Metoprolol is prescribed to patients suffering from both high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain caused by heart disease (angina). It works by slowing your heartbeat and relaxing blood vessels.
Metoprolol may cause weight gain for some users when taken for more than a few months, and if this side effect becomes apparent it is important to consult your physician as soon as possible.
What You Need to about Metoprolol
Taking Metoprolol
If you are taking medication, be mindful of potential side effects and report them immediately to your healthcare provider. Some side effects could even be life-threatening or potentially lethal.
Fatigue, Drowsiness or Weakness: Metoprolol blocks adrenaline’s activity to lower the flow of blood to your brain and body resulting in fatigue (reported in 1-10% of cases) and drowsiness, however these symptoms should subside once your body adjusts to taking this medication.
Cold hands and feet: Metoprolol’s effects on heart rate result in less blood being delivered to your extremities, leaving them cold and sometimes painful.
Gastrointestinal issues: Metoprolol can disrupt nerve signals from your brain to your gut and lead to diarrhoea or constipation symptoms; additionally it could slow how quickly food passes through your system causing bloating, indigestion, heartburn or vomiting symptoms.
Metoprolol may interfere with the normal electrical activity of your heart and lead to irregular heartbeats called atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmia, increasing risk of stroke for some individuals.
Speak with your physician before beginning this medication. They can assess your heart and blood pressure before prescribing it to you, as well as gathering more information on any allergies or past reactions related to metoprolol or similar beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal LA, Inderal XL and InnoPran XL), sotalol, atenolol nebivolol and fingolimod or any other medicines you are currently taking.
Taking Other Medication
Many medications can lead to weight gain; the amount and persistence will depend on your personal circumstances. When talking with your physician, be sure to inform him or her of all medications taken, including vitamins and supplements; some could interact with metoprolol increasing your risk for side effects.
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is an oral medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It helps decrease strain on your heart by relaxing blood vessels and slowing your heart rate, which in turn relieves strain.
Metoprolol also belongs to a group of medications known as beta blockers which work by blocking certain natural chemicals produced in your body like norepinephrine on beta receptors in heart and blood vessels, thus decreasing your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen demand, etc.
Some beta-blockers have been shown to cause weight gain, although the amount usually remains minimal. Patients may feel fatigued while on these medications and therefore less inclined to exercise; thus consuming more calories than they burn through exercise and thus increasing weight gain.
Other possible causes for an increase in weight include fluid retention, bloating and swelling – though studies of various beta-blockers such as Timolol and Acebutolol don’t cause weight gain at all.
Changing Your Diet
If you find that you are gaining weight while taking metoprolol, speak to your physician. A change in diet could help you shed excess pounds as well as improve overall health. Make changes slowly; including fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and low-fat dairy can all be helpful in losing the extra weight.
High blood pressure can damage your heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels – as well as lead to stroke, vision loss and heart failure – leaving serious health complications in its wake. By changing your diet, maintaining a healthy weight without smoking and exercising regularly you can help avoid high blood pressure levels altogether.
Metoprolol medication helps lower your heart rate and relax blood vessels, increasing blood flow throughout your body and decreasing your risk of another heart attack or death after one. Furthermore, this drug may treat conditions like migraine headaches and movement disorders caused by some psychiatric medications.
Some beta-blockers may cause weight gain, although not always. Newer drugs like carvedilol and timolol don’t usually lead to excess weight gain; you should speak with your healthcare provider if concerned about sudden weight gain while taking this medication.
Sudden weight gain could indicate fluid build-up within the body which could be dangerous; contact your healthcare provider immediately if this is happening while taking metoprolol.
Does Metoprolol Cause Weight Gain?
Yes, metoprolol can cause weight gain as a side effect. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, and weight gain is more likely with older beta-blockers like metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) and atenolol (Tenormin).
The average weight gain associated with beta-blockers is about 2.6 pounds (1.2 kilograms). Weight gain typically occurs within the first few months of taking the medication and then generally stabilizes.
The reasons why metoprolol and other beta-blockers lead to weight gain are not fully understood. One possibility is that beta-blockers lower metabolic rates, which means you burn fewer calories. Additionally, they can cause fatigue and tiredness, making it more challenging to engage in physical activities that help maintain or lose weight.
It’s important to note that not all beta-blockers have the same potential for weight gain. Newer beta-blockers, such as carvedilol (Coreg), usually do not cause weight gain as a side effect.
If you experience weight gain while taking metoprolol, it’s essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may consider adjusting your medication or exploring alternative treatments to address your concerns.
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