Metoprolol how fast does it work

Regular exercise is good for you because it lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition.

But be aware that metoprolol is not allowed in some sports if you're competing at a high level. Metoprolol can make some people feel dizzy, especially when they first start taking it or after taking a bigger dose. If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery.

You can boost the health of your heart by making some key lifestyle changes:. Page last reviewed: 13 December Next review due: 13 December Metoprolol On this page About metoprolol Key facts Who can and cannot take metoprolol How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About metoprolol Metoprolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta blockers. It's used to: treat high blood pressure treat illnesses that cause an irregular heartbeat prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes prevent chest pain caused by angina prevent migraines Metoprolol can help reduce your symptoms if you have too much thyroid hormone in your body thyrotoxicosis.

Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Metoprolol slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. Your very first dose of metoprolol may make you feel dizzy, so take it at bedtime. If you don't feel dizzy after that, you can take it in the morning. Metoprolol is usually taken once or twice a day, but sometimes it's prescribed to be taken up to 4 times a day.

The main side effects of metoprolol are headaches, and feeling dizzy, sick or tired — these are usually mild and short-lived. Metoprolol also goes by the brand name Lopresor. When given by injection, it may be called by the brand name Betaloc.

Metoprolol can be taken by adults over the age of To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting metoprolol if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to metoprolol or any other medicine low blood pressure or a slow heart rate a lung disease or severe asthma metabolic acidosis — when there's too much acid in your blood an overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism — metoprolol may make it more difficult to recognise the warning signs of having too much thyroid hormone in your body thyrotoxicosis severe blood circulation problems in your limbs such as Raynaud's phenomenon , which may make your fingers and toes tingle or turn pale or blue liver problems.

Slow release is also called sustained release SR : standard release — releases metoprolol into your body quickly you may need to take it several times a day depending on your dose slow release — dissolves slowly so you don't have to take it as often once a day is usually enough Your doctor may advise you to take your first dose before bedtime because it could make you feel dizzy.

Important Take metoprolol even if you feel well, as you will still be getting the benefits of the medicine. Dosage How much you take depends on why you need metoprolol and the type of tablet you're taking: high blood pressure: standard release — 50mg to mg, taken twice a day; slow release — mg, taken once a day chest pain angina : standard release — 50mg to mg, taken 2 to 3 times a day; slow release — mg to mg, taken once a day an irregular heartbeat arrhythmia — standard release — 50mg, taken 2 to 3 times a day preventing migraine: standard release — 50mg, taken 2 to 4 times a day, or mg , taken twice a day too much thyroid hormone thyrotoxicosis — standard release — 50mg, taken 4 times a day How to take it You can take metoprolol with or without food, but it's best to do the same each day.

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Check the information leaflet for your brand to see if you can do this. What if I forget to take it? If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. What if I take too much? Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine. Common side effects These common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or last more than a few days: headaches feeling tired, dizzy or weak cold hands or feet feeling sick nausea stomach ache Serious side effects It's rare, but some people have serious side effects when taking metoprolol.

Call a doctor straight away if you have: shortness of breath, wheezing and tightening of the chest — these can be signs of lung problems shortness of breath with a cough that gets worse when you exercise like walking up stairs , swollen ankles or legs, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat — these are signs of heart problems a fast heart rate, high temperature, trembling and confusion — these are signs of too much thyroid hormone in the blood thyrotoxicosis yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow — these can be signs of liver problems Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, metoprolol may cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: headaches — make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches usually go away after the first week of taking metoprolol.

Talk to your doctor if the headaches are severe or last longer than a week. Do not drive or use tools or machinery if you're feeling tired. Do not drink alcohol, it will make you feel worse. Do not smoke or have drinks with caffeine in - these can make your blood vessels narrower and restrict your blood flow.

Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly.

Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. Metoprolol may worsen the symptoms of heart failure in some patients. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular breathing or heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, or weight gain. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely.

Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, which can be dangerous. This medicine may cause changes in blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid pulse rate. Check with your doctor if you notice a change in your normal symptoms or a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery. This medicine may cause some people to become less alert than they are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription over-the-counter [OTC] medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may increase your blood pressure. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. You should first check with your doctor before changing your diet. Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many patients feel normal.

It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well. Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, strokes, or kidney disease.

Take the tablet or extended-release tablet with a meal or just after you eat. You may break the extended-release tablet into two pieces, but swallow the two pieces whole and do not crush or chew them. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.

Taking heart rhythm drugs with metoprolol can slow down your heart rate too much. Examples of these drugs include:. Like metoprolol, these drugs are used to treat high blood pressure and several other heart problems. Combined with metoprolol, calcium channel blockers may slow your heart rate even more. Doctors sometimes use this combination under close supervision.

Drugs used to treat depression and other mood disturbances are processed in your body by the same systems as metoprolol. Using these drugs with metoprolol could increase the levels of metoprolol in your body.

Alpha-blockers also lower blood pressure. They may decrease blood pressure too much when combined with metoprolol. Stopping the drug suddenly while also taking metoprolol can cause a big jump in blood pressure. Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, narrow blood vessels to treat headaches.

If you take them at the same time as metoprolol, they may cause dangerous narrowing of blood vessels. Dipyridamole is used for heart testing. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dosage, form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. Your body may process this drug more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage so that too much of this drug does not build up in your body.

Too much of the drug in your body can be dangerous. Treatment with this drug is often started in the hospital with the intravenous formulation as soon as possible after a heart attack. Treatment with the oral medication as noted below is begun if your body tolerates the intravenous dosing.

For people with liver disease: Liver disease may affect your dosage. Your doctor can tell you more. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.

Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Taking it again could be fatal cause death. A doctor may still prescribe it, but with careful monitoring. At higher doses, metoprolol can block different receptors on the breathing passages. This narrows the passages, which worsens asthma or COPD.