How to wean off Toprol - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

dyannem · 06-22-2006, 07:45 PM

I have been on Toprol for over 10 years. I was originally put on it for hyperthyroid condition and docs insisted I stay on it for borderline high blood pressure. They never told me about the dangers of going off of this drug but I suspect it is why they never let me switch. I have a new doctor and she relented and switched me to Hyzaar but said to wean off the Toprol very slowly. I have cut back to a half a dose every day but I am not sure where to go from here. I have felt very bad all week - chest pain, rapid heartbeat, short of breath, shaky, hot flashes. Is this all temporary?

While taking this drug I have gained 40 pounds and I am so fatigued all the time it was often hard to work or clean the house etc. My thinking felt very slow to me at times as well. I checked the Medco website and I was shocked at the huge list of warnings and side effects with this drug. I definitely want off of it and I am wondering about anyone else's experience doing this.

violet312s · 06-22-2006, 10:02 PM

Your post is very timely...I was about to post my Toprol weaning experience.

I had been on 50mg once a day for a year, then 100mg twice a day for 4 weeks.

Here was my weaning schedule:
- Half dose two weeks (not recommended to go 100 to 50..do 100 to 75)
- Quarter dose two weeks
- Eighth dose two weeks
- Eighth dose once a day (will probably stick with that one)

Cut out my mid day dose today. Yes, you will get a spike in BP and heart rate on the first day of each weaning. You will feel not very good so try to keep your mind off what your heart is doing. But in my experience they last about 6 hours and then subside. You may have a few mini-spikes during this process the first week of each tapering schedule.

Gradual is the #1 message. Very gradual. You have to get your body used to not having the Toprol crutch on heart rate. I would strongly not recommend going from 100 to 50 if that's what you're on. That day was awful (thought my heart would explode).

Your experience may vary...but do it very gradually. Your doctor can work with you on lower prescriptions so you can cut the pills in half.

There's a reason why there are strong warnings not to stop beta-blockers suddenly. Frankly, I think the warnings should be even stronger.

violet312s · 06-24-2006, 07:47 PM

Posting an update to my own reply in the hope it helps....day two of no mid-day dose was not terribly pleasant. Had about a 2 hour episode where heart was absolutely pounding. Day three had no major episodes but anxiety level is high and heart just feels "off".

Amazing what these beta-blockers do to the body. And to think I'm still on a 12.5mg dose at night and I still had this level of withdrawal.

So again, do not taper off beta-blockers unless under a doctor's supervision and advice, and always go for very, very, very gradual no matter what your doctor says (mine had said to go from 100 to 50 to zero...I corrected her after the initial tapering response).

Hope my experience helps you work with your doctor to taper off the Toprol.

Lenin · 06-25-2006, 06:47 AM

dyanna,

Stay with that half dose AT LEAST another week. Don't go down another notch until you feel fine with the half dose...even if it takes a MONTH!

CASSIEBEL · 06-30-2006, 06:12 PM

I weaned off Atenolol last fall after 17 yrs. I experenced all the same symptoms you mentioned. I went from 100mgs to 50-25-12.5 and then just shaving crumbs from my 12.5 doses. It took me several months to get the courage to go all day without a "fix". The first day I thought I might die. The pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness were relentless but I forced myself to go on. Each day afterward got a little better till I felt almost human again.
It's been almost 8 months and I still have bouts of symptoms but not often, maybe 1 or 2 days amonth. I wonder sometimes if my heart will ever be the way it was.
I encourage you to continue BUTvery slowly. Like Lenin said don't cut back untill you are comfortable with your current dose.
GOOD LUCK!!
Cass