Already low blood pressure and metoprolol?

[lovethesun76]

I'm 35 years old and have quite a medical history so far.  Last year I suffered a stroke and it seems like things just keep happening since then.  Well the latest thing is that one of my docs wants me to take Metoprolol 100mg to help with an occasional fast heartrate.  My blood pressure is normally very low, around 95/65 or so, sometimes a little higher if I'm working lol!  My heartrate doesn't usually  get that high but sometimes it will spike to the 130's, but not that often.  

I'm worried about taking this med b/c it seems like it could lower my bp even lower, and I've had episodes in the past where I've fainted due to low bp.  Is this med necessary and what can the negative side effects be from taking it?  Is a dose of 100mg too high?  Or 200mg?  I'm female, 5'6 and weigh 125 pounds.  Thanks for any help or suggestions!

[teampink184]

     I agree.  I just took my first dose last night, as a band aid prior to surgery, and it will be my last.  It was 50mg ER and I have not slept since taking it; it is now almost 8:30am the following morning.  I also have very low blood pressure (like 78/51) which drops when I stand while my heart rate goes up extremely high until I sit back down.  I would not suggest this for someone with low blood pressure issues especially if they are as low as mine tend to get.  I have severe reactive hypoglycemia as well which made me wonder why the dr would put me on the Metoprolol... Oh, one more thing, I am asthmatic and I've read asthmatics shouldn't take it.  I'll just chance the heart attack before my surgery date rather than have this med screw up my already completely off-kilter body.

[baldie453]

First and foremost, make sure your Dr.'s are talking with each other.
I was on Metoprolol for many years, but have been taken off of it, due to the fact that my heart would not reach target rates, during a recent stress test. I have gone through some rather serious health issues over the last 1-1/2 years and now that my Dr.'s are all communicating, it has made a difference in how I have been treated with meds.
My blood preesure has been low, with or without Metoprolol. I would recommend that you purchase a blood pressure device and monitor your pressure daily, to see how the med. affects your pressure. I was originally taking 100mg a day, which was cut to 50mg a day, doen to 25mg a day, and finally taken off Metoprolol. Your Dr. should know best, but don't be afraid to ask questions and don't give up until you feel you have gotten an honest answer. Sorry to hear about you misfortune and good luck.

[curmudgen]

What I have done in the past when beginning a new medicine is to start with a half dose to see my response.  If no response after a few days I then increased by either taking the whole dose or divided morning and evening if allowed.  That way you can adjust to conditions as necessary. Best to check with doc for advice.