Metoprolol (Lopressor) –
What You Should Know

Brand Name: Lopressor

What is Metoprolol (Lopressor)?

The Information about Metoprolol (Lopressor) contained herein is a compilation of materials available from drugs.com and simplified for the average consumer.

metoprolol toprol xl lorpressorMetoprolol also known by the brand name Lopressor is a beta blocker. Beta Blockers also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline.

When you take beta blockers, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers also help blood vessels open up to improve blood flow.

There are drug free alternatives to lowering your blood pressure that may be effective for you. Read about them here.

How to use Metoprolol (Lopressor):

  • Use Metoprolol (Lopressor) as prescribed on your medication bottle. Do not take more or less or for longer than recommended by your doctor.taking pill
  • Take Metoprolol (Lopressor) at the same time every day with a meal.
  • You may need regular blood pressure tests at your doctors office.
  • You may need to briefly stop using Metoprolol (Lopressor) before having surgery, so discuss with your surgeon.
  • Store Metoprolol (Lopressor) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
  • If you miss a dose of Metoprolol (Lopressor), take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
  • Do not skip doses or stop taking Metoprolol (Lopressor) without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Metoprolol (Lopressor).

What to know before using Metoprolol (Lopressor):

If you are taking any of the below drugs, discuss with your doctor before taking Metoprolol (Lopressor):

  • Prazosin
  • Terbinafine
  • Bupropion
  • Clomipramine
  • Desipramine
  • Duloxetine
  • Fluoxetine
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Paroxetine
  • Sertraline
  • Dihydroergotamine
  • Ergonovine
  • Ergotamine
  • Methylergonovine
  • Amlodipine
  • Clonidine
  • Digoxin
  • Diltiazem
  • Dipyridamole
  • Hydralazine
  • Methyldopa
  • Nifedipine
  • Quinidine
  • Reserpine
  • Verapamil
  • Isocarboxazi
  • Linezolid
  • Phenelzine
  • Rasagiline
  • Selegiline
  • Tranylcypromine
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Fluphenazine haloperidol
  • Thioridazine

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Metoprolol (Lopressor). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If any of the following conditions apply to you, discuss with your doctor before taking Metoprolol (Lopressor):

  • a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate
  • severe circulation problems
  • severe heart failurecongestive heart failure
  • slow heart beats that have caused you to faint
  • asthma
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • sleep apnea or other breathing disorder
  • diabetes
  • liver disease
  • congestive heart failure
  • problems with circulation (such as Raynaud’s syndrome)
  • thyroid disorder
  • pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland)
  • pregnant
  • breast feeding

Side effects of Metoprolol (Lopressor):

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of overdose or allergy occur:

Symptoms of overdose

  • Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail bedsfainting
  • change in consciousness
  • loss of consciousness
  • no blood pressure or pulse
  • stopping of heart
  • unconsciousness
  • very drowsy or sleepy

Stop using Metoprolol (Lopressor) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • blurred vision
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • confusion
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • shortness of breath
  • slow or irregular heartbeat
  • sweating
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • cough
  • decreased urine output
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • difficulty with speaking
  • dilated neck veins
  • disturbed color perception
  • double vision
  • extreme fatigue
  • fast, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • halos around lights
  • headache
  • inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
  • inability to speak
  • irregular breathing
  • loss of vision
  • night blindness
  • noisy breathing
  • overbright appearance of lights
  • pain, tension, and weakness upon walking that subsides during periods of rest
  • paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
  • rapid weight gain
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • short-term memory loss
  • slow speech
  • swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
  • tightness in the chest
  • tingling of the hands or feet
  • tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold
  • troubled breathing
  • tunnel vision
  • unusual weight gain or loss
  • bluish color skin of the fingers or toes
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • continuing loss of appetite
  • continuing or severe abdominal or stomach pain
  • continuing or severe nausea and vomiting
  • dark urine
  • difficulty with moving
  • fever
  • general tiredness and weakness
  • hoarseness
  • increased frequency of urination
  • itching skin
  • light-colored stools
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • numbness of the fingers or toes
  • pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
  • rash
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • upper right abdominal or stomach pain
  • vomiting of blood
  • weakness
  • yellow eyes and skin
  • Black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
  • cool, sweaty skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin

Less serious side effects may include:

  • belching
  • bloated
  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • discouragement
  • dry mouth
  • excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • feeling of indigestion
  • feeling sad or empty
  • full feeling
  • inability to have or keep an erection
  • irritability
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • nightmares
  • pain in the chest below the breastbone
  • passing gas
  • redness or other discoloration of the skin
  • runny nose
  • sensation of spinning
  • sneezing
  • stuffy nose
  • tiredness
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping
  • Bone pain
  • continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
  • dry eyes
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • hearing loss
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
  • pain of penis on erection
  • severe sunburn
  • Change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • fear or nervousness
  • hives or welts

The information about Metoprolol (Lopressor) comes from drugs.com

Metoprolol (Lopressor) Natural Alternatives:

tikva with drinkIf you are taking Metoprolol (Lopressor) or other beta blocker medications, the various ingredients  in Tikva have been proven through either clinical trials or other research to lower your blood pressure naturally by dilating (widening) the arteries. Tikva does not act as a beta blocker, as it does not slow down your heart.

Several of the ingredients in Tikva can also increase circulation, dissolve plaque that is already in the arteries and reduce new plaque from forming. In addition, there are ingredients in Tikva to help reduce stress that often increases blood pressure without all of the side effects.
Read more about the natural ingredients in Tikva on our research and ingredients page, by clicking here.

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The information provided on this page should not be used to decide whether or not to take Metoprolol (Lopressor) or any other medicine. Consult your doctor to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition.

This information about Metoprolol (Lopressor) is a brief summary and does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Metoprolol (Lopressor).

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must speak with your doctor for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Metoprolol (Lopressor).