Metoprolol oral tablets side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved metoprolol oral tablets* to:

• prevent angina
• treat high blood pressure

One type of metoprolol is also approved to treat heart failure. The other type is also approved for use after a heart attack to help prevent another one from happening.

This article describes possible side effects of metoprolol oral tablets. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for metoprolol.

Metoprolol oral tablets are generic versions of the brand-name drugs Lopressor and Toprol XL.† Metoprolol also comes in an injectable form, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.

You can explore this overview article to learn more about metoprolol oral tablets, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.

* This article describes metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate oral tablets. Both types are approved for use in adults. Metoprolol succinate is also approved for use in some children.
† Lopressor contains metoprolol tartrate and Toprol XL contains metoprolol succinate.

More common side effects of metoprolol

Metoprolol oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of metoprolol succinate oral tablet and metoprolol tartrate oral tablet include:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• depression
• diarrhea
• shortness of breath*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoprolol in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of metoprolol

Metoprolol may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of metoprolol oral tablets that occurred in studies of metoprolol succinate oral tablet and metoprolol tartrate oral tablet include:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• depression
• diarrhea
• mild slow heart rate
• diarrhea
• itchy skin
• mild low blood pressure
• headache
• short-term memory loss
• confusion
• cold hands and feet
• shortness of breath*
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoprolol in detail” section below.

Metoprolol oral tablets may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the prescribing information studies of metoprolol succinate oral tablet and metoprolol tartrate oral tablet.

Serious side effects of metoprolol

Metoprolol may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from metoprolol oral tablets, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with metoprolol oral tablets.

Serious side effects that occurred in studies of metoprolol succinate oral tablet and metoprolol tartrate oral tablet include:

• depression
• very slow heart rate
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoprolol in detail” section below.

Common questions about side effects of metoprolol

Here are answers to some common questions about the side effects of metoprolol oral tablets. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can metoprolol cause different side effects in older adults?

No, metoprolol doesn’t cause different side effects in older adults compared with younger adults. In general, the term “older adults” refers to people ages 65 years and older.

Older adults have a higher risk of side effects from metoprolol and most other prescription drugs. This is because as people age, their bodies take longer to break down a drug. So, drug levels may be higher or stay in the body longer, increasing the risk of side effects.

Certain side effects from metoprolol, such as dizziness, can increase the risk of falls in older adults.

Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or questions about your risk of side effects with metoprolol given your age.

If I stop taking metoprolol, will I experience certain side effects?

It’s possible to have certain symptoms if you suddenly stop taking metoprolol. For this reason, it’s very important that you do not suddenly stop taking the drug.

Suddenly stopping a beta-blocker drug, such as metoprolol, may cause worsened angina. This is a type of chest pain the drug can be used to treat. In rare cases, doing so could even cause a heart attack.

Due to this risk, do not stop taking metoprolol without first talking with your doctor. If you and your doctor agree you’ll stop taking the drug, your doctor will lower your dose over time. They’ll do this until it’s safe for you to stop taking the drug. This lowers your risk of side effects while stopping metoprolol treatment.

Is weight gain or weight loss a possible side effect of metoprolol?

No, neither was reported in studies of metoprolol succinate oral tablet or metoprolol tartrate oral tablet.

Metoprolol succinate is prescribed to treat heart failure. Metoprolol tartrate may cause worsening heart failure.* Keep in mind that unintentional weight gain is a symptom of worsening heart failure. This is especially true if the weight gain happens over a short period of time.

Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your weight while taking metoprolol. It’s very important to tell them about unintentional weight gain that happens over a few days.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoprolol in detail” section below.

How long does it take for side effects of metoprolol to go away?

It depends. Usually, mild side effects caused by metoprolol are temporary and go away on their own.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome. Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine whether a treatment option other than metoprolol is safer for you.

Does metoprolol cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible, but rare.

Worsening heart failure has been reported in studies of metoprolol succinate oral tablet and metoprolol tartrate oral tablet. Heart failure is a long-lasting condition that needs long-term treatment. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of metoprolol in detail” section below.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about this possible long-term side effect of metoprolol.

Coupon for metoprolol

To access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates when you use the coupons, visit these pages for metoprolol:

• metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
• metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL, Kapspargo sprinkle)

These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of metoprolol in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of metoprolol oral tablets.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is a possible side effect of metoprolol. This was one of the more common side effects in studies of metoprolol succinate oral tablet and metoprolol tartrate oral tablet. But most people who take either drug don’t experience shortness of breath.

It’s important to note that shortness of breath can be a side effect of worsening heart failure. And heart failure is a known side effect of metoprolol. See the section directly above for more information.

Ways to manage

Shortness of breath can be a symptom of worsening heart failure. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have this side effect while you’re taking metoprolol, so they can evaluate your symptoms.

Then, your doctor can determine how to manage your shortness of breath. Possible treatment plans your doctor may recommend include:

• lowering your metoprolol dosage
• starting other treatments for heart failure, such as a diuretic (water pill)
• having you stop metoprolol treatment and trying other treatment options

Allergic reaction

For some people, metoprolol oral tablets can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect was rare in studies of metoprolol succinate oral tablet and metoprolol tartrate oral tablet. But it can still occur.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know if you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to metoprolol oral tablets, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for metoprolol

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking metoprolol oral tablets.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take metoprolol oral tablets if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether metoprolol oral tablets are a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking metoprolol oral tablets, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• diabetes
• slow heart rate
• certain heart or circulation conditions, such as decompensated heart failure or peripheral vascular disease
• asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• adrenal gland tumor
• thyroid problems
• worsening heart failure
• severe heart problems such as heart attack if you suddenly stop taking this drug
• past allergic reaction to metoprolol

Metoprolol and pregnancy

The safety of taking metoprolol during pregnancy isn’t fully understood. But the drug has been in use for a long time. Currently, information doesn’t suggest that metoprolol causes congenital anomalies (also called birth defects).

Also, having untreated high blood pressure or heart failure is known to cause pregnancy complications. And the drug is prescribed to manage these conditions.

If you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of taking metoprolol.

Metoprolol and breastfeeding

Metoprolol passes into breast milk, but only in very small amounts. Metoprolol isn’t known to cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. That said, talk with your doctor before taking this drug while breastfeeding. They can discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking metoprolol.

Metoprolol and alcohol

Metoprolol oral tablets aren’t known to interact with alcohol.

But drinking alcohol while taking metoprolol may raise your risk of certain side effects, including dizziness, headache, and nausea. This is because both metoprolol and alcohol can cause these side effects. Also, similar to metoprolol, alcohol lowers your blood pressure.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with metoprolol.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of metoprolol oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• If I have side effects from metoprolol tartrate, should I try taking metoprolol succinate instead?
• If I develop side effects from metoprolol, should I take a lower dose to treat my condition?
• Does my health history increase my risk of side effects from metoprolol?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.