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What is Metoprolol?

G.W. Poulos
G.W. Poulos

Metoprolol is a member of a class of drugs know as beta blockers and is often prescribed by doctors to treat various conditions such as high blood pressure and rapid heart rates. Like all beta blockers, metoprolol has the ability to block the effects of certain natural chemicals that trigger stress responses in the body. By preventing the body from reacting to stress in a normal way, such as with an increased pulse when frightened, metoprolol can help to protect individuals for whom sudden increases in blood pressure or excessive heart rates might be dangerous. In the United States it is marketed under the brand names Toprol-XL® and Lopressor®. Generically, it is sold simply as metoprolol.

In the body, metoprolol acts as a beta-1 inhibitor, which blocks the receptors in the heart and kidneys that receive and react to adrenaline. As a result, when an individual taking the drug becomes frightened or excited, and adrenaline is released into the body in a fight-or-flight response, the person’s heart will experience little or no reaction to the adrenaline. This prevents the individual’s heart from instantaneously attempting to beat faster and harder, which can result in heart damage or even death in those who have compromised cardiac systems.

Metoprolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.
Metoprolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.

The ability to block adrenaline in the heart has made metoprolol useful as an off-label treatment for some conditions not directly heart-related, such as to help people who experience certain types of anxiety disorders. By preventing increased heart rates and blood pressure in response to an adrenaline release during an anxiety attack, the physical stress experienced by an individual is greatly reduced, allowing him or her to continue to function in a relatively normal fashion. For the same reasons, the drug is also useful to assist individuals not prone to anxiety attacks but who must be able to function normally in extremely stressful situations, such as soldiers engaged in combat.

Metoprolol is occasionally prescribed for off-label use, because it can be effective at relieving anxiety.
Metoprolol is occasionally prescribed for off-label use, because it can be effective at relieving anxiety.

Other off-label uses for metoprolol are usually related to the vascular system. For example, it can lessen the effects of stress on blood pressure, which can help prevent migraine headaches. The drug is also considered to be useful in treating vasovagal syncope episodes, which is fainting caused by a sudden change in blood flow or blood pressure to the brain.

In the United States, metoprolol is marketed and sold under the brand names Toprol-XL and Lopressor.
In the United States, metoprolol is marketed and sold under the brand names Toprol-XL and Lopressor.

There are a number of side effects related to metoprolol. The most common, and least serious, include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and a slower than normal heart rate. More serious reactions to the drug include excessively slow heart rates, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and unusual mood changes. Individuals experiencing serious reactions should consult their doctors immediately, as should those experiencing less serious, but persistent, side effects.

Discussion Comments

fify

@literally45-- The bit about withdrawal is also true for people who use metoprolol for high blood pressure. My doctor is switching me to a different drug and is having me withdraw very slowly by reducing the dose over weeks.

literally45

@donasmrs-- It's best to speak with your doctor about this. But as far as I know metoprolol is not the first line of treatment for anxiety. It's a medication for high blood pressure and only sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety under specific circumstances and for short periods of time

I've actually only heard of metoprolol being prescribed for performance anxiety and to be used only right before a presentation, interview, etc. It's not a drug that should be used regularly to treat anxiety. It causes dependence very quickly and can be very difficult and also dangerous to withdraw from.

So no one should be using this drug without a prescription. And if it is prescribed, it must be used as described, only when necessary. For long-term anxiety treatment, anti-anxiety medications are still your best option.

donasmrs

I've been suffering from anxiety for many years now. I have anxiety attacks from time to time. They're awful. My heart beats very fast, I can feel the blood pumping through my veins. I also feel pain in my stomach and difficulty breathing. It's a lot to go through.

It sounds like a drug like metoprolol would really help me since it treats many of the symptoms that anxiety causes me. But until now, no doctor has ever mentioned it or prescribed it. I've only been given anxiety medications which work at times, but at other times, they're not enough.

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    • Metoprolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.
      By: niyazz
      Metoprolol may be used to treat high blood pressure.
    • Metoprolol is occasionally prescribed for off-label use, because it can be effective at relieving anxiety.
      By: silent_47
      Metoprolol is occasionally prescribed for off-label use, because it can be effective at relieving anxiety.
    • In the United States, metoprolol is marketed and sold under the brand names Toprol-XL and Lopressor.
      By: Monkey Business
      In the United States, metoprolol is marketed and sold under the brand names Toprol-XL and Lopressor.
    • Metoprolol may cause drowsiness, making it difficult for those using it to stay awake during work.
      By: oporkka
      Metoprolol may cause drowsiness, making it difficult for those using it to stay awake during work.
    • Doctors sometimes prescribe metoprolol to soothe painful migraines and treat hypertension.
      By: MediablitzImages
      Doctors sometimes prescribe metoprolol to soothe painful migraines and treat hypertension.
    • Metoprolol helps prevent high blood pressure caused by adrenaline during a panic attack.
      By: dambuster
      Metoprolol helps prevent high blood pressure caused by adrenaline during a panic attack.