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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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Ok, took my half dose for two days, today I'm supposed to stop entirely. I am feeling like a zombie. No get up and go, lightheaded. My BP is higher than it usually is but not thru the roof. 133/84 after doing some deep breathing exercises. Was 140/92 before. Doc said to go to emergency if it goes over 180. But that was the only thing they said to me. They said nothing about feeling like this. Mentioned some people get tachycardia. My heart rate is better than it was before 60,61 BPM but I feel so weak. They said nothing about this. Is this normal? When I asked about the tape off time, they said it's because I was only taking 25mg a day. Said it's a low dose, and I don't have to worry.
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4 ReactionsI was a bit worried because of what I had read online, regarding metoprolol. I was just worried that two days was not enough time. Since they say not to stop it suddenly.
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2 ReactionsYes it is. After wearing a heart monitor for a month, he said I did not have one single pac the entire time, although I did have many pvc's. He doesn't think it's necessary for me to continue taking it. I am supposed to have an echo done the end of the month. He said he wanted me to be off it for at least two weeks prior. Evidently my last stress test showed something to do with reduced ejection fraction. Also he said my pulse rate is way too low. Thinks it's because of the metoprolol.
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3 Reactions@kenny48 I took a very small dose at one time (25 mg/ 1 X a day) and substituted it for another beta blocker (same dosage) and did not have any problems. From your post, it appears like this is a new cardiologist who is making this recommendation?
Teresa
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1 ReactionThat is similar to what my doctor has said when I've had to stop for certain procedures or tests. That is, a gradual tapering down. I also take 25 mg/day, split between morning and evening. However, I don't have afib, and I don't take flecainide so my case not identical.
I’ve had 3 catheter ablations. I was started on 50mg, then to 75mg. Now, I’m on 150mg daily...and my cardiologist is adamant on about the dosage.
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