{"id":630698,"date":"2024-12-20T09:30:27","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T14:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630698"},"modified":"2025-10-21T21:13:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T01:13:23","slug":"metoprolol-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metoprolol-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you drink while taking metoprolol?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mixing alcohol with metoprolol can come with various side effects, some of which can be serious. Many people take metoprolol, either as <\/span>metoprolol tartrate or metoprolol succinate<\/span><\/a>, to help manage high blood pressure and heart conditions. If you\u2019re considering drinking alcohol while taking this prescription drug, you should know the possible risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some people who know how they react to the medication and alcohol, drinking in moderation may be doable. However, for others, combining metoprolol and alcohol may lead to <\/span>low blood pressure<\/span><\/a>, which could cause dizziness and fatigue, especially if you\u2019ve just started taking it. Read on to learn more about the consequences of mixing alcohol and metoprolol.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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How does metoprolol work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Metoprolol is a generic medication available in immediate-release (<\/span>Lopressor<\/span><\/a>) and extended-release (<\/span>Toprol XL<\/span><\/a>) forms. Both brand names of metoprolol are FDA approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). However, Toprol XL is additionally approved for heart failure, while Lopressor is also used to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metoprolol is a <\/span>beta blocker<\/span><\/a> that works by blocking the action of a hormone called adrenaline on certain receptors in the heart and blood vessels. As a result, it helps slow down the heart rate and reduce the strength of the heart’s contractions, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. By making the heart work less hard, metoprolol can help treat cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure and chest pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metoprolol is taken as an oral tablet once or twice daily, depending on the dosage, form, and condition being treated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you drink while taking metoprolol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not generally recommended to drink alcohol while taking metoprolol. When you first start taking metoprolol, drinking alcohol may increase side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if you\u2019ve been taking metoprolol consistently at an appropriate dosage and have your blood pressure under control, you may be able to <\/span>drink alcohol in moderation<\/span><\/a>. That means no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. Still, it\u2019s important to consult a healthcare provider for medical advice to determine whether drinking alcohol may be safe for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

What happens if you mix metoprolol and alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mixing metoprolol with alcohol could increase the risk of several adverse effects. In some cases, alcohol could cause serious side effects or alter the effectiveness of the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dizziness<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mixing alcohol with metoprolol can lead to feelings of dizziness or light-headedness, which can make it hard to walk or stand. Both metoprolol and alcohol can lower blood pressure, which might cause you to feel more dizzy, especially when moving suddenly or getting up quickly. If you drink alcohol during treatment with metoprolol and feel dizzy, sitting or lying down can help, and moving slowly may prevent you from falling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fatigue<\/span><\/h3>\n

Drinking alcohol while taking metoprolol can make you feel more tired than usual. Both alcohol and metoprolol can cause drowsiness on their own, but when combined, they can make you feel even more fatigued. This extra tiredness may affect your daily life, making it harder to focus and be productive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nausea<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nausea is another side effect that can be amplified when you mix alcohol with metoprolol. <\/span>Nausea or vomiting<\/span><\/a> is a potential side effect of metoprolol. Alcohol can also upset your stomach, causing discomfort and sometimes even vomiting when consumed in large amounts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heart rate changes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Metoprolol works by slowing heart rate to reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. Alcohol has been found to cause <\/span>changes in heart rate<\/span><\/a>, including a fast heart rate or an irregular heart rhythm. Over time, alcohol can affect the heart muscle, causing the heart to work harder than it should. Therefore, drinking alcohol could counter the therapeutic effects of metoprolol.<\/span><\/p>\n

Low blood pressure<\/span><\/h3>\n

Alcohol affects blood pressure in different ways. When consumed in large amounts, <\/span>blood pressure may go down<\/span><\/a> for the first 12 hours after drinking. However, after that time, it can actually go up. These effects can vary depending on how much alcohol is consumed and when it is consumed. As metoprolol can also lower blood pressure, drinking alcohol with this medication may increase the risk of severely low blood pressure (hypotension), which may be life-threatening in rare cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

The side effects of mixing metoprolol and alcohol can differ from person to person. How serious these effects are often depends on how much metoprolol you take and how much alcohol you drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are certain people at greater risk of side effects?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Certain people are at a higher risk of side effects when mixing alcohol with metoprolol, a medication used for high blood pressure and heart issues. Understanding specific health conditions can help highlight these risks.<\/span><\/p>\n