1st November 2006
Hi Michelle, I'm new and actually just registered to ask a question about beta blockers myself! But maybe I can answer some of your questions too. :)
I have been taking Metoprolol for about a month now for sinus tachycardia (attacks that were usually just out of the blue for no reason, but sometimes due to caffeine and worsened by anxiety). I started with metoprolol 25 mg, twice a day. I didn't have any trouble with the side effects you describe, but I know they can occur but my Dr. and pharmacist both said most side effects go away within the first week or two. I had a different problem, after I had taken it for a couple of weeks I started having terrible insomnia. After doing some research I found out that BBs can lower levels of melatonin. So I started cutting my pills, first taking 3/4 of a pill for a few days and getting down to 1/2 pill, still twice a day, and taking melatonin and it helped. (But ask your dr before you start cutting pills, I know some time release ones you can't!) They switched me to Toprol XL, 25 mg once a day-- still metoprolol, but extended release, she thought it might help the insomnia. This is my first day on it so we will see!
I have not had any ST since starting the BB, and it has really been a relief for me to not have to worry about it. I think I am the opposite of you, I used to obsessively take my pulse before starting the BB, now I don't because I am not as worried about it. It did not lower my BP substantially either. The lowest my heart rate has gotten is probably 65 or so since starting the BB, the highest it has gotten is about the upper 80s. This is from someone whose normal heart rate was 85-100, and when I had ST episodes it would be 120-150. 50 does sound pretty low for your resting HR, but nothing that is dangerous. But maybe cause to lower your dose.
Try not to worry, the chest pain and pinching I'm sure is anxiety, I used to get that when I would have my ST episodes. The BB should do a good job, and if you still have side effects, talk to your dr, they could lower your dose or try a different BB. Good luck!
I have been taking Metoprolol for about a month now for sinus tachycardia (attacks that were usually just out of the blue for no reason, but sometimes due to caffeine and worsened by anxiety). I started with metoprolol 25 mg, twice a day. I didn't have any trouble with the side effects you describe, but I know they can occur but my Dr. and pharmacist both said most side effects go away within the first week or two. I had a different problem, after I had taken it for a couple of weeks I started having terrible insomnia. After doing some research I found out that BBs can lower levels of melatonin. So I started cutting my pills, first taking 3/4 of a pill for a few days and getting down to 1/2 pill, still twice a day, and taking melatonin and it helped. (But ask your dr before you start cutting pills, I know some time release ones you can't!) They switched me to Toprol XL, 25 mg once a day-- still metoprolol, but extended release, she thought it might help the insomnia. This is my first day on it so we will see!
I have not had any ST since starting the BB, and it has really been a relief for me to not have to worry about it. I think I am the opposite of you, I used to obsessively take my pulse before starting the BB, now I don't because I am not as worried about it. It did not lower my BP substantially either. The lowest my heart rate has gotten is probably 65 or so since starting the BB, the highest it has gotten is about the upper 80s. This is from someone whose normal heart rate was 85-100, and when I had ST episodes it would be 120-150. 50 does sound pretty low for your resting HR, but nothing that is dangerous. But maybe cause to lower your dose.
Try not to worry, the chest pain and pinching I'm sure is anxiety, I used to get that when I would have my ST episodes. The BB should do a good job, and if you still have side effects, talk to your dr, they could lower your dose or try a different BB. Good luck!