If you’re taking Metoprolol for blood pressure management, you may wonder what will happen if you stop taking it.
We will explore some side effects and rebound symptoms of stopping Metoprolol and discuss how to stop taking Metoprolol 25mg safely.
Stopping metoprolol safely
You should never abruptly stop taking metoprolol without talking to your doctor, as this can cause undesirable adverse effects and even health risks.
Instead, if you need to stop taking metoprolol or you’re switching to another medication, your doctor will adjust your dosage gradually, according to your specific needs.
The length of time it takes you to wean off metoprolol will depend on your case, the severity of your condition, whether you are taking other medications, and the doses you use.
Get Your FREE Sleep Guide
- Learn how to naturally improve your sleep
- Dietary recommendations, supplements, and lifestyle changes
- Developed exclusively by our medical doctor
Are there any side effects of weaning off metoprolol?
Depending on the case, you may experience some adverse effects to weaning off 12.5 or 25 mg of metoprolol. They are unlikely to be severe if you do this under medical supervision.
However, adjusting the dose reduces the metoprolol’s effect, and you may experience the following side effects:
1) Increase in blood pressure
If you control your hypertension with Metoprolol, reducing its dose will increase your blood pressure.
You may not experience this problem if your doctor prescribes an alternative blood pressure medication.
2) Cardiovascular risk
Some people may have angina symptoms return. If you are initially taking this drug for chest pain, it may come back.
Under strict medical control, this is unlikely to occur, though.
3) Increased heart rate
In addition to lowering blood pressure, Metoprolol slows the heart rate. Discontinuing metoprolol raises your heartbeat.
Rebound tachycardia due to metoprolol can happen if you have a baseline heart condition such as arrhythmia.
4) Tiredness and fatigue
Taking the beta-blocker Metoprolol can also improve physical performance. So, by decreasing the dose, you may feel more tired than usual.
According to studies, this is one of the most common side effects of stopping metoprolol succinate.
5) Shortness of breath
Dyspnea is the clinical name for getting out of breath. It is a common breathing symptom in cardiovascular disease.
If metoprolol was controlling your blood pressure levels, your dyspnea could come back. Studies show this is also a usual side effect.
6) Mood swings
Some people have experienced mood swings and anxiety. It is not the most common, but it can sometimes occur.
7) Changes in sleep pattern
Similarly, some people may experience difficulty falling asleep. This is a transient effect as your body gets used to the change.
Are there any withdrawal symptoms from tapering off metoprolol?
There are currently no reported withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping metoprolol use.
However, discontinuing metoprolol can cause rebound hypertension if you don’t start taking an alternative medication.
How long after stopping metoprolol do the side effects stop?
When stopping metoprolol, how long the side effects last varies from one person to another. The time the drug stays in your system also varies depending on the dose you were using, how long you’ve been on this medication, and the method your doctor uses for tapering off.
Most side effects from stopping metoprolol may last only a few days, but some side effects can persist for longer. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Reasons people stop using metoprolol
Some of the most common reasons for getting off metoprolol include:
Adverse effects from Metoprolol
The most common reason to stop metoprolol is because of its adverse effects.
As with all medications, there are advantages and disadvantages to using this drug. Some people may experience gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, lightheadedness, or cold hands while taking metoprolol.
These are common side effects of metoprolol and can sometimes be very uncomfortable, severe, or linger for too long.
If that happens, talk to your doctor to evaluate other possibilities. Many other medications are available to manage your blood pressure.
Allergic reactions
One possible side effect is an allergic reaction to metoprolol.
Allergy may not show up at the first take. So, talk to your doctor if you notice discomfort, itching, swelling, a skin rash, or another warning symptom of allergy.
If this occurs immediately after taking the medication, you may need to stop taking it right away.
Improvement of the condition
Some patients have changed their lifestyle and no longer need the drug. In them, metoprolol lowers blood pressure below the threshold.
Improving your habits or taking some natural beta-blockers could reduce the need for metoprolol.
If you think this is the case for you, talk to your doctor before deciding to lower your dose or stop metoprolol.
Changes in your treatment plan
Hypertension changes over time. You may need other medications to keep your blood pressure under control.
Doctors may also decide to stop metoprolol depending on other medical conditions. For example, some studies recommend discontinuation in a subset of patients with stabilized heart failure.
If that is your case, the physician will give you instructions on how to stop taking metoprolol 25 mg and start the new treatment.
FAQs
Can I stop taking metoprolol on my own?
I do not recommend stopping metoprolol on your own. Talk to your doctor before deciding on any changes in dosage or method of using the medication.
Only stop the medication on your own if it is causing allergy symptoms. In such a case, inform your doctor immediately to evaluate your options.
Can you stop taking metoprolol cold turkey?
Doctors only recommend stopping metoprolol abruptly in case of allergy. If not for this reason, wean off metoprolol through a gradual process.
Sometimes, doctors will recommend doing it overnight, depending on the case. For example, if your condition improves and you no longer need the medication. Adhere to the recommendations for best results.
How long does metoprolol stay in your system after stopping?
The half-life of metoprolol is around 3-7 hours, so the drug should be completely clear from your system after 1-2 days.
After that, you will see the effects of metoprolol wear off as your body continues to eliminate the drug.
Keep in mind there are extended-release metoprolol tablets available in the market. These may take longer to flush out because absorption continues throughout the day.
Can you flush metoprolol out of your system faster?
The kidneys are the key organs that eliminate metoprolol. They work at their own pace, and there is no way to speed up the process.
The only thing we can do to facilitate the work is to drink plenty of fluids. This helps with the elimination process and makes a difference if you’re not used to drinking much water.
Conclusion
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that controls high blood pressure. Your doctor may also prescribe it for tachycardia, as it slows the heart rate.
However, many patients may need to stop the drug. For example, if they experience very severe or bothersome side effects.
To stop taking metoprolol 25 mg, your doctor will reduce the dose progressively. You may experience rebound hypertension, increased heart rate, dizziness, and tiredness.
Therefore, it is essential to communicate with your doctor during this process. Report how you feel to help them make changes in your treatment plan.
Explore More
