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Can Metoprolol Be Split And Taken?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Nov 2014
Question: Hello I take Metoprolol Succ ER 25 mg tabs 1 x per day. Can it be split and taken twice or only once a day if the doctor advises to get off the drug can you split it in half and take it still once a day until you gradually go off the medicine

I have had stress tests and imaging tests done and they turned out ok. I stay active and have no weakness or nausea symptoms except palpitations sometimes when I get over stressed. When a bp surge used to hit at night and I started feeling weird that is when full panic mode hit at times and I drove myself to the hospital a couple of times in the last 5 years.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can safely split the pill...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking to HCM!

Yes you can safely split the pill and take half a dose if your doctor would decide to get off the drug. The minimal dose of Metoprolol succinate ER is 12.5 mg (half of 25mg pill).

It's a good thing that your examinations results were normal and I think you are taking Metoprolol to control palpitations.

You're saying that palpitations persists even with medication. This is why if you were my patient I would advise to continue with Metoprolol succinate ER 25 mg at least three more months in order to stabilise your heart rhythm and rate.

Hope this will be of help!
Dr. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (23 hours later)
Dr. Shehu:

Thank you for your response. To further elaborate or clarify I have been on the medication for several months. The palpitations usually occur if I get highly anxious or wake up agitated at times and that is usually at night.

I have tangibly reduced my salt intake below 1,500 mg and have dropped 15 lbs over the last month. I weighed in at 207.8 lbs this morning. The .5 loprazem can be taken nightly or as needed. I have been on it about a month. Last night I opted not to take it and I slept well.

Could it be that the weight and salt drop enables me to sleep better let alone be beneficial to reducing higher blood pressure in tandem with the metoprolol .25 mg succinate ER? I was advised by the general practitioner to take it early morning rather than at night (in case it contributed to sleep disruption).

Regards, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Lorazepam to be restricted in very anxious situation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

1. It is normal to get increased heart rate when being anxious or waking up agitated.

2. Yes, salt intake won't let your blood pressure to get elevated; thus, you'll
- have sleep improvement
- need to take less dosage of metoprolol

3. And, yes, it is ok for you to take metoprolol in the morning, as it will stabilize your heart rhythm during the over-loaded day. Thus, you'd be more relaxed and have a nice night-sleep.

4. Apart diet changes and taking metoprolol, I usually, advise my patients to use herbal supplementation (e..g chamomile tea, valeriana, or aloe vera) to relax and get a better sleep.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 days later)
Dr. Shehu,

If you split the 25 mg metoprolol succinate 24 hour extended release into (2) 12.5 mg units can you take one in the morning and one in the evening? Or can you only do that with the Toprol XL.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes,can split;toprol XL=metoprolol

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Yes, you can split 25 mg metoprolol succinate into (2) 12.5 mg units. and you can take them in the morning and in the evening.

Toprol XL is the brand name for metoprolol succinate. You can split its dosage too.

All the best!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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Can Metoprolol Be Split And Taken?

Brief Answer: You can safely split the pill... Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking to HCM! Yes you can safely split the pill and take half a dose if your doctor would decide to get off the drug. The minimal dose of Metoprolol succinate ER is 12.5 mg (half of 25mg pill). It's a good thing that your examinations results were normal and I think you are taking Metoprolol to control palpitations. You're saying that palpitations persists even with medication. This is why if you were my patient I would advise to continue with Metoprolol succinate ER 25 mg at least three more months in order to stabilise your heart rhythm and rate. Hope this will be of help! Dr. Benard