If you are taking this medication to treat a heart condition, it is important that you not stop taking it without your doctor's approval. This may increase your risk of a severe or life-threatening heart attack. This medication is usually stopped gradually, over 1 to 2 weeks. If you stop taking it too quickly, you may experience chest pain or tightness/pressure, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Get emergency medical help right away if you have chest pain/tightness or pressure that spreads to your jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, sudden weakness or loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, or fast or irregular heartbeat.
Metoprolol belongs to a group of medications called beta-blockers. It works by slowing down your heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. It can be used alone or with other medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and diuretics. It should not be used by people with certain heart conditions, such as sick sinus syndrome, a history of heart failure, or severe problems with blood circulation.
If you have liver problems, your doctor may decrease your dose or monitor you more closely while you take metoprolol. This drug is processed by the liver, and if you have liver disease, it may build up in your body faster than normal. Some side effects from this medication include a dry mouth, stomach upset, blurred vision, unusual tiredness, constipation, or depression. Other possible serious side effects include hives or shortness of breath, which could indicate a severe allergic reaction.