Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) is basically used to treat various heart-related problems like angina which is a chest pain and hypertension which has actually something to do with your blood pressure.
It is also used to treat or hinder heart attack.
Essentially, Metoprolol is a beta-blocker which considerably works by affecting the heart and the circulation of the blood through arteries and veins.
Its main purpose is to turn the heart beat in a normal level and at the same time decrease the blood pressure.
Your Present Condition Matters
Metoprolol is actually very much available on the market nowadays. However, there are also some conditions to consider before you can use such medication, just like for an instance when you have:
- Low blood pressure
- Depression
- A thyroid disorder
- Myasthenia gravis
- Sick sinus syndrome or slow heart rate
- Pheochromocytoma
- Problems with circulation like Raynaud’s syndrome
- Congestive heart failure
- Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or the like
- Diabetes
- Kidney or liver problem
Most probably, if you have any of the above conditions, you may not be able to use metoprolol, or otherwise you may need to adjust your dosage or special tests throughout the entire treatment.
Side Effects to Consider
Yes, it’s true that metoprolol can help you in some of your heart-related problems like angina and hypertension. But metoprolol, like most drugs, has also some side effects that you have to consider. These side effects can actually interfere with your day-to-day activities, and so it is important that you are aware of them and think twice if you can manage to handle all of them.
Usually, side effects may include:
- Slow or at times uneven heartbeats
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of ankles or feet
- Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
- Anxiety or nervousness
Drugs to Avoid
When your are using metoprolol, there are actually some drugs that you are not allowed to take along with. Some of the drugs are:
- Digoxin
- Clonidine
- Ritonavir
- Terbinafine
- Anti-malaria medications like chloroquine (Aralen) or hydroxychloroquine
- Anti-anxiety medications and the like for example bupropion, fluoxetine, and paroxetine
