{"id":52948,"date":"2022-08-02T10:24:44","date_gmt":"2022-08-02T14:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=52948"},"modified":"2025-12-18T15:13:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T20:13:01","slug":"metoprolol-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metoprolol-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Metoprolol side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/beta-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beta blocker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that healthcare professionals often prescribe for high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. There are two forms of metoprolol:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metoprolol-tartrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol tartrate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an immediate-release form of metoprolol that is typically <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metoprolol-tartrate\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taken once or twice daily<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and is known by the brand name <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lopressor\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lopressor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metoprolol-tartrate\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol tartrate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hypertension-treatments-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hypertension<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (high blood pressure) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antianginals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angina<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (chest pain). It is also FDA approved to improve survival after a myocardial infarction (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cardiac-arrest-vs-heart-attack\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart attack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metoprolol-succinate-er\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an extended-release version of metoprolol that is typically <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metoprolol-succinate\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taken once daily<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is known by the brand names <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/toprol-xl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toprol XL<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (extended-release tablets) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/kapspargo-sprinkle\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapspargo Sprinkle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (extended-release capsules). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metoprolol-succinate-er\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is FDA approved for hypertension and angina. It\u2019s also FDA approved to lower the risk of death and hospitalizations in people with heart failure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"most-common-side-effects-of-metoprolol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most common side effects of metoprolol<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the prescribing information for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=90594d68-87f2-5f75-2d8a-1629f88ba8a9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/lookup.cfm?setid=809c6386-0039-42ff-a03e-e42733e229b8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metoprolol tartrate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the most common side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness and lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bradycardia (slowed heartbeat)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/low-blood-pressure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypotension<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (low blood pressure)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching and rash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a682864.html#side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to MedlinePlus, may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas and bloating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heartburn<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold hands and feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny nose<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"does-metoprolol-cause-swelling\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does metoprolol cause swelling?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling is not a common side effect of metoprolol. In studies done after the drug was approved, patients reported edema (fluid retention). However, this data didn\u2019t measure the frequency of occurrence or find a cause-and-effect relationship between the drug and reported side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK532923\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may occur<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in people who have heart disease or heart failure and are experiencing a worsening of their condition. In these cases, people may have swelling around the legs or ankles along with weight gain and shortness of breath.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling can also be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you\u2019re taking metoprolol and notice swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or any other symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives or trouble breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"does-metoprolol-cause-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does metoprolol cause constipation?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MedlinePlus reports constipation as a common side effect, along with other stomach-related side effects (see section above). Some people will experience constipation from metoprolol, although it only occurs in about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=2317\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1% of people taking metoprolol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-there-any-major-side-effects-of-metoprolol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there any major side effects of metoprolol?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with any drug, serious side effects are less common but possible, and may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reaction, which may appear as hives, rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the legs or ankles, sudden weight gain, or shortness of breath, which may be due to fluid retention or worsening heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A slow, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these side effects are less common, you should call your healthcare provider right away for any concerning symptoms or seek emergency medical help for urgent symptoms, including an allergic reaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-of-metoprolol-succinate-vs-side-effects-of-metoprolol-tartrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of metoprolol succinate vs. side effects of metoprolol tartrate\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects are similar for both drugs, as noted above. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metoprolol-tartrate-vs-metoprolol-succinate\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both forms of metoprolol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contain the same drug, but are formulated slightly differently: Metoprolol tartrate is immediate-release, while metoprolol succinate is extended-release. Because of this, their differences are more related to how long they work in the body rather than their actual effects on the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"metoprolol-50-mg-side-effects-vs-25-mg-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol 50 mg side effects vs. 25 mg side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The prescribing information for both forms of metoprolol does not specify the occurrence of side effects by dosage. However, higher doses may make certain side effects more likely. For example, metoprolol lowers blood pressure, so higher doses are likely to affect the heart and blood pressure more than lower doses, which could cause side effects like slowed heart rate and low blood pressure. To minimize the risk of dose-related side effects, healthcare providers typically start the drug at a lower dose and gradually adjust to an effective dose that produces minimal side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-soon-do-metoprolol-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do metoprolol side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol starts working relatively quickly, reaching its highest levels in the body within <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK532923\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one or two hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, the timing of side effects may vary. Some common side effects, like drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and diarrhea, occur <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=2317#adverse-reactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relatively soon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other side effects, like depression, sexual problems, and memory problems, may take longer to develop.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-metoprolol-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do metoprolol side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some side effects may be temporary and start to lessen or go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. This often happens with stomach-related side effects, like nausea or diarrhea, or mild dizziness and fatigue. Other side effects may take longer to develop or have longer-lasting effects, like memory problems, depression, or joint pain. Always communicate this information to your healthcare provider so they can make adjustments to your medicine regimen, if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"metoprolol-long-term-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol long-term side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol is often prescribed as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/22318-beta-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">long-term medicine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Beta blockers like metoprolol have been used safely for many years. However, any drug can cause side effects. And some people may be at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7306637\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as older adults, people with liver disease, and people with memory or thinking problems. Although many people tolerate metoprolol well, long-term use can still cause side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns about long-term use of metoprolol.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"metoprolol-drug-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you take metoprolol, it is important to review your medication list with your healthcare provider, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. It\u2019s important to let your healthcare provider know if you take any of the following medications:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/ssris\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSRI antidepressant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/fluoxetine-without-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fluoxetine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/paroxetine-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">paroxetine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/maois\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MAO inhibitor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as tranylcypromine or phenelzine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A drug for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antiarrhythmics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart rhythm<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like quinidine or propafenone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/calcium-channel-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calcium channel blocker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as verapamil or diltiazem<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/digoxin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digoxin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/clonidine-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clonidine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Epinephrine for allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can read more about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metoprolol-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metoprolol interactions here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"safety-measures-while-using-metoprolol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety measures while using metoprolol<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, and be sure to tell them if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Metoprolol is not safe for everyone. You should not take metoprolol if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are allergic to metoprolol or any ingredient in the medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have certain heart problems, such as severe bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, second or third-degree heart block, severe hypotension, or worsening heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol is not habit-forming and is not a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/controlled-substances-act\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">controlled substance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, stopping the medication abruptly can cause problems, including heart attack, a worsening of chest pain, high blood pressure, or a fast heart rate. Always follow your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions for use and do not stop taking metoprolol abruptly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you or someone else may have taken too much metoprolol, you should call <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poison Control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at 1-800-222-1222. Some of the symptoms of overdose may include nausea,\u00a0 vomiting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, or swelling. If the person cannot wake up or has a seizure, call 911.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-prevent-metoprolol-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to prevent metoprolol side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you may not be able to prevent side effects, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of experiencing certain side effects:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions, medical and family history, and all the medications you take. This will help your healthcare provider determine whether metoprolol is safe for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take metoprolol exactly as directed. Typically, metoprolol tartrate should be taken with food or after a meal, while metoprolol succinate can be taken without regard to food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish a pattern so you remember to take your medicine around the same time(s) every day. You can set a reminder on your phone or use a medication organizer to help you keep track of your medication schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not double up on doses. Check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about missing a dose of metoprolol.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your healthcare provider about alcohol consumption. For high blood pressure and many heart conditions, it is best to avoid alcohol. If you are taking the metoprolol succinate extended-release capsules (Kapspargo Sprinkle), you should never drink alcohol. This is because alcohol can interfere with the way the medicine is released from the capsule, and possibly cause dangerous side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how metoprolol affects you. Move carefully and stand up slowly if you are experiencing dizziness.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoprolol can mask symptoms of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/low-blood-sugar-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low blood sugar<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can also increase the risk of severe or prolonged episodes of low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider about monitoring and treating low blood sugar, especially if you have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/diabetes-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During treatment with metoprolol, if you are sick, such as with a cold or flu, check with your healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter medicines, as some may not be safe for your condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow your healthcare provider\u2019s recommendations for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metoprolol-food-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dietary modifications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and monitoring blood pressure, and keep all appointments for follow-up care and blood work.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report side effects to your healthcare provider, especially if they are bothersome or do not go away. For serious side effects, get emergency or urgent medical help.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"side-effects-of-missing-a-dose-of-metoprolol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of missing a dose of metoprolol<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing one dose should not cause any side effects or problems. However, stopping metoprolol abruptly can cause problems. If you miss one dose of metoprolol, it is recommended to skip the missed dose and continue with your next regular dose. Do not take an extra or double dose. If you miss more than one dose, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects-of-metoprolol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of metoprolol<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some tips for managing some of the common side effects of metoprolol:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For an upset stomach, stick to smaller meals and eat mild foods, avoiding heavy, greasy, and spicy foods. If you have diarrhea, be sure to stay hydrated. If you experience constipation, try to eat more fiber and increase fluid intake.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-dry-mouth\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry mouth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, try sucking on sugar-free candies, using a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/biotene-dry-mouth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saliva substitute<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and staying hydrated.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel fatigued or tired, try to get enough rest until your body adjusts to the medicine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have dizziness or lightheadedness, be sure to get up slowly from a sitting or lying position and move carefully.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, side effects improve as your body gets used to the medication. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, check with your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking metoprolol suddenly, as doing so can cause serious problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"expert-takeaway\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expert takeaway\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years, and metoprolol has always been one of the most commonly prescribed drugs,\u201d says Karen Berger, Pharm.D., member of the SingleCare Medical Board. \u201cMost people tolerate it very well. It\u2019s important to follow your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions for use, and always keep follow-up appointments.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Metoprolol is a beta blocker that healthcare professionals often prescribe for high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. There are two forms of metoprolol:\u00a0 Metoprolol tartrate is an immediate-release form of metoprolol that is typically taken once or twice daily, and is known by the brand name Lopressor. Metoprolol tartrate is approved by the Food [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":52951,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[737,12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-52948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-heart-health","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Metoprolol side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fatigue, dizziness, depression, low blood pressure, and diarrhea are possible metoprolol side effects. 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