Managing Mild to Severe Side Effects of Lopressor
Lopressor, a brand-name oral tablet, is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, angina (a type of chest pain related to heart disease), and to decrease the risk of complications after a heart attack. However, like many medications, it comes with potential side effects and precautions that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of.
One of the more common side effects of Lopressor is dizziness, followed by sleepiness, confusion, and diarrhea. Less common side effects include depression and mental/mood changes, memory loss and short-term memory impairment, nightmares and vivid dreams, hallucinations, cold hands and feet, slow heart rate (bradycardia) and various degrees of heart block, mild allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, and flatulence, shortness of breath or wheezing, joint pain, and heart palpitations.
More serious side effects include depression, Raynaud's disease, breathing problems, liver problems, low blood pressure, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block, ischemic heart disease, severe allergic reaction, and slow heart rate.
Lopressor belongs to a drug class called beta-blockers. It's important to note that if you've had an allergic reaction to Lopressor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lopressor. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking Lopressor, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not known.
Other conditions that may make Lopressor not safe for you include heart problems, diabetes or unmanaged high blood sugar, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, and certain heart rhythm disorders.
Lopressor can cause common side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, muscle pain, hair loss, dry eye and blurry vision, gas, itchiness or rash, heart palpitations, peripheral edema (swelling of the arms or legs), weight gain, and vomiting.
It's possible to experience weight gain, headaches, and vomiting during treatment with Lopressor, but these side effects are generally rare. However, if you experience weight gain that's bothersome, talk with your doctor, as they may recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Drinking alcohol during treatment with Lopressor may worsen certain side effects, such as dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and liver problems. If you have any symptoms of a slow heart rate, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, fainting, confusion, or heart block (a type of irregular heartbeat), contact your doctor immediately.
Heart failure, a serious side effect, can include symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, weight gain, wheezing or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Lopressor has a boxed warning for the risk of ischemic heart disease, a condition that can happen when people with heart disease suddenly stop taking Lopressor, causing symptoms such as chest pain (especially after physical activity), fainting, or shortness of breath.
In addition to the side effects listed, Lopressor can also cause symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under your skin, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat. For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
It's important to remember that this article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance regarding Lopressor and its potential side effects.
[1] FDA. (2016). Highlights of Prescribing Information. Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018652s038lbl.pdf
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lopressor. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lopressor-oral-route/description/drg-20071653
[3] NHS. (2021). Lopressor. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lopressor/
[4] UpToDate. (2021). Metoprolol. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/metoprolol-beyond-the-basics
[5] Drugs.com. (2021). Lopressor Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/lopressor-side-effects.html
- Lopressor, a beta-blocker, is often used for managing chronic diseases like hypertension and heart disease, but it may cause various side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, diarrhea, and mental/mood changes.
- Depression, memory loss, nightmares, hallucinations, and cold hands and feet are less common side effects of Lopressor, while more serious ones include heart failure, cardiogenic shock, heart block, ischemic heart disease, and slow heart rate.
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant women should consult their medical professionals about the safety of Lopressor during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Lopressor treatment may result in common side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, heartburn, dry mouth, and muscle pain, but rare side effects such as weight gain, vomiting, and hair loss can also occur.
- Alcohol consumption during Lopressor treatment can worsen certain side effects like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and liver problems.
- Lopressor users should be aware of signs of a serious side effect like heart failure (shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing) and seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms occur.
