Metoprolol - Depression as Side Affect? - Heart Disorders Message Board

crabbycdn · 03-24-2004, 08:17 PM

wr6969 · 03-24-2004, 09:10 PM

I've read about an experience someone on this board had with regards to Toprol (can't remember whether it was the extended release version or the normal version). I seem to recall that he/she said something about falling into a depression when he/she took it (not withdrawing). But since beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to handle anxiety, which *could* be related to depression, it would make sense if you were to go off it, some amount of depression would set in, although depression is defined and felt differently by different people!

If I find the post, I'll put the link here.

[Edit]

Found two posts:

[url]http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=154428&page=2&pp=5&high light=toprol+depression[/url]

[url]http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=58554&highlight=toprol+ depression[/url]

crabbycdn · 03-25-2004, 12:13 PM

zuzu8 · 03-26-2004, 02:04 AM

Hi Crabby!
Depression is a HUGE side effect with beta blockers and I wish I could post the links for you where it is mentioned often. The pharmaceutical monographs I've read list it but not as one of the more common adverse reactions. They lie!

I was diagnosed with hypertension about a year ago (no other health issues) and a beta was the first drug prescribed.
I cannot tell you loudly enough what a sledge-hammering, abject depression I fell into! Unrelated to ANYTHING. My best friend, who is rather intolerant of my ocassional hypochondriacal issues (boy-who-cried-wolf syndrome!), was the first person who said: "Hey something is really wrong here since you started that med".

Needless to say, I'm off it now and happy on an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker (Diovan) with good blood pressure control and no side effects.

(except I seem to have turned green and can't stop bouncing!)

)

zuzu xxx

zip2play · 03-26-2004, 06:16 AM

Depression is quite common with metoprolol and all the beta blockers. Astra Zenica admits to an incidence of 5% and of course, since the drug companies always slant side effects in their favor, that 5% probably only counts those people found dangling from trees in the back yard.