Metoprolol for Atrial Fibrillation User Reviews

• Kate
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

"Worst experience with a drug in my lifetime. After my first AFib attack I was prescribed this drug. Could only handle for two weeks at 25mg twice a day. Listless, headaches, skin turned blue, buzzing in my ears, fatigue, had to be very careful driving, heart rate went down to 64 (felt like a Zombie). Finally coming off it and withdrawals are as bad as side effects. Don't recommend to anyone!!!"

• Anonymous
• April 21, 2020

"Usually during exercise my heart rate will go anywhere from 130-199 within 15-30min of exercise. Almost every-time after my workout. My heart will send off PVC for a few hours. I come from a strong family history of heart disease in both sides of the family. One day after my workout I started getting PVC and extremely dizzy. Went to the hospital where I was diagnosed with AF. Not a huge shock as majority of my family have it. I was given a low dose of metoprolol (12.5mg, one in the AM and one in PM) I’ve been on it for a couple days now and I’m ready to throw in the towel. Feeling dizzy approx 3hrs after taking it, light headed, occasionally nauseous, tightness, SOB (shortness of breath), heart rate has dropped to around 50bpm which is low for me considering my usual HR was 70/80. Anxiety is through the roof. I don’t like the feeling I am getting. I am cutting my dosage to one in the morning only to see how I go until I can speak with my doctor about it as you cannot stop these tablets abruptly."

• Edano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2019

"I had two incidents of a-fib one year apart---almost to the day. After the first incident, doctor put me on eliquis and metoprolol and after a month of no a-fib incident, took me off and chalked it all up to unexplained incident of elevated heart rate. The second time, however, meant going on these two again---25 mg of metoprolol once a day--- for good. I can understand the eliquis requirement, but am just not sure of metoprolol. While I am not putting on a lot of weight, as an athletic 59 year old, I know I am not losing anything either, and certainly feel my metabolism has been slowed. Point is, a-fib is said to be an affliction many have and one that oftentimes has no explanation. I'm ok with lessening my risk of stroke via eliquis, but wonder about this drug. And naturally, I worry about taking myself off of it completely."

• green...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2022

"About 2 months ago I started having issues with heart beating fast, and many more symptoms. 2 weeks ago my new heart doctor (never had to go to one before) put me on 100mg metoprolol right off the bat. The first day I literally past out. I called my doctor he bumped me down to 50mg. I've only been taking 25mg. Everyday I take it around noon and within 2 or 2 1/2 hours I can feel when it kicks in fully. My side effects I've experience so far are: extremely fatigued, heart feels like it's beating out of my chest, nightmares, intimacy issues, vertigo, constantly feeling sick like I'm going to pass out, weak, tired, feet are freezing and I have troubIe sleeping. I go to the doctors in 3 days and I'm going to inform him (even more than I already have) that I want off this medicine. I'm hoping to figure out the cause of my original problem and how to fix it, since instead of the one issue I now have about 12 issues daily. I would never suggest this medicine to anyone it is absolutely horrible."

• Anony...
• April 26, 2012

Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol) "I've been on Flecainide for 12 years for A-fib but have recently been having more and more episodes. So my cardiologist also prescribed metoprolol (the smallest dose possible - 1/4 of a 25mg tablet twice daily - due to my being very sensitive to other beta blockers). My blood pressure dropped (wasn't high in the first place) and my heart rate dropped to the mid/low 40s. I was also very light-headed, had low energy, some shortness of breath, and sometimes nausea. Discontinued (by doctor) after one week."

• Lyman
• September 28, 2019

"My father (age 93) was prescribed metoprolol after getting a pacemaker due to fainting episodes. He discontinued lisinopril six months ago. His blood pressure was never high and was always on the low side. A couple of years ago, his walking strength and balance started to decline, with a quick decline in the last three months. He also started to have short term memory problems in the last few months. His blood pressure has sometimes been 85:55 or 100:60 - rather low. Another symptom has been needing to get up about 7 times at night, and then feeling fatigue and falling asleep during the day quite a bit. He started melatonin about a month ago to encourage normal sleep but it didn't seem to change the pattern. When he discontinued metoprolol five days ago, there was an immediate change. He has been sleeping through the night, not getting up at all - which he hasn't experienced for months. He also isn't nodding off constantly during the day."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2011

Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol) "My doctor started me on Metoprolol after cardiac ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. It actually made my heart rate worse. I was waking up at 2am-5am every single morning in tachycardia of 115-148 bpm. I stopped taking Metoprolol, and have been in normal sinus rhythm ever since. I am glad it works for most, it just did not work for me. Atrial Fibrillation and/or tachycardia is horrible, and they have got to come up with something new for us sufferers soon."

• conpe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 26, 2019

"i was on metoprolol for 7 years and right from the start it affected me badly. My side effects were light headedness, brain fog, swelling of feet, also numbness in the feet, extreme exhaustion. I just felt horrible. I told my heart dr. to no avail. As time went on the numbness in my feet and legs got worse. I got side tracked taking care of my disabled mother and didn't take care of me. Now after 7 years I told my doctor I wanted off. I am off and the withdraws are just as bad if not worse, the numbness in the feet and legs became a lot worse, and the head fog. I have a fib and do not know what to do next. I'm afraid to take anything."

• Puddy
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2018

"Have A-fib. 12.5 mg of metoprolol generally controlled the A-fib, with breakthrough episodes about twice a month that an additional 12.5 mg would control. However, it created terrible diarrhea. My doctor insisted it could not be the metoprolol. So, after much back-and-forth, I changed doctors. The new doctor put me on 50 mg of atenolol twice daily. No side effects, and so far after about 8months has been 100% effective in controlling the A-fib. A far better choice for me."

• Doug
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 31, 2019

"I've been on 200mg daily (100 am, 100 pm). I had a 5 way bypass and my electrical system was screwed up during surgery. It has done an awesome job maintaining my heart rhythm and rate, my only complaint is that I am limited to how much cardio exercise I can attempt as the med won't let my heart rate match my need at the time. I still manage to lift weights 5 days a week and am very active on weekends. At 59, I can more than hold my own with those my age and this medication also reduced my high blood pressure and it checks out perfect now. No side effects at all, and I do drink 1 bourbon each night."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2010

Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol) "This medication has made me extremely tired. I also have forgotten to do simple daily routine tasks such as setting up the coffee pot at night. One short store trip, and I am exhausted! I will try something else."

• Sherrie...
• March 2, 2015

"I was diagnosed with AFIB in 2012 at the age of 43, long sad frustrating story cut short, the doctor said there was nothing he could do about it. He sent me home to suffer with it. A couple of weeks ago I made an appt. with the clinic and the most wonderful nurse practioner started me on Metoprolol 25 mg/2x daily and "I FEEL GREAT!" I couldn't believe how my heart calmed down, my anxiety was relieved, I SLEPT BETTER b/c it stopped the night time AFIB attacks which constantly woke me up in the middle of the night and i just feel much more comfortable in my own skin...I actually cleaned the house without any huffing, puffing or the usual AFIB attack. I agree that it makes me drowsy which is becoming less severe I LOVE IT! :)"

• Dale...
• November 9, 2009

Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol) "This medicine works very well to keep the heart in rhythm, and the rate 65 to 90 (better than 160 when in A Fib 44 hours). Only drawback is that I can be very forgetful about routine tasks such as remembering to carry a glass of water to the table."

• Tired...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2013

Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol) "I was prescribed Metoprolol for Atrial Fibrillation and found that I was extremely tired. I began taking it at night, but developed terrible constipation. I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so the constipation was not good for me."

• Wintery
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2020

"I’ve been on Metoprolol for about 2.5 weeks after my first incidence of Afib. It was fine for the first week. This week I’ve noticed tinnitus, my blood pressure is higher than it ever was (usually 138/84 now averaging 150/90). Diet and exercise is good and am losing weight, but slowly. For the last several days I’ve had really blurry vision. Cardiologist advised dropping to 12.5mg twice daily from 25mg twice daily. I was on propranolol for many years. May ask to go back on it at a higher dose as it seemed to work better."

• the...
• July 10, 2011

Toprol-XL (metoprolol) "I suffer from Atrial fibrillation and have an implanted pacer. I am experiencing heavy sweating even in cool weather. I do not sleep, and find myself being more forgetful (don't know if the latter is from the medicines or not). I also feel unwell and tired mostly all the time and have to fight through it every day. I take 150mg daily."

• bbje
• April 20, 2009

Toprol-XL (metoprolol) "I have atrial fibrillation - beats to 180 very irregular beat, converted in 45 minutes in ER. Started me on Toprol 25 once a day. Heart rate now around 60-70, blood PSI 120/70 side effects so far include problems sleeping, restlessness also drowsy on and off. Only been taking this drug for a week now, perhaps the side effects will reduce in time."

• Kevin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 5, 2016

"PCP (primary care physician) put me on Metoprolol ER Succinate 50 mg after Atrial Flutter of 136 bpm. After on it for 16 weeks, I developed heart block (a side effect). Heart got screwed up and pulse went down to 40 bpm. Had to get a pacemaker. A totally risky drug."

• Worke...
• October 16, 2014

"Just started this medicine and I am tired and slightly forgetful. I thought it was from the hospital stay and the stress of having atrial-fibrillation. Thanks to all of you for sharing that its this medicine."

• Clare...
• June 3, 2016

"I started metaprolol 12.5 mg once a day 6 weeks ago after having an electrical cardioconversion for a rapid, irregular heartbeat. I take blood pressure and pulse 2times/ day and it is averaging 107/71, pulse 63- working well. It took me a good 4 weeks to adapt to the tough side effects though. I felt very tired to the point of falling asleep during the day, was worn out if I walked to far or even stood too long, felt lightheadedness, nauseated, was afraid to drive. I'm glad I stuck it out, the side effects finally abated. Hang in there, the bad side effects can go away. For the record I'm a 69 year old woman, 5`4" 128 lbs. I take the pill at night."

• Eye...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 26, 2016

"I was prescribed hydrochlorothyazide to lower BP. Within 2 weeks I had tachycardia and went to the ER at the VA. After about 8 hours the tachycardia went away but the idiots at the ER didn't see fit to take me off hydrochlorothyazide. So, within 2 weeks I had another bout of tachycardia and went to the ER again. This time I was put on metropolol and still not taken off of hydrochlorothyazide. Instead of tachycardia I ended up within 2 weeks with arrhythmia that was so bad it felt as if my heart was going to explode through my chest. I kept having bouts of arrhythmia every 2 weeks with my heart exploding with every heartbeat. I used a food protocol changed everything. D-ribose does the same as metropolol with no side effects."

• Rebecca...
• December 24, 2016

"Hi..I have afib...I am on a 100 mg of metoprolol ..I have had good success with this medication..a family history of heart disease with angina pains..mine began at the age of 26 with angina pains, placed on caridezem at the time..at the age of 49 had blockages of 100-99-65 ... the 100 was the widow maker..which my surgeon spent two hours to stent... ended up going back in every week for three straight weeks to get the others...the back of my heart had stopped pumping at the time...about two years ago, at the age of 60 I began with afib..now I have been on this metoprolol , along with other medication, Plavix and aspirin ..being a bad diabetic as well..I know this medication has given me more life and quality.."

• Moons...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2019

"I was put on this to control pulse rate after cardiac ablation. Medication works well in controlling pulse rate. However, after 5 months of taking it the left side of my face feels swollen. I have pressure in my nose. Parts of my right leg and right feel numb. Dr. says it is not the meds. I am good health , watch my diet and exercise almost everyday."

• Lou
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2021

"In Sept had a stroke which led me to cardiologist. Had all the tests, eventually diagnosed with afib. Dec 28 hospitalized for heart and COVID. A small vessel in heart had a clot, dissolved with thinners. Feb 16 can't breathe, go to ER get emergency cardioversion (paddle shock to heart) on metoprolol 50 mg 3x a day. Absolutely feel awful, and cut the pill in half and 2x day and still bad side effects. Can't sleep. Nod off mid sentence, can hardly walk to bathroom, shaky, extreme lethargy, headache 2-3 hours after taking drug. The worst symptom- I can't breathe, extreme brachardia. The Dr changes the drug or I get new dr. BP this morning before meds 59."

• macfudd
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2017

"Prescribed 50mg of metoprolol a year ago for afib and about to go up to 100mg since my heart rate tends to stay around 90. Absolutely no side effects. Working on diet and losing weight. No weight gain due to the drug. Energy up and I don't feel effects of fib. Life is good!"