Side Effects of Metoprolol Tartrate

Some common side effects of metoprolol tartrate include tiredness, a slow heart rate, and dizziness. Most side effects of metoprolol tartrate are minor and require little or no treatment by your healthcare provider. However, a few of the side effects with this medicine that you should let your healthcare provider know about immediately include difficulty breathing or swallowing, unexplained swelling or weight gain, and chest pain.

 

Side Effects of Metoprolol Tartrate: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®). However, not everyone who takes metoprolol tartrate will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. When people do develop metoprolol tartrate side effects, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects are a lot less common but can still occur.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with metoprolol tartrate. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of metoprolol tartrate side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Metoprolol Tartrate

Metoprolol tartrate has been studied extensively in people with
 high blood pressure, people who have angina, and people with a recent history of a heart attack. In these clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common side effects of metoprolol tartrate include:
 
  • A slow heart rate -- up to 16 percent
  • Tiredness -- up to 10 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 10 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 5 percent
  • Itching or unexplained rash -- up to 5 percent
  • Depression -- up to 5 percent (see Metoprolol and Depression)
  • Shortness of breath -- up to 3 percent.
     
Other common side effects of metoprolol tartrate (occurring in more than 1 percent of people) include but are not limited to:
 
(Side Effects of Metoprolol Tartrate Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;