Toprol (metoprolol)---also called Toprol-XL---is a prescription beta-blocker medication that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypotension) and chest pain (angina). This medication is administered orally and should be taken with a full glass of water after you have eaten a meal, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed website that provides information on currently marketed drugs. Discuss the drug side effects of Toprol with your doctor before you begin treatment.
Stomach Upset
While receiving treatment with Toprol, you can develop stomach-related side effects due to this medication. Diarrhea is the most common side effect involving the gastrointestinal tract experienced by patients who take Toprol. If you develop diarrhea, you can experience an increased urgency to have a bowel movement, which can result in the production of watery or lose stools. Additional side effects associated with Toprol-induced diarrhea can include nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, cramping or bloating. Diarrhea also causes your body to excrete an excess amount of fluid, which can lead you to develop dehydration. Side effects of diarrhea and dehydration can be limited by ensuring you take Toprol with food and drink plenty of fluid during treatment.
Insomnia
During treatment with Toprol, you can experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep---a condition called insomnia. If you experience insomnia during Toprol treatment, you may develop daytime sleepiness or fatigue, which can interfere with your ability to participate in work, school or social activities.
Drowsiness
Certain patients can experience abnormal drowsiness or tiredness while taking Toprol. Such side effects can cause you to take frequent naps throughout the day and can inhibit your ability to function normally.
Decreased Heart Rate
Toprol decreases the amount of pressure your heart needs to exert in order to push blood through your body. This effect can influence the rate at which your heart muscle contracts and relaxes. As a result, you may experience a decreased heart rate (bradycardia) while receiving treatment with Toprol. A decreased heart rate may also be accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness. Abnormal heart-related side effects experienced during Toprol treatment should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Breathing Difficulties
While receiving treatment with Toprol, you can develop breathing difficulties as a side effect of this medication, explains the Toprol-XL product site. Symptoms of breathing difficulties can include shortness of breath or wheezing and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
Mood Alterations
Mood alterations can occur during treatment with Toprol. You might notice that you begin to feel abnormally depressed, anxious or nervous as a side effect of this medication. Speak with your doctor immediately if you experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Skin Rash
In clinical trials for Toprol, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that more that 2 percent of patients developed a skin rash while being treated with this medication. If you develop a skin rash as a side effect of this medication, your skin may become red, dry, itchy or flaky.
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