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What Is Metoprolol Tartrate?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,173
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Metoprolol tartrate is a medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure and angina. A doctor may also prescribe it to patients who have just suffered a heart attack in order to improve their chances of survival. This medication can also work to prevent occurrences of angina, or chest pain. Metoprolol tartrate is a beta blocker that works by decreasing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels in order to lower blood pressure.

This drug is available as an extended-release tablet and as a regular tablet. Patients may take the former once daily, while the latter is typically prescribed one to two times daily, taken with food. It is strongly recommended that this drug not be abruptly discontinued, because this can worsen the patient's medical condition. Instead, the doctor will gradually reduce the dosage and the patient will have to limit physical activity while getting off metoprolol tartrate. While reducing the dosage, the patient must seek emergency medical help if he experiences a rapid or irregular heartbeat, problems breathing, or chest pain that spreads to the arm, neck, or jaw.

Some side effects may occur while using metoprolol tartrate, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become severe. Patients may experience insomnia, vision problems, and unusual dreams. Vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness may also occur. Drowsiness, lightheadedness, and fatigue have also been reported. These side effects may diminish as the patient's body becomes accustomed to the drug.

More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These can include jaundice, dark urine, and a persistent fever or sore throat. Persistent nausea, unexplained weight gain, and increased urination have also been reported. Other serious side effects can include fainting, mood changes, and a slowed heartbeat. Bluish discoloration of the toes or fingers, numbness or tingling, and decreased sexual ability have also occurred with the use of metoprolol tartrate.

Before using metoprolol tartrate, patients must disclose their other medical conditions. It is strongly recommended that women who are pregnant avoid this drug. Those who are breastfeeding should discuss potential risks with their doctors. This drug may be contraindicated for use by those who have diabetes, liver disease, or blood circulation problems. Certain muscle diseases, irregular heartbeats, and some skin conditions may also prevent a patient from taking metoprolol tartrate.

This medication may interact with other drugs. Patients must disclose all other medications and supplements they take, including calcium channel blockers, epinephrine, and diabetes medications, including insulin. St. John's wort, antidepressants, and other high blood pressure medicines may also interact with it.

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Discussion Comments
By ddljohn — On Feb 09, 2015

Thankfully, I don't have too many issues with metoprolol. It causes dry mouth but it's not a big deal. I'm just happy that the medication is working for me. I'm actually taking another one along with metaprolol. That drug works a little differently but these two drugs are my best bet for preventing another heart attack.

By donasmrs — On Feb 08, 2015

@serenesurface-- Dizziness is a very common side effect of metoprolol. It happens to me too sometimes. Since metoprolol reduces blood pressure, that can cause dizziness as a side effect. I'm sure you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Just keep track of your blood pressure. Especially check when you are dizzy. If it turns out that your blood pressure is too low at these times, definitely tell your doctor about this. But do not change your dose without your doctor's approval.

I think as your body adjust to the medication, the side effects will reduce in time. I have heard that some people have more side effects on metoprolol than others. So just listen to your body and speak to your doctor regularly.

By serenesurface — On Feb 07, 2015

My doctor has put me on metoprolol for high blood pressure. My pulse was also high before and I often felt like my heart was beating very hard. I could hear it all the time. These issues have resolved but now I'm experiencing dizziness as a side effect. I feel dizzy and lightheaded at least a few times every day. Since it's only been a few weeks since I started the medication, I wonder if this side effect will go away?

I hope I don't have dizziness long term. I'm afraid to drive actually because I'm worried that I will get dizzy while I drive and have an accident.

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