Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Common Metoprolol Side Effects?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Like any other medicine, metoprolol has some side effects, though most are quite rare and easily treatable. This drug is typically used to treat angina, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure, and its most common side effects tend to be fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, rash, depression, and a slower heart rate. Other somewhat common metoprolol side effects include tingling or swollen limbs, heartburn, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and gas. Some symptoms of an allergy to the drug are rare but should be reported to a doctor, such as hives, wheezing, skin rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

The most common side effects are fatigue, low heart rate, and dizziness. These are somewhat expected and not usually harmful, especially since the benefits of the drug tend to outweigh the risks of these mild side effects. Other risks include itching or a rash on the skin, and shortness of breath. Diarrhea and depression may also occur, though relatively few people experience these possible side effects. Despite the fact that they are considered mild in most cases, they should be reported to a doctor, who can check to make sure that they are indeed side effects rather than symptoms of another issue.

Hives may indicate a medication allergy.
Hives may indicate a medication allergy.

There are some less common metoprolol side effects that should still be known since it is usually impossible to tell ahead of time which patients will develop them. Some people get cold or numb hands and feet, and these body parts may also swell for no apparent reason. Since this medication is typically used to help treat high blood pressure, it should not be surprising that lower blood pressure is a side effect. On the other hand, many people are surprised by the shortness of breath, wheezing, dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, and gas that may accompany this drug.

Dizziness is one of the more common side effects of metoprolol.
Dizziness is one of the more common side effects of metoprolol.

Some people have an allergic reaction to this drug, displaying symptoms that are typically more severe than the usual common metoprolol side effects. A skin rash, hives, wheezing, swelling, and difficulty swallowing or breathing are all possible signs of an allergy to this drug. Of course, most of these are also somewhat common metoprolol side effects, but most patients only get a few of these symptoms, not all at once. Therefore, patients who appear to be allergic to this drug should seek emergency treatment, especially if it is difficult to breathe or swallow. Typically, a different medication will be prescribed once the allergic reaction is treated.

Discussion Comments

anon995977

I had fatigue, nausea, dizziness for about four weeks, that went away, but now I feel fine. I'm taking it , 12.5 mg/ day, for afib. I tend to be anxious, and this definitely has helped with that.

ddljohn

The only side effect I've experienced with this medication is occasional dizziness. But it's not a big deal and usually only last a few seconds. If it occurred more often or lasted longer though, I'd definitely ask my doctor to switch me to something else.

SteamLouis

@SarahGen-- I'm not sure, I'm not an expert. I think that depression and anxiety are rare side effects of metoprolol. But rare doesn't necessarily mean that it won't happen to you. It's just not common. A drug that's used for anxiety could cause depression. Even anti-anxiety medications have anxiety listed as a possible side effect! So the fact that metoprolol is sometimes used for anxiety doesn't mean anything.

The only issue is that if metoprolol is causing you anxiety or depression, it might take some effort to convince your doctor. Some doctors aren't familiar with rare side effects and will assume that something isn't possible if they haven't seen it in their patients before.

SarahGen

Has anyone here experienced depression as a side effect of metoprolol?

The article mentions that few people have this side effect and yet it's listed among the most common side effects of metoprolol. I've seen it in the listed side effects of my metoprolol information shett as well. So is it common or not?

And how is this drug sometimes used off-label for anxiety if it has the potential to cause depression? That seems strange.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hives may indicate a medication allergy.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Hives may indicate a medication allergy.
    • Dizziness is one of the more common side effects of metoprolol.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Dizziness is one of the more common side effects of metoprolol.
    • Metoprolol is most commonly given to treat heart problems.
      By: forestpath
      Metoprolol is most commonly given to treat heart problems.