Metoprolol is a heart medication that works by blocking the effects of epinephrine on beta-1
receptors within the heart, this causes the heart to pump more slowly and with less force.
And I wanted to make this video as a quick guide to get you to better
understand the effects of metoprolol, the upsides it has, what and why its used for,
and how to get around some of those side effects that can be tricky. Its a video
that youve been asking for, and Im happy to finally address it. So stay tuned till the end.
Hi guys, yaseen arsalan, media pharmacist here on youtube where I help you guys make better and
more informed decisions about your health and wellness. So if thats something your into, Be
sure to smash that like button below NOW.. Also, while you're at it, hit that subscribe button too
and Don’t forget to follow me on instagram too for more behind the scenes. So without further ado,
lets get straight into it. What is
metoprolol used for Metoprolol is available as two different
salts: You got: metoprolol tartrate brand name Lopressor and metoprolol succinate, brand name
Toprol XL. They are both used to lower high blood pressure and reduce chest pain, otherwise known
as angina. Now: Metoprolol tartrate can also be used to treat and prevent heart attacks,
while metoprolol succinate is also used to treat heart failure. And its totally okay to
see it used as part of a combination therapy too with a water pill for boosted effects: either with
hydrochlorthiazide or chlorthalidone. And you may also see it be used to prevent migraines,
treat irregular heartbeats, and can sometimes be even used to help reduce your symptoms if you have
too much thyroid hormone in your body. How does metoprolol work
Both versions of metoprolol belong to a class of drugs you may already heard of:
called beta-blockers. And Like other beta blockers, metoprolol works by changing the
way your body responds to some nerve impulses, especially in the heart. And when this happens,
It slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body
and decreases blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and
oxygen is increased to the heart and this resolves any chest pain and makes the flow of blood around
your body run more smoothly. How to take metoprolol
The best way to take metoprolol, is how your doctor has told you to take it. There are so many
different doses and variations that can be made with metoprolol based on different conditions,
so the you have been prescribed to take it, is going to be the best way for you to get
the most benefits from it. Strengths for the immediate release form range from: 25 mg, 37.5,
50 mg, 75 and 100. And strengths for the extended release range from: 5 mg, 50, 100, and 200 mg.
And youll see Doses of the extended release for high blood pressure range At first, from 25 to
100 milligrams (mg) once a day and Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed, however doses dont go
over 400 mg for the most part. And for chest pain: it usually is 100 milligrams (mg) once a day up to
no more than 400 mg per day. So because there are so many variations, following the directions given
to you is crucial to get the best care, and on that note: its important that you dont interchange
immediate release and extended release forms of metoprolol. Always consult with your doctor before
making any changes. Especially when it comes to stopping metoprolol abruptly. Metoprolol has what
is known as a black box warning: Which is the most serious warning from the FDA. You should never
stop taking metoprolol suddenly. If you do, you may experience worse chest pain, a jump in blood
pressure, or even have a heart attack. So if youre having side effects, which will adress in a bit,
first talk to your doctor and they should be able to gradually decrease your dose,
or have you on an alternative medication. Interactions
There are some medicines that may interfere with the way metoprolol works. Ive left a
list of what some of those are, but the ones that stand out are: the way it interacts with
other medicines for high blood pressure, as the combination with metoprolol can sometimes lower
your blood pressure too much, which may make you feel dizzy or faint. NSAIDs are an other one:
such as naproxen or ibuprofen as these medicines may increase your blood pressure, so it's best
to keep them to a minimum. Cough medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, amiodarone,
and bupropion are known to interact as well, so take to your doctor or pharmacist first, before
starting out a new medicine or supplement. Side effects
Now its totally normal for in the beginning of starting metoprolol to have it feel a little
rough. If youre experiencing headaches. make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do
not drink too much alcohol as well and Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.
Headaches usually go away after the first week of taking metoprolol. But if youre feeling tired,
dizzy or weak. stop what you're doing, and sit or lie down until you feel better. Dont drive or use
tools or machinery if you're feeling tired and again, avoid drinking too much alcohol as this
can make you feel worse. Another side effect that may be surprising at first is cold hands and feet.
So my tips for this is: put your hands or feet under warm running water, massage them, and wiggle
your fingers and toes. You want to avoid smoking or have drinks with caffeine in it as these can
make your blood vessels narrower and restrict your blood flow. Mittens and warm socks can help too.
Now if youre feeling nauseous: stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy foods. It might also
help to take your metoprolol after a meal. Some even find this medicine to cause stomach pain: try
to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals.
Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. But If you're in a lot
of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Bonus Tips
Some bonus tips that ill leave you with to keep in mind, that i think are useful is:
Number 1: If you are diabetic, talk to your doctor about the possibility that metoprolol
may reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia. 2: Your doctor will need to regularly
monitor your blood pressure and possibly other markers. Checking your blood pressures at home
is an important way for you to keep records of how the medicine is working. I left a blood
presure machine that I recommend for you in the description below, so definitely check that out,
I highly recommend sharing your reading with your doctor from time to time.
3.) Always check that your prescription is correct. Because there are so many variations,
There have been a number of dosing errors involving metoprolol tablets. So it best to
get to know your medicines, to be one step ahead. 4.) Your very first dose of metoprolol may make
you feel dizzy, so take it at bedtime. If you don't feel dizzy after that,
you can take it in the morning. Nausea and dizziness are some of the most common side effects
I hear patients tell me, so what has helped others is to take it after food, This will make
it easier for your body to absorb the medication and may help you feel less dizzy and lightheaded.
5.) Don’t crush the extended-release tablet. However, you can cut the tablet along the
score marks (the groove on the tablet) if your doctor recommends a smaller dose.
All in all, metoprolol can be an effective way to manage high blood pressure,
chest pain, and improve your quality of life in heart failure. And we know that it is safe to
take for a long time. In fact, it works best when you take it for a long time. So its not
something to be worried about in the long run. It starts to work after about 2 hours,
but it can take up to 1 week to fully take effect. So with that, You may not feel any different when
you take it, but this doesn't mean it's not working. In addition to taking metoprolol,
its also important that you make smart lifestyle choices, like managing stress,
eating healthier, and getting enough exercise. You can find my video I made here
on lowering high blood pressur.I hope that this video helps give you a better understanding on
metoprolol., like the video if you did enjoy, and subscribe to not miss out on future videos..
Thanks for sticking tuned till the end, and as always, Ill see you on the next one.