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Metoprolol Tartrate
Metoprolol tartrate is approved to control high blood pressure, treat angina symptoms, and improve survival after a heart attack. As a beta blocker, the medication works by reversing the effect of certain stress hormones in the body. While it does not cure high blood pressure or angina, the drug can help decrease heart rate, blood pressure levels, and the workload on the heart. Dizziness, tiredness, and depression are a few common side effects.
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called beta blockers.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with metoprolol tartrate. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include:
- A slow heart rate
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Itching or unexplained rash
- Depression (see Metoprolol and Depression)
- Shortness of breath.
(Click Side Effects of Metoprolol Tartrate to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
- Metoprolol and Weight Gain
- Metoprolol Sexual Side Effects
- Metoprolol and Dry Eyes
- Metoprolol and Hair Loss
- Metoprolol and Low Blood Sugar.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD