So I was back on a lower dose of beta blockers with the estrogen and progesterone.
I read some more and learned that regular exercise (not walking but aerobic) could stabilize the heart. I joined a gym and went every day but Sunday and inside a month I was off the beta blockers, estrogen and progesterone. My cardiologist couldn't believe it and told me that it would not last. For 4 more months, being highly motivated to stay off the drugs, I kept up the daily (but Sunday) treadmill routine plus stretches etc... I have been fine ever since and it is now 24 years later!
I NEVER drink coffee or tea, alcohol or coke..and even sugary foods. I try to avoid stressful situations. I don't take decongestants, regular dental anesthesia or any supplement with any stimulant (i.e. gingko biloba). I do get the occasional blip which reminds me to get on my treadmill. And I hope to avoid ever taking any drug for the rest of my life.
LIFESTYLE changes CAN turn your health and life around.

OMG....your BP was 230/115. You were at the point of a stroke! I am not surprised that the doctor didn't know about the drug interaction but the pharmacist was not aware of this?!! This proves a point. ALWAYS be on top of your medical condition. Do your own research. Never put any drug into your body that you have not researched. Ask questions. Read more. And above all, when possible, make serious lifestyle changes rather than turning to drugs! They have serious side effects as you discovered. Lifestyle: dieting, reducing salt intake (BP), getting exercise, drinking plenty of water, eating 5 - 10 servings of fruit and veggies per day, avoiding foods and meds that are stimulants that cause or worsen arrhythmias (coke, decongestants, liquorice, coffee, tea, alcohol, sugary foods etc..) cutting out any sugary foods that can cause diabetes etc... One can cure diabetes 2 by diet alone. There is no need for so many meds that are just making us all SO SICK! Tootierollpie (which I hope you don't eat!), I'm glad you figured out your own problem and cured yourself. Bravo!

i was on Metoprolol 25mg 3 times daily plus clonidine .03 mg 3 times daily for high blood pressure. You all know how miserable I felt I was on this for 5 years. I read on internet the two drugs interact and cause the result to be lessesend I asked Doctor Nope was the answer keep taking both. My BP was out of control 230/115 in her office. She just sent me home. I decided I would treat myself. I slowly 1/2 a pill at a time over 2 weeks taking myself off. My BP started coming down. It is now 125/82 at the age of 73 I am satisfied. Quit my Doctor and have an appointment with a new one next month. BY the way I as at the pharmacy if the drugs counteracted Pharm said that is impossible. I told him what I did He still swore impossible Hell I am living proof