Does metoprolol make you sleepy?
Yes, metoprolol can make you sleepy. Metoprolol is available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets. It is estimated that around 10 in 100 people who take the immediate-release version (metoprolol tartrate) experience tiredness as a side effect.
Tiredness was also reported as a side effect in more than 2% of patients who took the extended-release version (metoprolol succinate) during clinical trials for high blood pressure and angina. In one study of patients taking it for high blood pressure, 5% of patients taking doses above 200 mg per day reported feeling tired as a side effect. This was compared to about 4% of patients who took 25 mg to 100 mg per day, and around 1% of patients who took a placebo.
Why does metoprolol make you tired?
It isn’t fully clear why beta blockers like metoprolol make you feel tired. One reason may be because beta blockers slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Your body might adjust to the medication, but if you feel so tired that it is interfering with your daily activities you should let your healthcare provider know. They might be able to adjust your dose, change your medications, or recommend other ways to feel more energized.
In the meantime, some things you can do to feel less tired include:
- Get plenty of sleep at night
- Take rest breaks during the day
- Eat a balanced diet
- Schedule activities during the times of day that you have the most energy
References
Hainer, J., et. al. 2005. P-228: Metoprolol succinate extended release: Antihypertensive dose response characteristics. In: American Journal of Hypertension. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjhyper.2005.03.245
Metoprolol succinate [package insert]. Updated March 2024. BluePoint Laboratories. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=99ecc717-38ab-4d00-8bf2-86a41b1c7977
Metoprolol tartrate. Updated May 2023. Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cb76a73f-549a-4170-b96a-f93ed7e09464
National Health Service. 2022. Beta blockers. Accessed on August 30, 2024 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/beta-blockers/
Read next
What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
Research has suggested that taking your blood pressure medication at night instead of in the morning can provide better blood pressure control at night without compromising daytime blood pressure control and reduce your overall risk of dying because of cardiovascular disease by 45%. Continue reading
Metoprolol Succinate vs Tartrate: What's the difference between them?
Metoprolol is available as two different salts: metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.
The main difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is only available as an immediate-release tablet which means it must be taken several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that can be taken once a day. As a result, there are differences in the dosages and indications for both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading
Does metoprolol cause hair loss?
Hair loss was not a commonly-reported side effect during clinical trials of metoprolol. However, rare reports of reversible hair loss have been reported by patients taking it. After stopping the medication, hair grows back again. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Metoprolol Information for Consumers
- Metoprolol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Metoprolol (detailed)
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