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.
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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?
The level quoted in this article on MayoClinic is 30 times higher than the 2000 IU that I take. I don't believe in Mega Vitamins myself, but 2000 IU has been beneficial for me. For those on Medications, or with illnesses, consulting a Doctor might be best before taking any supplement.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108
My email backed up. Sorry for taking longer to respond. I'll keep your discovery in mind. My neurologist tested the Vitamin D3 levels, and it's good, she was concerned I wasn't taking enough.
@healthytoday Perhaps I misled you - I did initially have a book agent during my sister's long illness (cancer) who encouraged me to write a novel. I had already published a story in a NY magazine. She obtained an editor at Simon & Shuster who read and critiqued the memoir, liking it, but wanted me to lengthen it and add more characters. I was redoing it for about 6 months or so and was unfortunate as the editor had to retire and care for her father in Charleston during the time I was at work building the novel. Then too
my agent retired so I was whammed at all ends with getting to a publisher. Just to say, I both wrote it for distraction and I did intend to
have it published , if possible. Also, from New York publishing people I've touched base with - first novel memoirs are tough sells - I was encouraged to work on the mystery novel which I had already started. They are popular now. We all have different stories, I guess.
I think memoirs are marketable and have been in the past, but you didn't write it as a marketable piece it seems to me. You wrote it as a way to express your feelings and issues, and writing is a good way to get them out of your system. I have about 35 years worth of journels. I do ponder their fate. I am getting closer to the idea of taking them to a blm campground this summer with a fire pit, and having a goodbye fire. I'd like to let go of the past though I have plenty of cool drawings in them. I'm not a writer.
I'm 71 with an annoying heart problem (afib etc) and want to explore completion with all my life's loose ends. Therefore, I just made a donation to an antique store of misc antiques and some small paintings. I have given many misc objects here and there. My main purpose now is to place valued objects in the right place. Three years ago I sent ancestral photos to Historical Societies in Indiana and New York. They were appreciate to receive the donation for there collections. Jung says the end of life should be a process of completion. Not that I'm going to heaven tomorrow, but placing these things holds meaning.
I wrote a short story when I didn't understand my husbands actions etc. It really helped.
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.
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?
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.
Probably need more than meds, a support group, writing poetry expressing your feelings, writing a story, drawing some pictures.