Toprol side effects - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

moe santos · 06-18-2006, 06:43 PM

I started taking Toprol on Tues and began throwing up and having awful diharea on Thurs night. I called my doctor Fri morning and left a message, but he never called me back. By Fri night the vomiting had subsided but I was still feeling really dizzy and out of it so I went to the ER. They said I may be having a hard time adjusting to the Toprol but discharged me and didn't seem too concerned. Now it's Sun and I still have awful diharea and am super nauseous. Plus I started coughing last night and have this weird metal taste in my mouth. I've been doing nothing but sleeping and am still really tired. Has anyone else had this kind of reaction to Toprol?

lane413 · 06-19-2006, 07:47 PM

My mother took toprol xl for about three yrs and I don't think she ever complained about vomiting. She did complain about fatigue and insomnia. Toprol xl was the worst bp med she has ever taken. It is a beta blocker and it can mask low blood glucose. This is not good for a diabetic.

I hope you feel better.

dyannem · 06-22-2006, 07:34 PM

I have been on Toprol xl for at least 10 years now. I was put on it for effects from hyperthyroidism (resting heart rate of 120-130). The Toprol at first seemed like a godsend because at least I could sit down for a bit. I didn't notice side effects from the drug but I had so many problems from the thyroid disease that I wouldn't have noticed them. After my second thyroid surgery I wanted to stop the Toprol but the drs. said "No" because my blood pressure readings were fluctuating and they felt it was best for my pressure to stay on it. My readings are usually o.k. at home but my "white coat" syndrome is apparent in any clinical setting.

I can't say I have ever had the side effects you described but if you punch in Torpol on any pharma. website the side effect list is longer than any other drug I could find. I have found that on the Torpol I have gained 40 extra pounds, I am completely fatigued, short of breath, tightness in chest and head. When I try to exercise I have no tolerance for it and I get very winded and chest pains. I figure that I am wheeling away on the ex. bike and speeding up my heartbeat and the Toprol is fighting to keep it down - that can't be good.

I have convinced my new doctor to take me off of this stuff. She switched me to a drug called Hyzaar and told me to wean off the Torpol very slowly. I have been at it for a week and I just feel terrible. My heart rate immediately sped up to 85 (from 58) and I am having bad headaches, insomnia and chest pain. I am still on a half a dose of Toprol a day. I am going to stick it out and get rid of this drug but it is a real bear to wean off of it. I don't work in the summer so I hope all goes well and I am switched by Fall. Good Luck and if you don't feel better insist they find something else for you - you can't let a drug ruin your life.

violet312s · 06-22-2006, 10:11 PM

Yes, I had diarrhea and nausea (and the massive dizziness) when I started taking Toprol. This is a somewhat "normal" response to the medication in the intial stages. I had to go off of Toprol but mainly because it wasn't doing squat for my BP (we're all different so it might work for you). Yes, I had every symptom you describe (including metallic taste in mouth).

The fact your doctor is not calling you back is a problem. You need to be more assertive with them.

The first week or two of any new BP drug is the worst. You might want to give it a week or two and see if the side effects lessen and how it affects your BP.

kidd123 · 06-26-2006, 06:45 AM

Toprol XL sent me to the ER. And that was after taking only half of a 50 mg tablet for two days! The stomach pain and diarrhea started after taking the second half tablet. I felt like I was going to pass out. The ER dr said to STOP taking it, & I had no problem with that recommendation. Now I just try to eat healthy, exercise, take magnesium supplements(which also help me sleep) and do deep breathing exercises. I feel great! Hope you soon find what works for you... God bless.