Metoprolol Withdrawal (Page 90)
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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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This stuff is POISON. I am so mad I ever took it. Weaning day 4. Worst issue right now is wonky dizzy head on and off, loose bowels, and that doom and gloom feeling, small palpitations on and off. I did get weirdly short of breath for about an hour yesterday morning. Just pushing fluids HARD, and trying to remain calm as my body cycles thru this. Yes milk thistle plays well with other supps etc. :)

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I discontinued M three weeks ago and have had palps on and off with dizziness at times. I am "happy" to hear this is not unusual. However, I was taking minimal dose as a preventative re: palps. It worked for those, but I stopped because of skin rash, eczema, and possibly psoriasis. I was miserable with the itching and finally in a lightbulb moment I looked up adverse side effects and found out these are considered serious. I am hoping these symptoms will clear in time as I pay attention to diet and search for remedies.

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Thanks Lauren for your thoughts I haven't taken any more M. Last time wss about two days ago. I figured - rightly or wrongly - if I'd only taken it for 6 days this time round - then weaning could be short and sweet? I am
Loathe to take it again - although
I might consider that bit about licking it!!!!!

Palpitations still not under control. Will wait it out.

Thanks for Milk Thistle suggestion. I presume they mix well with Olive Leaf, Hawthorn Berry, Apple Cidrr, magnesium and SEA Salt via The Water Cure.

This blog has been a great source of info in more ways than one. Thank you everybody.

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CJ, slow down your dosage reduction. You will probably still have some symptoms, but they should be more manageable. Thank you for the kind words Dottie! Honestly can anyone here IMAGINE going thru this sort of thing with no help from Internet resources such as this? I am SO grateful for this resource. Wondering how Tony is faring.

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I went to the doc yesterday for a follow up. She was appalled that I was having symptoms from such a low amount of M, and advised me to continue the planned wean off post haste. Yesterday was a pretty good day, and today seems ok so far. I like every one else who has weaned am kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop. It seems to be an hour by hour thing, much like the thyrotoxicosis symptoms were. She seems to think I am about done with that, and we are hoping for normalcy to return as I end the brief foray with M. Should be off completely in about 3 weeks. Taking things hourly. She is on M herself, and admitted that if she forgets a pill in the am she gets wild palpitations within a hour or two. Honestly this drug should be much more cautiously prescribed!!!!! She joked that my final dosage for wean off may consist of licking a pill once a day, but as sensitive as my system is, she may be absolutely right! Whatever it takes ! She also highly recommended milk thistle 500mg twice a day, as well as NAC, along with magnesium and other various supplements. I have ordered milk thistle and NAC. So YES, lowering your dosage or forgetting a dose WILL produce those horrible palpitations!!!!!

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Not posted for a while. I'm the one that weaned off Metroprolol over march to June no problems at all. From 3 June to last time I had taken my BP - end Aug - all was well. I was really pleased.

Then: my mother 87 died. I was ok with that. Two days later I had a slight flashing in my eye. I thought it was stress. I ignored it as I soent 2.5 weeks preparing for funeral. Eventually saw Locun Optometrist Sept 4. Detached retina! Massive shock. Told to go immediately to Eye Hospital. Operation 5th

. Yikes I thought - every question I answered on their firm was "no" which was a positive thing - will they catch me out when they take my BP!? I admitted to high BP. Told them I was treating it myself. Water Cure et al. They didn't take any interest. My BP was taken. All ok. I was operated on whilst awake - Anaeth. Seemed pleased with my readings on his machine - released on 6th. Mum's funeral on Sept 7th, which I was allowed to go to.

My healing appeared to go super well until my 2nd check up at Eye Hoslital with my Prof. I was super shocked to know I needed another op under general Anaeth. this time!!!! They immediately did all the pre op rests on me. I was reeling with shock/tears. My BP reading was something like 190/102!! It came down a bit whilst there but nurse lectured me on salt (I told her about the Water Cure and my other supplements but it seems nurses don't know that salt isn't just salt. That there is good salt and bad salt. I onky use Sea or Himaltan. I was told op would not take place within next 6 days if I rocked up with high blood pressure.

For a start I had never ever had an operation before my eye op. never had gen anaesthic before. Huge deal. So no wonder it was up!!


Re-read The Water Cure to reassure myself. Yes. Researched others that were using Water Cure and supplements to control BP. All positive. Didn't know what to do.

So! I was so worried I took the Metroprolol in my bathroom drawer for 6 days leading up to op. didnt want to but could see no
Way out

After all thus my op was deemed unnecessary on the day (long story) and I was sent home much to my relief.

Last 3 days I have weaned off from 100 mg to 50 mg but I've had palpitations for more days than that.

My question is - sorry for the long bacj story - I'm frightened I'm causing it by weaning off but from a quick read here it seemed it is the M that actually causes the palpitations!!????

I'm confused now. Still doing Water Cure plus Hawthorn Berry and Magnesium and Apple Cider.

I have been following everyone's posts for months and had been feeling smug that my initial weaning off went so smoothly compared to everyone else's. now this debacle!!!! How long do you think palpatations will continue? Some would say "go to your GP" but they don't get the need for preferring natural cures and I am afraid I will get crapped on. Thinking of waiting it out for a few days more.

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Lauren so sorry about your problems. I felt like a zombie when I was first started on Metoprolol for palpitations. Had feelings of doom. I dropped my dose from 50 mg twice a day to once a day. Called my doctor and when I saw him ask about 25 mg once a day. I've been on that for just over year now. I see cardiologist this month and will ask about coming off it and possibly try another drug that will help keep my blood pressure down and prevent me from losing anymore hair!! Hair loss is one main issue now.
Please talk to your doctor. There are other medicines for your thyroid issue that might not have the side effects your having.
Welcome to this group. There are some very nice members here that are very supportive.

Wishing you a lovely holiday season and to all the other members here!!

Dottie

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I was put on metprolol 2 weeks ago for symptoms from an iodine overdose. I knew right away this med was bad news despite reassurances from my (normally) great gp. It did stop the pounding heart issues, and I have weaned myself off the low dose of prednisone I was on, but now I am having noticeable dizziness as the doses wear off, and palpitation issues in early am. I never got beyond 25 mg in pm and 12.5 in am because I have to function and the brain fog and dopiness are as bad as the thyroid/iodine issues were. I haven't has a clear headed day since going on it. So I started to try and eliminate the metprolol, and got the dizzy waves, then found thisbsite. I have spent the better part of the afternoon reading all the posts, and trying not to get too discouraged that now I am dealing with withdrawal symptoms that are as bad as the iodone/thyroid symptoms that have basically ruined my life for the last 2 mos. I am a Nanny and I can't tell you how hard it has been to do my job and act normal around my bosses, I can't risk losing my position. After reading everything I am will proceed to cut my doses in half, and pray that I can make it through this fresh hell. I just want my life back, and the brain fog and dizziness is driving me crazy. I totally relate to just being disinterested in living anymore with how I have been feeling. I have no interest in anything at all and feel so little hope for the future. I am praying that getting off this poison will improve things. The sad part is that I went on this stuff just as the thyrotoxicosis was actually starting to resolve. I feel like I have been completely gypped at this point. I will heck in here regularly for hope and strength. My family doesn't understand what is wrong and why I have been such a dud for months.

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I stop taking this medication 2 weeks ago and I'm having the same side effects as you too!...

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This is such a commonly used drug. I think I might have heard of one or side adverse reactions in 25 years, I myself take Toprol XL 200mg qd, part of the regimen following my serious heart surgery (gory details; suffice it to say I needed replacement valve, OK?). Originally, I was on Inderal QID and I told the surgeon "This is bulls***; make them QD drugs or I will. I'm not your typical prone-to-depression post op patient. VASTER is not the best drug in its class. And it's TID; you're nuts. The surgeon was tightly-wound, as surgeons are, and indignant. "If you don't change the meds, I'll confer with my brother — you met him — and I will. How dare you treat me or any other patient as if you were gods and I'm a mere moronic mortal. I have more and better degrees than you do and you're supposed to solicit my input. Don't think this isn't finding its way into writing, either. I was an honors English major." The unavailability of Inderal-LA made us with to Toprol-XL. Never a problem. I'm thinking that you folks represent the "augmenters" for beta-blockers — "normal" doses have exaggerated effects, including side effects. I'd been reading this board for a while and spoken to some cardiologists I know well. Absent having all you guys in a room, taking vitals, bloods, his, etc., we came to the conclusion by consensus that you probably are AUGMENTERS. Let your docs know this. So many docs prescribe b-blockers that they have to know. Even I occasionally prescribe Inderal for anxiety symptoms. but on an "as needed" (i.e., "public speaking") basis. I hope my experience has helped you guys a little. This is a puzzlement beyond my meager resources to unravel. Thank you for welcoming me to these boards, guys and gals. It's an honor to be asked for advice.

Editor's note: We do not verify the credentials of our users and nothing stated in our forums is intended to be taken as medical advice.

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Apologies for my typos! Using android does that auto typing! Keep posting your notes my friends here. Wishing you all well. Enjoy each day.

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Tony so glad you are getting back on to a routine. Your experience is one everyone fears. As a retired anesthetist, I can say that every time someone is given anesthesia it is like an out of body experience. That's what I fear when having any surgery! Your life v adhering event, will leave you worried but you have to resume doing things you enjoy and take time to relax. To all the other friends here, I send greetings and prayers that life will improve daily. Keep pushing with updates!

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Thank you Kerry,

Thanks to all of you! I'm still doing ok. My heart hasn't stopped for a week or more now. I'm hoping that's good news. Maybe it was lorazepam withdrawal causing an issue, not sure. I'm going on four weeks, I think, without it.

I'm still running now. As a matter of fact, I just finished 1.5 miles. Trying to be strong. I am worried a lot but I'm trying to mentally be tougher. My first week after the stents was bad. Emotionally I was a wreck. I think that feeling of death looming can be a little traumatic.

Look, guys. All of you. Thank you for being so kind and asking how I am. You guys are all clearly genuinely good people. I sincerely want to see each of you have a very nice holiday season and a healthy one as well. Love u guys

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Hi Tony:

I was thinking of you and just wanted to know how you're doing? I hope you're getting stronger every day and I hope your doctors are giving you the answers you need, and answers that make sense.

Kerry

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See your Interventional Cardiologist. IC is my brother's specialty and I honestly don't know exactly the technique but I know his tests are valid and reliable. Despite our constant fighting ("You people cut too damned much?" v. "And you people prescribe too many pills for too long."), that's just family. He is an excellent cardiologist. That would be my first stop. Naturopathic Cardiology is an oxymoron. The foods we eat, etc., do play a role, but I'd love to see double-blind research showing their success records indicate the success stents, pacemakers, defibrillators, etc. come within oh — four sigmas — of conventional treatment. If you're lucky, you'll find an IC who is also an Office Cardiologist. Continuity is very important. (Failing that, two doc in the same practice, etc.)

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Im still here too :( I was off the metoprolol for 3 months but the withdrawal got so bad so I took a sliver just to have a couple days of feeling normal. It was great...until it wore off. So a week and 4 days later I took another sliver. When I say sliver I mean "dust". Who would have thought your body can withdrawal from dust. I questioned for a long time if it was even withdrawal but all the nasty symptoms im having goes away when I take it. How much slower and smaller am I going to need to go to get off this stuff?? I cant go smaller. I can make it about a week off then my body freaks out on me. Is there something natural to help me. I seriously feel like an addict.

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Hey Tony! Thanks for the nice comment! Even though we don't really know one another from a personal standpoint, it still concerns me when I see one of my friends having issues. After all, you've given me a whole lot of great advice when the chips were down for me, and it's been greatly appreciated! While it's difficult for me to offer any advice in return at the moment, I sincerely hope that you can get beyond your issues. It certainly must be challenging for you, but please try to keep your spirits high!

As far as myself, I get little tinges of leftover effects from the Metoprolol every now and then, but they're getting fewer and farther between with time. I'm actually doing very well. In fact, for the last three or four weeks I've been feeling better than I have in almost three years. I'm still doing as much cycling as I can weather permitting, and my wife and I get out to walk about two to three miles nearly every day. Getting entirely off the prescription meds has been a very good thing for me. Whether or not I can stay off of them indefinitely remains to be seen, but for now I'm enjoying it while I can.

Anyway, I just hope you can get beyond it all.

DJS, sorry to hear that your back surgery didn't go as well as planned, but I would suppose it's somewhat of a relief not having to worry about the dreaded "M." I have back issues as well - degenerative disc disease - but I haven't needed surgery yet. Man, this growing old stuff kinda sucks, doesn't it?.......LOL.

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Tony,

Hi.. If I were you I would be reading everything I could get my hands on about your issue.. There are many naturopathic doctors on youtube like Dr. Stephen Sinatra and Dr. Mercola, Dr. Robert Morse, Dr. Dean Ornish, Esselytn, Joel Wallach and countless others who have some great videos on how to reverse disease and lead a normal healthy life.. See which ones resonate with you... You could also find your own natropathic cardiologist.. they might not take insurance but heck its your life and you need to find and all you can do heal...look into amino acids for the heart. I hope you are taking magnesium... I also read that apple cider vinegar, lemons, ginger and garlic juice will keep arteries clean and clean out stents.. just make sure you investigate that yourself.. check this site: earthclinic.com.

And as far as your emotional and spiritual side of dis-ease start by doing some meditation, EFT, energy healing, accupuncture, etc.. look on youtube for these things also... Louise Hay is great for this too.. she has a book How to Heal your Life... she also has some great videos on youtube.... taking care of yourself inside and out will greatly improve your issues.. Good Luck

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Jumbo, Kefir kid, Tony I hope all are on track doing better one day at a time. Kefir kid Dupuytren's contracture is not uncommon in those with Northern Europeon (Irish) ethnicity FYI. My trivia for the day.
Look forward to updates from friends here. Metoprolol is a lesser issue with me since back surgery. Should have been simple one day in/out. Now one leg worse than before surgery! 4-6 months for recovery so surgeon says. I will pay he is correct!

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Hi buddy.

I've been trying to wrap my brain around all this and understand my situation. It's not very good. But I am taking the Meds I have to take and I'm cutting 90% of all fats, especially any trans fats or saturated fats. It doesn't leave me much but it's where I am.

I started running again carefully. It's been very stressful but I'm trying to fight it.

My biggest concern right now is how will I know if the stents they put in are staying clear. That concerns me a lot. Especially since one was right above my LAD.

I hope u r doing well jimbo. I really do appreciate you asking about me. You are a fine fella.

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