Metoprolol and other beta blockers

[john319]

My general dr switched my BP medicine to Metoprolol, the generic version of beta blocker Toprol. I am on the lowest dose of this medicine, 25 mg. I started taking it March 1 and since then I've had more asthma epsiodes and symptoms (chest tightness, and lower peak flow meter readings.)

I have heard beta blockers especially at higher doses can instigate asthma. Even though I am at Metprolol's lowest dosage, perhaps even this dose is affecting my asthma. I will be discussing this my pulmonary dr at my next appointment early next week. I was wondering if anyone has had their asthma act up after using Metoprolol or other beta blockers.

Thanks.

[Vanessa74]

Hello John319,

That happened to me as well. I had mild, well controlled asthma - 5 years ago I was put on Toprol - starting at 25mgs for HBP. Over the years it was increased to 75mg.

My asthma became awful, with breathing problems every single day. Unfortunately for me it took them too long to figure out the Beta Blocker was contributing. Even lowering the dose back to 25MG did not help. I had to be weaned off and it is in my chart that I cannot take beta blockers as they exacerbate my asthma. My pulmonoligist said that even low dose beta blockers can do this to asthmatics or people with airway problems.

I am 30 days off and still struggling with my breathing - I am praying the longer I am off it will get better - however, I am beginning to wonder if being on it so long did permanent damage to my lungs. I hope not.

My advice would be to switch to a different category of HBP meds that does not effect breathing (I heard that Diovan is a good - though I could not tolerate that one) - but many others have had success with that one.

Good luck to you - and do not wait - good breathing is very important.

Take care of yourself.

Vanessa

[john319]

Vanessa,

Thank you for the reply.

OMG! I am so sorry .

I am definitely going back my old BP med, Benicar. I have to discuss this with my primary and pulmonary drs.

I have been on the 25 mg dose for almost a month. Do I still have to wean off the lowest dose? (I am not sure when I will get an appointment with my primary dr--either this week or next week so I wanted to ask.)

You are definitely in my prayers.

Thanks again.

[MountainReader]

When I first went on blood pressure medications, my doctor was very careful about not placing me on a beta blocker since I had asthma. At the time, it cost me more in co-pays, but they now have more generics in the other types. I am now on low-dose Norvasc, a calcium channel blocker.

[Vanessa74]

John319,

I would definitely recommend weaning off - just cut them in half and take 12.5 for about 7 days and then you should be able to stop - since its only been a month.

I hope that Benicar works well for your HBP control.

Thanks for the prayers - you will be in mine too!!!


Mountainreader,

Do you notice any side effects for the CCB Norvasc? My Doc is thinking of trying that one next. I tried Verapamil and got bad upper chest tightness - he said that may not happen with Norvasc even though they are both CCB's.

Thanks!

Vanessa