Metoprolol succinate is a medication used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure and chest pain. According to Drugs.com, metoprolol succinate is a beta-adrenergic blocker that works to relax your heart muscles and induce more blood flow to them. Additionally, it can also be used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. The National Library of Medicine says that metopropolol succinate is available as an extended-release tablet. Your doctor may prescribe 50 mg of this medication daily. In fact, the typical starting daily dose of metoprolol succinate is 25 to 100 mg.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, metoprolol succinate typically causes diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, headaches and dry eyes. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and reduced potassium levels. When you are dehydrated, your skin becomes very dry and you do not urinate as frequently. Plummeting potassium levels can provoke asthenia (physical weakness), muscle stiffness and pain. Metoprolol succinate can also cause insomnia, fatigue, stomach pain and lightheadedness. Do not ignore these manifestations, especially if they last for more than two weeks.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that metoprolol succinate can worsen chest pain. Sometimes, metoprolol succinate can even lead to a heart attack. You should stop this drug under your doctor's watch as he will taper its dosage gradually. Drugs.com says that metoprolol succinate's other serious side effects include trouble breathing, a slow heartbeat (bradycardia), yellowing of the skin, fainting and hallucinations. Call your doctor when metoprolol succinate leads to these manifestations.
Other Concerns
Avoid metoprolol succinate if you cannot tolerate beta-adrenergic blockers. Difficulty breathing and constriction of your throat are physical signs of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Don't use metoprolol succinate if you suffer from bronchospastic diseases such as asthma or emphysema . This medication can constrict your airways and exacerbate those conditions. High blood pressure can result when you take metoprolol succinate while suffering from pheochromocytoma, a disorder of the adrenal glands. Also, metoprolol succinate can exacerbate peripheral vascular disease, and mask signs of diabetes and thyrotoxicosis (extremely overactive thyroid gland), says the National Library of Medicine.
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