Metoprolol Withdrawal (Page 63)

i've been taking metoprolol for several years as partial treatment for high blood pressure. through diet and exercise, i've lowered my BP to the point my doctor says drop the metoprolol.

i did, 3 days ago, and i'm soooo tired, dizzy, irritable, and my vision is blurred.

is this withdrawal? how long will it last?

i remember starting this medication was terrible to get used to. it appears that stopping it is just as bad.

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I had a minor set back..ended up with a horrible sinus infection that I have had for 5 days now. It has taken my mind off the withdrawal and allowed me to rest tho! Goingto the doc today to go over test results from 2 weeks ago and gonna have her look in my ears and nose while im there. How are you feeling?

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Went to the doc today..apparently I am very anemic. She says I am a 10 and they usually do tranfusions at a 9. She thinks my fast heart rate, dizziness etc are mostly from that. I do think I am having some withdrawal but also maybe this is part of my problem.

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Sandra- i hope you feel better . I can't believe that your that anemic . I am doing better i actually have been dealing with allergies like crazy . Lightheaded,raspy throat and tiredness. Heart rate still acts up randomly as well as anxiety but better than before.

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How are you CJJ88 and Lauren ?

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I am doing better but still dealing with bouts of anxiety and heart palpitations. I can only hope the progress continues and speeds up.

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Hey all - I've been away from this metoprolol thread but its not because of the people here who are very warm, supportive, diverse and collegial, such as Tony, Jimbo, BEE, DJS, CJ, Anita... TL:DR ahead...

Hopefully I was able to attach to my October 20, 2015 (previous) post, which gives a background of my experience with metoprolol for post bypass cardiac prescribed treatment.

So at the present time, I'm strongly considering restarting my 10mg daily metoprolol for about 4 to 6 weeks, despite all I know about the side effects and worsening of my Dupuytren's.

Why? I have finally been offered and accepted a short term consulting assignment which is in a dull but very prestigious and remunerative high profile industry.

This is my first real work commitment since my life and career was interrupted by quintuple bypass surgery almost two years ago.

It is fraught with professional and even personal risk by virtue of the subject matter. It is dealing with a person who has a past history and could be very good or punishing, depending on how well I could stroke his ego. You know the type. We've had differences in the past but are able to look past that now, because we need each other to reach our goals.

All that said (along with disruption in my daily vitamin and supplement ritual, trying to sleep in a hotel for a month or more, missing all the regular comfort of home and a devoted spouse, etc.), I feel I will need some performance regulator to protect from the stressful nature of the experience. I've read a lot of anecdotal and scientific material on metoprolol and it qualifies, as my secondary cardio MD suggested I hang on to my leftover pills after tapering, to tide me over for a temporary situation such as what I am facing now. Yes, I know it will downshift my heart rate and BP and that's what I'm after.

I've learned metoprolol is commonly used by performers, musicians and even surgeons to keep them calm and highly focused. I will definitely have to do some things flawlessly the first time, and deal with an unimaginable amount of information in a short time which I will rearrange for them, so to speak.

Fortunately I have enjoyed some credible success and track record prior to my surgery from which I draw the memories that will inspire and remind me in my newest and possibly biggest professional challenge.

More than the money, which is a lot, but is less than what I made for several years up through 2013, is the restoration of my career. It's not a major commitment and will give me a kick in the rear and give me some new momentum. It's taken almost two years to get back what was lost.

A few other notes since my last visit. My older brother had bypass surgery recently but his condition and recovery has not gone as smoothly as mine did. He lost a plum contract job with Google. He is 69 so doubtful he will return to work. It was the family history that took him down.

My frail but irascible mother in law just admitted to hospital for fluid in lung, technically had congestive heart failure precipitated by pneumonia and edema. Tonight she is getting a blood transfusion and medics will watch to see improvements, at this point it's up to her will to live, I'm afraid.

Meanwhile, last weekend I participated in the seven mile bridge 10k run in the Florida keys after a night in a roach motel and getting less than 30 minutes sleep. I managed to rise to the occasion and completed the course in my regular practice time, and stopping to power walk five times, which I never do normally but did out of an over abundance of caution. So actually this performance was my personal best since mid January.

The 10k was the physical resurrection. Now the career recovery effort begins!

Metoprolol can be bad stuff, definitely, but it can be necessary at times. Somewhat like prednisone which I absolutely needed many years ago, that saved my life twice.

I will be back with an update, in the meantime all the best of health and happiness to everyone.

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One correction to the above. I don't have 10mg metoprolol. I've got the 25mg metoprolol succinate generic from Dr Reddy's Lab. I think they're in India.

Today I counted the pills remaining after my taper. I've got 42 left. Might have to plan on an earlier taper as it will be tight. Figure I need 7 or so to split for taper, that will be 14 doses total, with a few days of zero dose in the taper, I can stretch my taper to about three weeks, which should avoid withdrawal issues. (Dr Reddy's white ovals are scored which makes it easier, although I do question the validity of scoring a pill that is designed as specially coated extended release.)

Sandra, I have tried NAC (n-acetyl-carnitine) for heart and lung function, it is also cardioprotective, reduces arterial plaque, and is an antidote for Tylenol poisoning and liver damage. Check it out. I hope you feel better soon.

I got tired of being led around by the nose from medical professionals who push expensive and dangerous prescription drugs. So I have built my own recovery plan following my bypass surgery. I kept a complete nutritional log for four months, logged everything I ate for nine categories on an Excel workbook, starting last November.
Calories
Total fat
Saturated fat
Carbohydrates
Sugar
Sodium
Cholesterol
Phytosterols
Protein
Fiber
Potassium

It is a lot of work as you might imagine. I had to stop, but not after learning a lot. Most all those categories are found in the nutritional data information required on USA food items.

Cjj88, are you CJ in the Vale? There is a whole different group of folks here since last autumn.

I will turn it off now, thanks for enduring my long posts.

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Hey Kefir Kid! Thanks for the nice comment in your post! It's greatly appreciated! I have to wonder, though, is there any alternative to lowering your BP and HR with something other than a beta blocker? I just know that I could never go on metoprolol again after all I've been through, regardless of how things go.

It's interesting that you mention that metoprolol is often used by musicians and performers as well as those in the professional world, for not only do I work as an engineer in a rather high-stress world, but I'm also a semi-pro musician that once played professionally at one time. In fact, when I was diagnosed with borderline hypertension, my primary doctor actually prescribed metoprolol not only to bring my BP down, but to help calm my nerves when performing, too......not that I really needed it for that reason. Long story short, I started taking 25mg of the drug on an "as-needed" basis, but I eventually found that after a few weeks I needed to take it twice daily in order to keep my system from going out of control. I literally became addicted while realizing I never needed to use the drug in the first place. Once my BP and HR came down after losing about 30 pounds, I quickly realized that I needed to get off the drug as quickly as possible. This is when all hell broke loose, and it became the worst nightmare of my life. I am by no means trying to persuade you to think twice about it if you feel that you really need it, but I know for a fact that my system could never tolerate it again. If you're anything like me, I'd sincerely consider another alternative if at all possible. Just my two pennies......

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Jimbo, I appreciate your anecdotal experience with metoprolol, in particular starting at 1x/day, then feeling the urge to take 2x/day.

This morning I started with 1/2 of a 25mg, my first metoprolol since August. Very busy and have not noticed anything unusual, good or bad.

One important distinction, I've got some "secondary" medicines, things I have added to my regimen since last December, which will tamp down any excessive anxiety symptoms.

I also practice meditation every day, something I learned over 40 years ago. Within a few minutes my mood is lifted to a calm, peaceful place, after thousands of sessions it is an almost automatic internalized process. Recommended for anyone who wants some natural tranquility.

In addition is my physical exercise. Starting next week, I will be working my stress in the Fitness Center on a daily basis.

My willpower is strong and I have managed to get through a lifetime of drug taking, both legal and not so legal, without any damage. Thank the Lord!

Hope you making out ok, Jimbo. Where is everyone else, do you know? My best wishes to all.

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Kefir, I hope all goes well for you! I've been doing ok. My last dose of metoprolol was last June, and by the end of July I was finally feeling somewhat back to normal again. Although, I still get little bouts of anxiety and heart palps on occasion, but they're nothing serious. It just makes for a constant reminder of how the drug fouled up my system.

It seems that many folks who used to be here have moved on. I'm guessing it's because they've recovered and likely lost interest. I've been worried about Tony, though, for it seemed as though he was having some rather serious issues when he posted here last, and we haven't heard from him since. I hope he's doing ok.

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Hello all, wondering how everyone is doing? Sandra -no WONDER you have felt like garbage. Make sure you add 4-6 mg of copper to your supp routine at night, take iron in am. They work together, but should not be taken at the same time :) I too wonder what happened to Tony :(
I am on the mend, now more good stretches than bad, but the issues pop up when least expected or wanted. Biggest issue I have now is my plantar fascitis crippling left foot usage. Finally broke down and went to doc for shot in foot (joy) which hasn't really helped at all. Another next week . If it isn't one thing it's another. I hold all of you close to my heart, you have helped me get thru a VERY dark chapter in life. We will all continue on the long path to wellness, hopefully together. Hugs to all. Don't give up, the struggle is REAL.

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What in the world?! Felt pretty normal for about 3-4 days. Today im real lightheaded, dizzy, headache. It just FEELS like withdrawal! 4months off next week! Anyone else have this pop up?

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Sandra sorry to hear this, I wish you well soon. I am two months off metoprolol and any other meds for BP. My headaches stopped last week and have not returned. BP was in the normal range two weeks after stopping and I will be damned if I will check it. Next time I go to the Doc will see if it is high. I really feel almost back to normal and will avoid all drugs in the future. I do take multi-vitamins daily, probiotics, and occasional allergy tab. Stay busy and active. I hated that drug and withdrawal was just as bad! Never again.

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I totally feel you sandra !!! I have the same thing but i am great full that its on occasions vs everyday . I think it will jist take more time than we would like but we will get there

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Ugh it's been a very challenging several days, right out of the blue. Hoping things will turn back around soon. Palps, foggy head, blech. I am determined to remain positive. Hope everyone else is doing well.

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I have been on metoprolol for about a month started at 50 , changed a few days after because of slow heart rate to 25 mg , now trying to get off it, doc said take 1/4 pill a day for 3 days then stop, dim on day 2 headachy fell queasy when I move around , should have never started this med!!!!

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Been on it for 4 weeks can't stand it! Ended in e.r.then hospital 4 times with blood pressure spikes over 200 never had this happen until I took this crap! I'm tapering off now doc said 1/4 pill for 3 days was on 25 mg. a day no more drugs for me!!!!!!! And my blood pressure wasn't that high to begin with low 140's over high 70's

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Just be patient ralph you have to be careful . Hope you have a good recovery the good thing is that you weren't on it too long .

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Hello all,
Been awhile since posting. I'm still on Metoprolol 25mg. Had surgery recently and not following here regularly. Nice to see some familiar names. I have had some spikes in my BP and some breakthrough tachycardia that I blame on Metoprolol. I would hope to get off one day since I've been on it over 4 years. My hair loss I blame on it entirely. Be of good courage my friends. We are survivors!!

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Do you get blood pressure spikes when weaning off metropolo ? Mines been good all day then just spiked awhile ago now back to normal

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