I've been on metoprolol 25mg 2x daily since May of 2010. I have not experienced any severe noticeable side effects. But I do believe it interferes with my sleep and I also have some pretty horrendous nightmares from time to time.

This all said, I'm not convinced it's helping me out. MY EP has suggested that given the low dose I should ween off of it permanently. I've been afraid to do so.

I believe it (any med.) affects us all in different ways.

Hi Juniebe: My normal blood pressure is very low. I was on Metoprolol at one point in time. It lowered my heartrate and BP too much. I was switched to another beta blocker, low dose of Atenolol, but this too caused too low BP. I think if people have low blood pressure to begin with, it is hard to get the right dose of beta blocker because it will lower your BP as well as heartrate. Calcium channel blocker (Verapamil) also had the same adverse side effect for me (very low BP). After my BP was dropping to 70s/60s, my doctor changed me to daily Digoxin because Digoxin does not lower BP and lowers my HR. I still have to take a small dose of beta blocker as PIP if my HR goes up. I have rarely needed the beta blocker. Hope this info helps. Take care, Carrie

Sure appreciate everyone's input here, it's so much better than trying to talk to doctors, who can't possibly know the experiences of different patients. I have asked to be changed to taking the non-extended release so I can take it twice a day, as my symptoms are usually at night and I feel taking an extended release in the AM may not give me the coverage I need at night. GG I can't imagine you were taking Extended release 3X day! that sounds like so much! Also, CLane, I wish I could say my BP was low, but since I've had afib it is rising, prob due to stress. So It shouldn't lower my BP too much.

Interesting that you've been taking it in the morning, Juniebe...my pharmacists have always told me to take beta blockers in the evening, as they can cause drowsiness. I don't know if it is more beneficial to take the extended release in the evening or not, as I would guess that both the good and bad effects would be spread out over 24 hours, but as a creature of habit, I just have always taken them in the evening.

Asked my PCP yesterday when I saw him and he said: in the morning. So, I agree more with what you said than what he said, but isn't he supposed to be the doctor LOL. These guys crack me up.

That's why he makes the big bucks, I guess! So is he changing you to the twice a day dosing?

When I was on daily metoprolol I took it in the morning. If I took it before bedtime, I would wake up with low blood pressure and lightheaded. You have to decide what works for you.

Yes, I called and they are changing to 2X day. You're right, too, Paul. I'm sure it is a personal thing and everyone reacts differently, so I can hope for the best here!!

Hi Juniebe heres my reaction to metoprolol.

When I was taking metoprolol I started by taking it in the evening but got some awful nightmares - pcp said to take it in the morning okay, I still got nightmares. That didnt really bother my pcp (HE wasnt the one falling out of burning buildings), he thought it was more important to get my heart rate down. I hated it, which, Im sure didnt help matters at all (psychological aspect to drugs). But it did keep my heart rate below 100 when I wasnt in a-fib. It moved my BP down a bit too and made me tired. But all in all I was able to tolerate it.

After my last ablation my EP took me off the metoprolol (Ahhhh, finally!!) and put me on Sotalol (say WHAT??) which I am hoping to come off of in 6 weeks after my blanking period is over (ever the optimist!!).

Im sure you will find what works best for you!
Take care,
carp diem
atp