Metoprolol and Depression: What Users Say

• Mag...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2019

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I hate this drug. I had been taking 25mg for years along with another blood pressure pill, amlodipine. Worked okay although the metoprolol took me a long time to adjust to. It makes me feel really lousy. The side effects are terrible. Last year I had to have open heart surgery to have my aortic valve replaced. Afterwards, they put me on 100 mg of the metoprolol extended-release. Oh My!! I’ve been on it for 7 months. I might as well be dead. This dosage makes me dizzy, lightheaded, depressed, extremely fatigued, I sleep all day, weight gain, headaches! I took half a pill each day for a few days and actually felt better. I hate this drug. I’m going to tell my cardiologist to lower my dosage way back or I’m just going to stop taking it. I feel worse than I have ever felt in my life. But hey, my BP and pulse are great!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "This drug has terrible side effects: 50 mg. I had bad chest pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, swollen legs, ankles, and feet, depression, extreme tiredness, on and on. It did not lower my pressure, it actually increased my readings to over 200."

• Bsh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2021

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I can't believe it took me this long to correlate my symptoms with this pill, and I'm a 25-year-old RN. Forty-six years old and have had SVT since my 20s. A couple of years ago, I had a 24-hour stay to evaluate HR of 165. All testing normal. No treatment. A year later, back in the ER with a pulse of 250. I was given Adenosine to convert me and then given Metoprolol Succinate 25mg daily. I've been on it for a year. I noticed some tiredness but nothing major. Over the next year, my tiredness became debilitating, and I suffered severe depression, insomnia, and panic attacks. I didn't make the connection and blamed it on the pandemic and all the isolation and restrictions everywhere. I thought I was just having a hard time. Then the drenching night and day sweats started. Still, I blamed it on perimenopause. But then came the heat and activity intolerance. Minimal activity caused me to become SOB, shake, and be drenched in sweat. Sleep was non-existent. I began having numbness in legs and feet."

• DRx...
• December 16, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Put on this mid-year after a tough year of health issues left me with increased anxiety, HR & BP. Told to expect no side effects. I can directly connect a horrible change in my daily life to this medication. I was told I was in menopause and put on hormones! - Scorching, sweaty, humiliating hot flashes - Debilitating fatigue and brain fog - Insomnia - Zero energy - Gained 20 pounds - Massive Breast ENLARGEMENT! - Awful swelling - Hoarse voice, constant cough - Major depression - Change in eyesight - No interest in life. Ridiculous! All along I thought it was my fault and menopause! Add hormones to that and it's a disaster. I was VERY close to giving up. This medication is old, outdated, and unacceptable."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2018

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I was diagnosed with moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea and supraventricular 'events' 4 months ago. I was put on a ResMed PAP machine and Metoprolol Succinate ER 25 mg. I have gained 10 pounds. I feel: no energy, chest heavy, heart pumping weak, breathing decreased/light, affect flat, tired, constipated, I can't think. My events are rare now, but I don't know if my events were due to the sleep apnea and if the PAP helped decrease them because I started both med and PAP at the same time. I miss being extroverted, energetic, and outgoing. I don't know if there is any other treatment available. Ablation? I don't like this med."

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 19, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "My husband has always been happy, driven, and energetic. He had bypass surgery and was prescribed metoprolol. He's recovered to a point but is depressed, lacks drive, and is tired all the time. He's also developed a cough that won't go away. After reading these comments, I'm going to get him off of this terrible medication."

• Apr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2013

For High Blood Pressure "This is my first experience with blood pressure medicine, and it has left me scared to death. I took Metoprolol 50mg once in the evening for two weeks. I can honestly say it was terrible. I was so tired that I could almost not make it through the days, but what was even worse was the depression and terrible violent nightmares. They were so vivid, and they still upset me when I think about them. My doctor has switched me to Amlodipine 5mg, 1x a day. It has been over two weeks, and I am too scared to take it, but I know I need to do something. I am at such a loss about what to do."

• jjo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2019

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have only been on Metoprolol Succinate ER for SVT for a few months. I started on 25 mg 2x/day, which was upped to 50 mg 2x/day. The medication keeps my blood pressure in a great range (was borderline high before). So far, I haven't had a reoccurrence of SVT. I did have increased depression, but my thyroid levels were low as well. With regular exercise, the depression seems to have subsided. I gave up all caffeine, which has helped with sleep and anxiety."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2022

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "This is an update to a post I made in October 2021. I discontinued Toprol due to nasty side effects after only 2 months of use (severe anxiety, panic attacks, severe depression, insomnia, swelling of extremities, bloat/gassy, blurred vision, icy hands/feet, arrhythmia, shortness of breath, chest vibrations). It's been 1 year and 3 months since discontinuation. I am STILL experiencing off and on arrhythmia. I've had a thorough exam and testing with 30-day monitoring from 2 different cardiologists. My heart is very healthy, no blockages, no disease. Neither cardiologist can find any reason for the persistent arrhythmia, nor will they believe me when I tell them I think the Toprol caused this long-term persistent arrhythmia. I've also had extensive endocrinology testing and nothing is coming up as a reason for this arrhythmia. NOTE: I've never in my entire life had any heart arrhythmia or palpitations UNTIL I took Toprol, and now it's a regular occurrence. This cannot be a coincidence."

• ind...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "So, two years ago I went on Effexor/Venlafaxine for anxiety panic disorder. I was on Celexa for 10 years prior, felt it wasn't working. Okay, so my dose was upped to 150 mg of Effexor and I ended up in emergency with my heart at 180 beats per minute. They slowed it down after two shots of two different meds and I was put on metoprolol at the hospital. Not thinking it was Effexor that it just happened and got all tests done saying I had benign supraventricular tachycardia. My BP was high, I decided to get off Effexor, which was awful, not even close to an exaggeration. My BP dropped back to normal and so did everything else. I am off of metoprolol because I was on 50 mg in the AM and PM and after I got off of Effexor it made my blood pressure very low and heart rate very low as well. I was getting really dizzy and had to lay down because everything was spinning. After I stopped, it all went away. Crazy ride. I can't live like that, no orgasms, depressed and sad, no motivation on metoprolol, weak, no energy. Pass."

• ind...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "So, two years ago I went on Effexor/Venlafaxine for anxiety panic disorder. I was on Celexa for 10 years prior, felt it wasn't working. Okay, so my dose was upped to 150 mg of Effexor and I ended up in emergency with my heart at 180 beats per minute. They slowed it down after two shots of two different meds and I was put on metoprolol at the hospital. Not thinking it was Effexor that it just happened and got all tests done saying I had benign supraventricular tachycardia. My BP was high, I decided to get off Effexor, which was awful, not even close to an exaggeration. My BP dropped back to normal and so did everything else. I am off of metoprolol because I was on 50 mg in the AM and PM and after I got off of Effexor it made my blood pressure very low and heart rate very low as well. I was getting really dizzy and had to lay down because everything was spinning. After I stopped, it all went away. Crazy ride. I can't live like that, no orgasms, depressed and sad, no motivation on metoprolol, weak, no energy. Pass."

• Kia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I'm 33 years old, and the doctors diagnosed me with high blood pressure after COVID. I was taking metoprolol 100 mg at night. This medication gives me severe insomnia, depression, anxiety, chest pain, and difficulty breathing after taking it. I told my cardiologist about my symptoms, but they didn't really believe me, so I started weaning myself off it. The withdrawal symptoms are pretty uncomfortable too: chest pain, very bad anxiety, still have insomnia, and still dealing with depression. I wished I never put my hands on this drug. My tip is when they give you medication, please research all the side effects before starting to take it. I wish I got more help from doctors on how to wean safely and deal with withdrawal symptoms."

• Mee...
• March 11, 2018

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have only been taking for 3-4 days and hate it. I have the lowest dose, I'm told. Went to doctors and then E.R. for a second opinion and was told my heart beats are off and racing. Almost 3 years ago, I had an ablation done where they snipped something to stop my rapid heartbeats because I was having them too often. Then this one day, they give me this. It makes me depressed and then at night my whole body hurts. But I'm fine in the morning. I have heartburn as well, so I have to take Tums. Going back to my doctor tomorrow because I don't want to take this anymore. Only taking 25 mg."

• Ash...
• December 2, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "After having my last child, I was diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis in April and placed on metoprolol 25 mg BID. At first, it was helping with my increased heart rate and elevated BP. Symptoms were mild at first: dizziness, shakiness, and cold extremities. I have been to the ER several times due to SOB or feeling like I couldn’t catch my breath. They found nothing. I recently went two weeks ago for GERD and feeling SOB. After reading all the reviews, I’m seeing why. I am always tired, stuffy nose all the time, can’t sleep, and super depressed. Went to see the cardiologist, and he told me to quit taking it because my heart is fine and BP is fine. I was scared, but I stopped taking it one day ago, and now when I get up to walk, my HR is 120-135. Resting is 90ish. This medicine has done more harm to me than I’ve realized. I pray I can get past this detox journey."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2018

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I've tried to use this drug two separate times, and in less than two weeks, extreme, almost suicidal depression set in, along with fatigue, shortness of breath, and a constant heavy feeling in the chest. It made my diastolic heart failure feel much worse. At night, my heart rate was 45, even when I was wide awake. All this on just a 25 mg starting dose. I had the same reaction to propranolol several years ago. I'll live with the SVT far more comfortably. Quality of life counts!"

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "While the drug did the job of calming my heart when it would race or jump when I would exercise, it had brutal and extremely dangerous psychological side effects. This drug was so hard on me by magnifying extreme emotions that I was experiencing, and I had no idea until, in a fluke experiment, I stopped taking it for 48 hours to see what would happen. My extreme psychological anxiety and hopelessness and psychosis nearly disappeared, with the extreme symptoms almost evaporating at 75% dissipation. This is a very dangerous and scary drug."

• ray...
• October 30, 2013

For Premature Ventricular Depolarizations "I have PACs and PVCs, mostly related to stress and anxiety. Nothing that was overly concerning. I was medicated because the feeling of the PVCs was interfering with my quality of life. Between metoprolol, antidepressants, and PRN Ativan, I gained 40 lbs in 1.5 years. I got more depressed. I was exercising too. I stopped all meds and had no change despite amping up weights and cardio, no sugar, etc. Nothing. I stopped the metoprolol, and I dropped 16 lbs in 1.5 months. It also causes depression and weight gain as side effects. However, it is effective in treating many other conditions. I do not condone stopping medications without consulting your physician."

• Tlp...
• August 12, 2017

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I was prescribed metoprolol for tachycardia. I took it for about 6 weeks. I did feel better and not as fatigued, but suddenly I had severe depression. I felt like everything in my life was out of control even though mentally I knew it wasn't. I was sobbing hysterically all day and felt like I was losing my mind! I figured out the only change I'd made was taking metoprolol, so I weaned myself off of it and the depression cleared right up. My doctor said he has a lot of patients on this medication, and even though depression is a side effect, none of them have had this issue. So I'm guessing it's not a common side effect, but beware if you're just starting this."

• LB1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2013

For Heart Failure "I have had some pretty bad side effects, including weakness to the point of falling, extreme fatigue (to the point of not being able to walk at all and eventually falling into a depression). The moment I began to wean myself off the medicine, I immediately regained my strength, and everything changed for the better. I did, of course, inform my doctor and did this gradually over 2 weeks."

• bar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I've been taking metoprolol for quite some time now. I have very high blood pressure. I was taking half of a 50 mg tablet daily. But the doctor has since increased it to 50 mg to help lower BP. In addition to high BP, I have sleep apnea. I've gone to have an EGD under general anesthesia 2x now, and they are canceled because my BP is too high and a high risk. My primary care doc is really after me to use the CPAP for sleep apnea. I never use it for more than a few days or so. I don't like it and will not commit to long-term use. Since increasing the Toprol, I have been feeling more lightheaded, and my eyesight seems mildly shaky, and I feel a little more hopeless lately. I've got to call my doctor and tell him about these issues and figure out how to lower the dosage of this med because it's starting to really bother me. Any advice welcome. Other meds: Losartan, Indapamide, Citalopram, Felodipine, and Omeprazole. All are taken daily."

• scr...
• August 26, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "I began taking metoprolol about 2 months ago, 25 mg daily. I had a hard time getting used to it. Stupidly, I stopped taking it after the first week, I ended up feeling so bad I had to go to the ER. Since then, all my problems have been side effects. A few hours before I am to take my next dose, I begin to feel depressed, very cranky, and angry, and generally just awful. Once I take the medicine, though, those feelings tend to go away. It also upsets my stomach, and I have had a mild loss of appetite. I have also noticed that some foods taste different. I am also having a problem staying asleep, but I seem to fall asleep easily. So I am up and down all night. I am not happy on it, so I will be asking my doctor for something else."

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2009

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Started taking metoprolol 8 years ago when I was hospitalized with a bout of tachycardia that wouldn't go away for hours. Diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia. Started out at 50 mg, but had breakthroughs regularly, and went up to 100 mg after a year. The medication works great to keep my heart rate and blood pressure down to normal levels, however, for the first month on the medication, I constantly fell asleep during daily activity, and even now I maintain a sense of perpetual fatigue. Hard to lose weight, and depression creeps up often. Brain fog has slowed my ability to focus and react swiftly, which is frustrating. Still, the medication works so well to keep the heart episodes at bay that I haven't tried switching to a new medication."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "DON'T TAKE THIS POISON!!! I was on it only 2 months. Weaned off as directed after experiencing horrible side effects (fatigue, shortness of breath, bloating/gassy, weight gain, joint pain, limb swelling, facial swelling) and went through an absolute nightmare getting off of this drug. I had severe panic attacks, anxiety attacks, depression, insomnia, arrhythmia, vagus nerve dysfunction, and chest vibrations. It has been 8 months since I discontinued this awful drug, and the arrhythmia continues on a regular basis. I never had any palpitations or arrhythmias ever in my life until I took Toprol, and now it's a daily problem. I fully regret ever taking Toprol. It was nothing but bad from the very first pill....."

• Dan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 18, 2019

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have been on Metoprolol 100 mg taken twice daily, along with several other medications for my heart. I have Afib, HBP, CVD, DVT, PE and had quad bypass in 2015 with 2 grafts that failed. I have 6 stents in my RCA. On the metoprolol, I have several side effects: severe dry mouth, hair loss, agitation, anxiety, extreme tiredness, muscular cramps, and depression mixed with PTSD, memory loss. I begged my cardiologist to get me off this medication, and he says no. I do work in medicine. This is extremely difficult to function, and I've had to quit working due to not feeling well. If I knew how this drug affected my life, I would have never allowed a doctor to prescribe it to me."

• jar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 5, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I was placed on Lopressor in the early '80s and was on it for about 3 years. After roughly 2 years, I started to tire easily, lost interest in things in general, my personality and outlook changed to being very negative, and I was diagnosed with clinical depression. Counseling and medications didn't help at all, and it wasn't until my wife saw an article in a medical journal that stated some patients who had been on Lopressor for 2-3 years became clinically depressed. We showed the article to my physician, and he changed me to another prescription. It took about 4 weeks for me to get back to normal. I am now on amlodipine/benazepril, which is working very well for me."