How did you wean off Metoprolol?

Yes I've been taking Metoprolol succinate. Metoprolol succinate is an extended-release version of metoprolol, so it remains in your bloodstream for a longer time. Metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release version of metoprolol.

I started 12.5 mg once daily for over a year now for a fast resting heart rate, and yes I am having growing problems with muscle cramps, spasms, stiffness and joint pain which makes no sense to me. It has caused a lot of anxiety and making it difficult to walk. I contacted my cardiologist and PCP and both stated definitely not to quit, reduce the dosage until something else could be prescribed.

Unfortunately, I lost my medical insurance and could not make an office apt to see the cardiologist or PCP for a different prescription naturally they would not prescribe another medication without seeing me.

The muscle spasms, cramps and stiffness are definitely a side effect. On some websites it's considered "less common" but it is listed (also on the Mayo Clinic website)

After significant research I found that metoprolol has an "anti-anxiety" agent which relaxes and lowers the heart rate. This can make it difficult for some people to quit cold turkey because after long term use the body can build a dependence on it so after consulting your doctor, reducing the dosage until another medication is prescribed makes sense for some.

Also, there are some people who are sensitive to Beta Blockers, I'm also one of them. I have searched and searched to understand what specifically in metoprolol causes this condition but can't find anything that explains it.There may possibly be vitamin or supplement that may help?

Thanks for the link. I read Dr John's information. #5 stated that AFib cannot be cured. I wrote to him and told him my story of a cure for the most serious case of AFib my cardiologist had ever seen. I still feel strongly that if people afflicted with AFib exercised AND stopped any stimulants like coffee, alcohol etc...MANY could be cured...or at least could lower their beta blocker dose. Of course, the patient would need to be cleared by his or her doctor who could do tests like a 24 hour or longer Holter monitor during exercise and an endurance test at his or her clinic etc..

So, that's why my cardiologist keeps stressing exercise.

What if you can't exercise due shortness of breath due to afi b and metropolol

Thank you for this response. I must admit that I do not exercise at all, eventhough I was once a college athlete. The reason: I am afraid of my heart rate getting low during or after exercise causing an event similar to what I had when I was over medicated: rapid heart rate, feelings of almost passing out. But this is the variable that I DO feel would change this entire scenario.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System acts as a Brake for heart rate. I never realized how much until the afib started. Metoprolol does a great job controlling rate, but I had an altercation with another driver recently, OMG, what was I thinking. Although the rate probably didn't go above 100, it hasn't been near that at rest in awhile, more like the 70s at rest, 90s after climbing the stairs. It took hours for my heart rate to return to normal. Adrenaline causes a higher rate, the parasympathetic nervous system brings the rate down, but something that upsets it lets the rate go, or remain, high.

Reading a medical article recently, the doctor said when they see heart rates above X amount, it means Parasympathetic Response has been withdrawn entirely.

So, in those approved to exercise, and in those cases exercising commensurate with their doctor's oversight and in ways approved by the doctor, increased conditioning brings increased parasympathetic tone and a naturally lower heart rate.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System acts as a Brake for heart rate. I never realized how much until the afib started. Metoprolol does a great job controlling rate, but I had an altercation with another driver recently, OMG, what was I thinking. Although the rate probably didn't go above 100, it hasn't been near that at rest in awhile, more like the 70s at rest, 90s after climbing the stairs. It took hours for my heart rate to return to normal. Adrenaline causes a higher rate, the parasympathetic nervous system brings the rate down, but something that upsets it lets the rate go, or remain, high.

Reading a medical article recently, the doctor said when they see heart rates above X amount, it means Parasympathetic Response has been withdrawn entirely.

So, in those approved to exercise, and in those cases exercising commensurate with their doctor's oversight and in ways approved by the doctor, increased conditioning brings increased parasympathetic tone and a naturally lower heart rate.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System acts as a Brake for heart rate. I never realized how much until the afib started. Metoprolol does a great job controlling rate, but I had an altercation with another driver recently, OMG, what was I thinking. Although the rate probably didn't go above 100, it hasn't been near that at rest in awhile, more like the 70s at rest, 90s after climbing the stairs. It took hours for my heart rate to return to normal. Adrenaline causes a higher rate, the parasympathetic nervous system brings the rate down, but something that upsets it lets the rate go, or remain, high.

Reading a medical article recently, the doctor said when they see heart rates above X amount, it means Parasympathetic Response has been withdrawn entirely.

So, in those approved to exercise, and in those cases exercising commensurate with their doctor's oversight and in ways approved by the doctor, increased conditioning brings increased parasympathetic tone and a naturally lower heart rate.