Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication primarily used to manage various heart conditions. It is prescribed to treat high blood pressure, chronic chest pain (angina), and can also improve outcomes after a heart attack. Additionally, metoprolol is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure and sometimes to manage certain irregular heart rhythms. This medication works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate, which helps to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure throughout the body.
Understanding the Most Common Side Effect
Fatigue is the most common side effect of metoprolol. This tiredness occurs because metoprolol, a beta-blocker, reduces heart rate and lowers blood pressure. This action can decrease blood flow to muscles and the brain, contributing to fatigue.
Fatigue usually presents as mild to moderate tiredness and can sometimes affect exercise tolerance. Around 10% of individuals taking the immediate-release version may experience tiredness, while over 2% of patients in clinical trials reported it with the extended-release version. This side effect is often manageable and tends to improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
Other Frequently Encountered Side Effects
Beyond fatigue, several other side effects are common with metoprolol. Dizziness and lightheadedness frequently occur, often stemming from the medication’s blood pressure-lowering effects. Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation are also reported gastrointestinal issues. These digestive symptoms are usually mild and may lessen over time.
Some individuals may experience cold hands and feet due to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Headaches can also occur, particularly during the initial phase of treatment. Less commonly, metoprolol may lead to mood changes, including feelings of depression.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While many metoprolol side effects are mild and temporary, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent or worsening fatigue that significantly impacts your daily life. Severe dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness, especially when standing up, should also be reported.
More serious issues include shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, as these can indicate heart or lung problems. Swelling in the ankles, feet, or lower legs, sudden weight gain, or a very slow heart rate (bradycardia) also require prompt medical evaluation. Do not stop taking metoprolol suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can lead to serious heart problems.