Hi, does Metoprolol come in a time-release form? My prescription says "Metoprolol TOPROL XL", 50mg, but I had to get a refill in a foreign country, and it only says "Metoprolol". Do you think they are the same, or is the first on a time-release version? Do they make both time relase, and NON time release of Metoprolol?

I don't have a US doctor, as I live in a foreign country. Any help GREATLY, really GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks, Jimmy

Yes, they make metoprolol in both time release and non time release forms. Toprol XL is the time release version. Lopressor is the non-time release. I have no idea how you can figure out which you were given. Could you call the pharmacy that gave you the drug?

The one I got her is the Lopressor, which is the NON time release. I was prescribed to get the TIMED RELEASE. Is there a big difference in the two types? Any help greatly appreciated!

There is a difference, yes. Toprol is a once-a-day medication whereas you must take Lopressor several times a day. I don't know the details though. I guess you'd have to ask a doctor or pharmacist.

weho,

the DOSAGE is the same, so if you got the NON-time release version expect it to act stronger when you take it and LESS strong 23 hours later.

With the NON time release, take it in the early morning.
You can make it SEEM like the XL version if you bust it in half and take the halves it 12 hours apart (but the nighttime dosage might keep you awake!)

Thanks for the information. FYI, the reason i was taking TOPROL (once a day), and Flecanaid twice a day was due to A-fib/rapid/irregular heartbeat.

After I went on the two drugs, everything was just fine for me... in 5 months, NO SYMPTOMS, none at all. I asked my doctor if i was "cured", but he said the medicines don't cure anything. He suggested staying on both of them, indefinately. I supposed I'll continue taking them at least a few years. The doctor told me if I stopped, it might not be dangerous, but the symptoms would surely return. I'm 47 years old, reasonably healthy otherwise, slightly overweight.

Thanks for the information. FYI, the reason i was taking TOPROL (once a day), and Flecanaid twice a day was due to A-fib/rapid/irregular heartbeat.

After I went on the two drugs, everything was just fine for me... in 5 months, NO SYMPTOMS, none at all. I asked my doctor if i was "cured", but he said the medicines don't cure anything. He suggested staying on both of them, indefinately. I supposed I'll continue taking them at least a few years. The doctor told me if I stopped, it might not be dangerous, but the symptoms would surely return. I'm 47 years old, reasonably healthy otherwise, slightly overweight.

Weho, what are the strengths of the TopolXL and Flecanaid you are taking? Do you have any side effects with either of these meds? Do you have other heart problems? Were you hospitalized for A-Fib attack and converted back to NSR? I am trying to see which way togo as it has been suggested with me to have an ablation. I am on ToplolXL and just was increased from 50mg to 100mg. :eek: I was on an Sotolol and Norpace (A-fib) but was unable to handle the side effects. Thanks.