What can I expect with meds - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

crazyhorse61 · 06-08-2003, 09:43 PM

Hi guys I need some info.I have another post on here from a few weeks ago explaining my situation and a new one with much more details in the panic room,feel free to read them if your interested in the whole story,if not let me say that my primary problem is panic and anxiety,wich ive delt with in life before WITHOUT MEDS.Recently ive been dealing with a real bad dose of it lasting 6 months instead of 3 to 5 weeks.Ive also developed a high bp andracing heart rate,Ive got the panic and anxiety under a livable(all be it barly)control,but the racing heart rate and high bp is still there,bp is 156/106 and heart rate is resting normaly 60-64 bpm when its racing,wich lasts hours,its up in thehigh 80s to 100 when trying to rest,again this lasts hours.I hate meds,I again ask that you read my old post hear or new one in the panic room.Ive had the 'MILLION DOLLAR WORKUP"and Im fine,I feel Im begining to win the battle against panic and anxiety.I now know though Im going to have to take the toprol xl for the heart rate and bp,so people heres what I need to know and some facts to help you help me.Im 6ft3 243lbs in great shape all tests were great when heart is fast its in normal sinus rythem.I have toprol xl 50 mgs to take,heres what I need to know.1 IF MY RATE AT REST IS 60-64BPM how much will it go down on the toprol approximatly? Does it stay that way for 24 hrs?If so if your heart rate drops(as mine did on the halter to 43bpm)while sleeping,will the toprol drop it lower.If so would it help to take it in the morning?How long does it take to feel it or for it to work once you swallowed it?How about side effects?Also how about all the above asked again if I cut it in half and take 25mgs,please I need your help,Again I encourage you to read my old post here or especialy my new one in the panic room so you can fully understand my situation.any help would be greatly appreciated thank you.....crazyhorse

zimman · 06-10-2003, 07:45 AM

I've been on Toprol XL 50mg for a month and I asked my new doctor yesterday if I could quit or change. It is not the one for me! There was a post by zuzu that has some of the answers.

"Toprol is a combo of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide and the beta blocker metoprolol

Some of the most common side effects are indeed dizziness--especially upon changing position (e.g., sitting or standing from lying down);
     Also,unusual headache...
fatigue
tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, hands, or feet;
feeling thirtsy
   nausea or decreased appetite;
    diarrhea, constipation, gas
muscle weakness or cramps;
    depression"

This may help or may not. In the past month I have had many of these symptoms including loss of libido. My heart rate has always been 56-62 at rest, and now is 48-54.
My new doc said to just stop taking it. Cold turkey. We're going to do an ambulatory monitor for 24 hours and see if I need to be on meds at all. My old doc wouldn't listen to me or work with me on this, my hypothyroid or high cholesterol. This one will. He's the doc everyone wants to see. He's not taking new patients, but luckily my son has married and moved to another state so I got to take his spot with him.

Good luck. Keep reading on this board. Lots of people going through the same thing as you,with the same questions, or have already been there and have some answers.

[This message has been edited by zimman (edited 06-10-2003).]

jerry78 · 08-20-2003, 08:02 AM

Wow....you sound like to a "T".
I also suffer from panic/anxiety, and was given a workup by a cardiologist.
My BP is also high and heart rate in the 100's.
BUT, when resting, my HR goes down to 53.

He wants me to increase my Toprol XL from 25 mg to 50 mg, along with my diuretic from 12.5 mg to 25 mg.

I'm as tall as you 6'3", 220 lb, and he said I'm a big guy so I can handle to increase.

I had the same question for him...will the Toprol XL 50 Mg slow my heart to a dangerous level?

The short answer was NO.....but with my panic and anxiety.....I did not believe him.....Am supposed to begin the increased dose this week....did you increase yours yet? Any side effects?

Maybe someone on this board has experience with this?