Doctors often prescribe beta-blocker medications such as metoprolol in the treatment of high blood pressure. Known by the brand names Lopressor and Toprol XL in the United States, metoprolol reaches the market in other countries, such as Australia, as the brand name Minax. Metoprolol can help lower blood pressure by changing nerve impulse responses in the heart, decreasing the pressure at which it pumps blood, MayoClinic.com reports.
Arrhythmia
While Minax changes the heart's beat, it can overcompensate for high blood pressure, and cause fluctuations in the heart rate, known as arrhythmias. It can cause the heartbeat to become irregular, MayoClinic.com reports. Minax can reduce the heart rate too much, causing a condition called bradycardia. When the average adult's heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute, bradycardia occurs. It can make the person feel sluggish because the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Pain
MayoClinic.com indicates pain or discomfort in the chest can occur as a serious common side effect of Minax. Chest pain requires an immediate response and a visit to the emergency room for an evaluation by a doctor and possible needed treatment.
Postural Hypotension
Antihypertensive medications including metoprolol can cause a medical condition called postural hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure due to a change in body position. Minax lowers the blood pressure as its main function, but it also can lower it too much, particularly when the person taking it changes his position or posture such as standing up from a sitting position. When the person rises, his blood pressure falls suddenly, which causes symptoms such as lightheadedness, feeling faint and dizziness. These problems, serious common side effects on their own, also can cause the person to stumble or fall, which can induce secondary side effects such as injuries.
Fatigue and Breathing Problems
Metoprolol can produce serious common side effects that cause breathing difficulties. Specifically, it can make a person feel short of breath. Additionally, Minax can cause a person to feel abnormally tired or weak. If any of these side effects are experienced, a medical professional should be consulted immediately.
Blurry Vision
One of the most common antihypertensive medication side effects, blurry vision, can occur with Minax. Dry or irritated eyes can also occur. These eye conditions classify as serious common side effects.
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