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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Taper Off Metoprolol XL If No Longer Having PVCs?

Have been taking Metoprolol 25mg XL since Nov 2013 for pvc s. I want wean off as I am no longer having pvc s (May-June-July) have not had any pvc s. Have been breaking tablets in 1/2 since Wednesday of this week. Is it ok for me to taper off this way and how long should I do this before I can get off them? I have noticed a faster heart beat and have had a few flutters.
Mon, 24 Aug 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I carefully read your query.

Well, in general, a couple of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) a day are not worrisome, and no medicine is given for this. But, if a cardiologist decides to put you on treatment to suppress or prevent the PVCs, then they were clearly in a number that mandate a drug to control them. Therefore, this heart is prone to produce PVCs again, if left with no treatment. My recommendation is that metoprolol should be continued as it was given the first time. On the other hand, if you are experiencing unpleasant side effects of this drug, there are other options to control these phenomena, such as other beta-blockers or a calcium channel blocker. But, my opinion remains that there is treatment needed. About the fast heart beats and flutters, I recommend you to wear a 24-hour rhythm monitor registration, to precisely describe these situation you are experiencing, and decide whether further treatment is needed. Keep in mind, that these are only recommendations. After all, the choice is only yours.

I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Meriton
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How To Taper Off Metoprolol XL If No Longer Having PVCs?

Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I carefully read your query. Well, in general, a couple of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) a day are not worrisome, and no medicine is given for this. But, if a cardiologist decides to put you on treatment to suppress or prevent the PVCs, then they were clearly in a number that mandate a drug to control them. Therefore, this heart is prone to produce PVCs again, if left with no treatment. My recommendation is that metoprolol should be continued as it was given the first time. On the other hand, if you are experiencing unpleasant side effects of this drug, there are other options to control these phenomena, such as other beta-blockers or a calcium channel blocker. But, my opinion remains that there is treatment needed. About the fast heart beats and flutters, I recommend you to wear a 24-hour rhythm monitor registration, to precisely describe these situation you are experiencing, and decide whether further treatment is needed. Keep in mind, that these are only recommendations. After all, the choice is only yours. I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care. Regards, Dr. Meriton