Metoprolol and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Bet...
• December 10, 2019

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "Have taken Atenolol 25 mg for about 30 years. Had an episode of AFib. Had a Cardioversion. It worked, but elected to have Cardiac Ablation. Went back to Atenolol 25 mg twice a day and heart rate went into the 40s. Felt awful, light-headed. Dr. took me off Atenolol and put me on Metoprolol ER 25 mg twice a day. Initially, no problems, then bad effects. Can't sleep. Would go to bed at 11 pm and wake up at 3 am. Heart was knocking, heart rate in the 80s. Experienced internal heat. Felt like my body was on fire. If I did sleep, had nightmares. Body feels wired. Dr. changed me to Metoprolol plain. Not extended release but upped dosage to 50 mg twice a day. By evening, on the 2nd pill and side effects hit me. Up at 1:30 am, terrible internal heat, low sugar. Drank coke to raise sugar. Have decided I can't take this pill anymore. Took a Benadryl at 2 am, by 2:30, the heat is letting up. Pulse is 50 - 44. BP is 170/76."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "My blood pressure and heart rate went up several times during the winter storm in Houston, so I went to the emergency room and got put on this awful medicine. I started off on long-acting, felt horrible, got put on fast-acting and still feel bad. I have just about every symptom they have on their page - weakness, fatigue, dizziness, itchy skin, off-balance, panic attacks, can't sleep, blood pressure drops low, pulse drops too low, joint pain, muscle aches, hair coming out, headaches, scalp hurts to even gently pull my hair, etc. I go to the doctor soon, I have to get off this stuff. I feel horrible, no energy, and I have a 6-month-old to look after."

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 5, 2021

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I was on Toprol-XL and experienced many of the 41 side effects listed on the website but not included with the warning label. I experienced nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, lightheadedness, cold feet & hands, shortness of breath, wheezing, fluttering heartbeat, shortness of breath with mild exertion, dizziness, loss of appetite. I went to the doctor and ER several times fearing a heart attack but was found to be in good health. No one knew what was wrong until I researched and found all my symptoms under this medication. I stopped 2 days ago and blood pressure is now normal and most symptoms have gone away and improving. It takes about 7 days to feel normal per the website. I will NEVER take this medication again. Be careful, the side effects mimic other potential health issues. See your doctor and seriously look up side effects of Toprol-XL. A very nasty medication!"

• 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."

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

For Atrial Fibrillation "About 2 months ago, I started having issues with my heart beating fast and many more symptoms. 2 weeks ago, my new heart doctor (never had to go to one before) put me on 100 mg metoprolol right off the bat. The first day I literally passed out. I called my doctor, and he bumped me down to 50 mg. I've only been taking 25 mg. Every day 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 experienced 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 trouble sleeping. I go to the doctor 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 one issue, I now have about 12 issues daily. I would never suggest this medicine to anyone, it is absolutely horrible."

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "My primary put me on 25 mg per day due to palpitations that started after going off of HRT patch after 25 years. Cardiologist put me on Chlorothalidone since BP was running in mid 130’s/90. The first few days were fine, then my eyes were always red and itchy, upset stomach, out of breath so much that I couldn’t even walk across the room, and terrible insomnia with horrible nightmares! Asked if I could reduce it to half. Three weeks later and nothing changed, so weaning off by taking every other day for three weeks. This is horrible, now I know why my cardiologist wanted me on thiazide for a month to see if palpitations stopped after lowering BP. By the way, my BP is still the same. I don’t have insurance."

• Lym...
• September 28, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "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."

• mak...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 14, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "At first Metoprolol seemed to work. Blood pressure was down, heart rate 55 beats per minute. The longer I took the drug, the more side effects. At two months, my feet and legs developed tingling and numbness. Then, my fingers and hands developed the tingling. At three months of taking the drug, swallowing became very difficult. Food would get stuck in my throat and I would not be able to talk or dislodge food. Then, the insomnia started. I would wake at about 2 am and not be able to go back to sleep for several hours. Always tired, then would want to eat. I gained 20 pounds in a couple of months. When I would wake in the night because my arms would be asleep, that was the last straw. I stopped taking the drug and got a different prescription."

• Rob...
• July 28, 2014

Metoprolol for Heart Attack "I'm a 52-year-old male in fairly good shape. I started taking Metoprolol, 50mg twice a day after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier this year, in April. It has been very effective in controlling my blood pressure and keeping my heart rate low. The side effects are becoming unbearable now, though. I'm tired and have a lot of trouble focusing on my work during the day. I have a lot of restless nights of tossing and turning, and have now developed a rash under my arms. I think it also contributes to erectile dysfunction. I spoke to my cardiologist about all this today, and he's cutting my dose in half. I'm hoping some of these side effects will diminish when I cut down to 25mg twice a day."

• 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."

• Mel...
• January 22, 2020

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I'm a 58-year-old female, active and healthy. 5'2", 108 lbs. Saw my family doctor and reported my symptoms. Prescribed Metoprolol Succinate ER 25 mg. I break the tablet in half and take it for the first 6 days, then take the full tablet. The only symptoms I noticed are coughing and insomnia. Everyone reacts differently to medications. As with all drugs, it's a double-edged sword. I read online that taking Metoprolol for 3 years can damage the brain, kidneys, and heart. I plan to take it for under 3 years and seek other alternatives or options."

• JR4...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 17, 2015

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I wanted to add on a couple things to my previous review. Everyone warned me about how tired I was going to be since this medication would literally be slowing my heart down but I've never experienced that. I don't sleep much and have insomnia so that could be why. I also have experienced crazy dreams and I sleepwalk from time to time. I've always had dreams and talked in my sleep but I think the medication makes it a little worse especially if you're taking it closer to bedtime. I do get a little lightheaded if I stand up quickly and bend down but it's not bad. The benefit I get from this medication outweighs any of these insignificant side effects. I would recommend to push through any side effects and let the medication adapt to you!"

• Che...
• August 4, 2021

Metoprolol for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I hate this medicine! I was having back-to-back panic attacks for five days straight just to find out it bottomed my blood pressure out. The worst brain fog I have ever experienced. My vision was horrible. The dizziness alone was horrific! I couldn’t understand why I had no energy, and panic set in constantly,"

• bbj...
• April 20, 2009

Metoprolol for Atrial Fibrillation "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 pressure 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 11, 2008

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I started taking Toprol XL 100mg one week ago. My blood pressure and pulse are much better. 125/75 and 75 pulse compared to 160/100 and 100 pulse. The only problem I am noticing is my sleep. I am not sleeping soundly. I toss and turn all night, something I guess I will get used to. Other than that, it is keeping me calmer, my heart is not racing nor is my head pounding. I have had high blood pressure for 12 years and tried many kinds of medications. I am hoping the new cardiologist is on the right track!"

• 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."

• Ram...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 2, 2020

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I have been taking Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg BID for 10 years. Experiences are: heart does not always rest long enough between beats, lack of sleep, memory loss, headaches, white pimple in mouth (just started a month ago), runny nose, tiredness, low energy, constipation, shortness of breath while resting, hypertension, and aching feet. I will be 77 a few days from now. Found an OTC that can replace this drug, but must go off very slowly. All in all, this drug is now too strong for me as I will be talking with my heart doctor very soon."

• Aun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2023

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I have experienced puffy ankles and cold feet, it bothers my asthma, raised my fasting blood glucose from normal into the high pre-diabetic range, and causes insomnia, which I never had. Hasn’t lowered my borderline high blood pressure, the reason it was prescribed for. I am 74 years old, and this medication is the least effective in my life. PCP insists I keep taking it and feels the solution is to increase the dosage. As a result of this medication — six months of annoying side effects and no change to my blood pressure — I am looking for a new doctor. So this med had not one good side effect!"

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

For Atrial Fibrillation "In September, I had a stroke, which led me to a cardiologist. Had all the tests, eventually diagnosed with afib. On December 28, I was hospitalized for heart issues and COVID. A small vessel in my heart had a clot, dissolved with thinners. On February 16, I couldn't breathe, went to the ER, and got emergency cardioversion (paddle shock to the heart) on metoprolol 50 mg 3 times a day. I absolutely feel awful, and I cut the pill in half to take it 2 times a day and still have bad side effects. I can't sleep. I nod off mid-sentence, can hardly walk to the bathroom, feel shaky, and have extreme lethargy, with a headache 2-3 hours after taking the drug. The worst symptom-I can't breathe, extreme bradycardia. The doctor changes the drug or I get a new doctor. My blood pressure this morning, before meds, was 59."

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2010

Metoprolol for High Blood Pressure "I have not liked this medication at all. I was taking 25 mg of Hydrochlorothiazide, which worked great to reduce and maintain my blood pressure, but a side effect was frequent urination, and as a teacher, that was a slight nuisance. However, with generic Toprol, I have not gotten a decent night's sleep, and my blood pressure went higher (although I halved the 25 mg pill due to the side effects). I also feel anxious and unsettled."

• rur...
• November 7, 2011

For High Blood Pressure "I just started taking metoprolol 25 mg a day, and its side effects are awful. I experienced hair loss, severe dizziness, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and a feeling of near fainting. I will go back to the doctor to have her halve the dosage."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2019

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "This medication is the worst medication I have ever taken in my life. I never had nightmares, I never had trouble sleeping, granted I had depression, but never nothing like nightmares or anything like that. This stuff is horrible. I literally stopped taking it once I read the side effects. This is one nasty little pill. They're just going to have to find something else to put me on that doesn't cause that because I cannot keep doing this. I never had any problems, no nightmares or anything like that until I started taking the pill, and I constantly feel like I'm suffocating to death. No, ain't happening, beware people, beware."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2020

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I'm 24 years old. I've never had any heart issues besides some PVCs every now and then. About two months ago, my palpitations became more consistent, my heart would beat out of my chest uncontrollably out of nowhere, and I constantly felt like I was going to faint. I went to the ER a few days ago because I was having another episode and couldn't take it anymore. They were able to catch it all, and the cardiologist decided to put me on a low dose of metoprolol. So far it hasn't been too bad, it has especially given me relief with the tachycardia. I still feel the PVCs, but they are not as constant and severe. Only concerns I have are I feel very short of breath at times, and I literally can't sleep at night anymore. I'm hoping it gets better."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Initially received this at urgent care because I couldn't get into my doctor when my blood pressure was high at an employer-mandated check. I was on it for 3 weeks, 2 pills a day at 25 mg each. It brought the BP down by about 20 points. The side effects were cold feet mid-morning, trouble sleeping, and the dosage did not last a full 12 hours. I could feel the heart slow down at about 1 hour after medicating and then start to speed up again at about 9 hours. I had to be careful not to take it close to bedtime because it made me feel hyper about 2-3 hours after the dose. Upon reflection, these side effects were less than some of the other stuff I've taken since."