metoprolol side effect?

[Elli126]

Has anyone ever heard of heavy feeling tired legs as a side effect of Metoprolol ?  I'm on a relatively low dose of 25 mg BID if the tartrate.

[HarrisAzhar]

Hello everyone, is this thread still active?

I have an HCM condtion. Currently on 25 mg metoprolol tartrate.

[tom_h]

It's still being monitored by active members.

[Allessior]

Yes, he wants to see me every 3 months on the dilation, which he says currently is "minor" but he obviously wants to check for growth on a regular basis.

[Allessior]

I was taking 25/mg twice per day, now because of the symptoms my cardiologist cut it to 12.5mg (1/2 tablet) twice per day; unfortunately, I still have the symptoms.  I won't drive because of the fatigue and slower reaction of my legs, and of course my wife thinks I've lost interest in her because of the impact on libido.  Even if Halley Berry and Vanessa Williams asked me to join them in a tnreeesome, I would not be able to because of this medicine (and I would have a heart attack for sure anyway).  The cardiologist's official diagnosis is "Nonrheumatic mitral regurgitation" and "Aortic dilation" and he ordred blood work although he wasn't clear as to why (perhaps to confirm the diagnosis he obtained through prior testing, including stress testing with pictures and resting pictures?  Any ideas?)

[tom_h]

Isn't Aortic Dialation also known as an Aortic aneurysm?  If so, I would definitely stay close to this physician, and do and take what he tells you.  That has a lot more implication than loss of sexual appetite.  That's temporary. You don't get a second chance with an aortic aneurysm.

[tom_h]

If your BP is on the low side, the effects you feel when standing or bending over are a common side effect from many beta blockers.  How much Metoprolol per day are you taking?  This drug will slow your heart down, and make it slower to respond to high level of respiration and physical output.  I had to adjust my training regime once I began it.  I warm-up longer than I used to, and start slowly.  It does seem to limit my maximum heart rate to something below what it was before I was on it, but I'm also nearly 10 years older than when I started taking it.  For comparison, I'm on 75mg per day.

[Allessior]

I just started taking this stuff.  I have borderline HBP and I am already taking Clonidine, but the cardiologist said he wants to "relax my heart".  He really did not fill in the gaps as to why, since Clonidine at .2mg twice per day is keeping the BP at about 120/85.  This Metoprolol is causing light headedness, esp when standing up from a sitting position, it causes ZERO libido, and YES Elli, my kegs are feeling extremely weak and wobbly, a "heavy" feeling.  I've sent a message to the cardiologist through their patient portal asking him if there is an alternative or if I can get off of it completely.  I am in great physical shape at 58yrs: 1 hour of cardio each day, 30mins of weight training each day, and 30 mins of the cardio is bicycling 10s of miles.  I really don't see the point n taking this medicine given its negative effects vs my generally great health.

[u4iachic]

Hi Elli, I'm in RVA too!  I'm on Propanolol and I do get the same dragging feeling.  They have just switched me to Toporol XL to see if it changes.   I also get what Tom described as the heavy in the chest feeling until I get going, once I'm going I'm good, but sometimes it's the getting going that's a pain!

[Elli126]

I guess I should update my profile! I've lived in Richmond Va for the last four years and I'm originally from Jersey. I only spent a few years in Pa. and as far as stature goes, I'm short but overweight. I'm trying to work on that but exercise is tough when feeling so dragged out. As far as ablation goes, I'm still uninsured but hope to have that situation rectified soon and then I'm giving it serious consideration.

[tom_h]

If you're small in stature, 25mg. may hit you harder than someone,with more body mass.  Also remember that Metoprolol tartrate has a half life of about 6 hours, meaning every 6 hours or so, your body metabolizes the dose to 50% of the original amount. So 25 halves to 12, then halves to 6, then to 3mg after 18 hours.  You mention ablation in your profile.  It could be a good way to get rid of it forever. A lot of folks here along with myself have hadn't done.  Penn has sooe great docs. By the way, I grew just west of you in Upper Southampton.  Hang in there!

[Elli126]

Thanx Tom, I've been getting the heavy feeling in the legs  and a general feeling of a$$ dragging. Guess I just have to acclimate.  :-)

[tom_h]

I've had a lot of years with Metoprolol, from 25mg. to 200mg.  What I feel is my heart is a little slow to respond to demands.  Once it gets up to speed, I feel really good for a 63 year old.  I found it took a little while to become acclimated to it. But now I feel no side effects except for the heart thing.  That can feel like a heavy feeling in the chest until it gets up to speed.  I've been on a steady 75mg. now for 3 years.