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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Discontinuing Metoprolol Medicine Cause Any Effect On Heart Rate?

Began taking metoprolol succer 12.5mg in April 2016 to control heart rate due to untreated Graves Disease (I couldn t tolerate anti thyroid meds). I m now two and a half months post-op from a total thyroidectomy and would like to discontinue metoprolol...currently taking levothyroxine 137/daily. Current BP average is 114/71; pulse 70. Is it necessary to wean off of such a small dose? If so, how?
Wed, 30 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
Yes, discontinuing Metoprolol abruptly can increase the heart rate.

Beta blockers like Metoprolol reduce the heart rate by blocking the beta receptors in the heart. After long term use of beta blockers, beta receptors may undergo "up regulation" (increase in number of beta receptors) & when you suddenly stop the beta blocker, this may cause, apprehension, anxiety, sweating, increased heart rate, high BP, and in the worst cases heart attack.
So, Metoprolol needs to be gradually reduced under the supervision of your doctor and check your BP thrice daily and consult your doctor if any troublesome symptom appears.


In order to wean off, you must very gradually decrease the dose of Metoprolol over several weeks to prevent the harmful withdrawal effects as outline above.

Hope this answers your query.
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Can Discontinuing Metoprolol Medicine Cause Any Effect On Heart Rate?

Hi & Welcome. Yes, discontinuing Metoprolol abruptly can increase the heart rate. Beta blockers like Metoprolol reduce the heart rate by blocking the beta receptors in the heart. After long term use of beta blockers, beta receptors may undergo up regulation (increase in number of beta receptors) & when you suddenly stop the beta blocker, this may cause, apprehension, anxiety, sweating, increased heart rate, high BP, and in the worst cases heart attack. So, Metoprolol needs to be gradually reduced under the supervision of your doctor and check your BP thrice daily and consult your doctor if any troublesome symptom appears. In order to wean off, you must very gradually decrease the dose of Metoprolol over several weeks to prevent the harmful withdrawal effects as outline above. Hope this answers your query.