Metoprolol tart, or tartrate, also known as Lopressor, is a beta-adrenergic blocker. It works by lowering the amount of work your heart does and the volume of blood it pumps, thus alleviating chest pain and decreasing your blood pressure. It is prescribed for a variety of cardiac conditions, including hypertension, stable angina, irregular heartbeats, heart failure and migraine prevention.
Allergic Reaction
Serious allergic reaction to metoprolol is rare. However, seek emergency medical help if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, rashes, itching or severe dizziness.
Serious Side Effects
Call your doctor immediately if, after a dose of metoprolol, you feel dizzy or faint, experience shortness for breath after light exercise, palpitations, slow or uneven heartbeats, swelling of your hands or feet, nausea, stomach aches, yellowing of eyes and urine, depression or a cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of metoprolol are diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth or eyes, dizziness, headaches, heartburn, mild drowsiness, muscle ache, stomach pains and increased fatigue. These side effects occur on routine dosing of metoprolol, and you should consult your doctor about them only if they remain persistent or bother you a lot.
Precautions for Withdrawal
You should never discontinue metoprolol immediately. Your doctor will gradually taper off your medication within one to two weeks in case you have to stop taking it. Immediate withdrawal of metoprolol can lead to chest pains, arrhythmias and even heart attacks. You should also limit your physical activity for some time after discontinuing this drug to reduce stress on your heart. Contact your physician immediately if you feel tightness and pain in your chest radiating to your neck or arm, difficulty in breathing, sweating or palpitations during the period of withdrawal of the drug.
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