However, this selectivity is not absolute.
At higher doses, or in susceptible individuals, beta blockade can also influence beta receptors involved in airway function.
This can be important for people with asthma or other obstructive lung conditions.
Symptoms that deserve attention include:
New wheezing
Chest tightness
Increasing shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
A noticeable reduction in the effectiveness of usual breathing treatments
Severe breathing difficulty requires urgent medical attention.
Does Asthma Mean Metoprolol Can Never Be Used?
Not necessarily.
The decision depends on the reason for treatment, severity of the lung disease, dose, and alternative options.
In some situations a clinician may still use a beta-1-selective blocker carefully.
This decision should be individualized rather than based on a blanket rule.
Do Not Assume Every Episode of Breathlessness Is a Side Effect
Shortness of breath can have many causes, including heart failure, lung disease, infection, anemia, blood clots, and other conditions.
New or worsening breathlessness should therefore be evaluated in context rather than automatically blamed on the medication.
7. Sleep Problems and Unusual Dreams
Some people taking metoprolol report sleep-related effects.
These may include:
Difficulty falling asleep
Frequent waking
Vivid dreams
Unusual dreams
Nightmares
Changes in normal sleep quality
Not everyone experiences these effects, and sleep problems can have many unrelated causes.
If sleep disruption begins after a medication change and becomes persistent, discuss it with your clinician.
Should You Change the Time You Take Metoprolol?
Do not change your dosing schedule without checking the instructions for your formulation and speaking with a pharmacist or clinician.
The immediate-release and extended-release versions may have different dosing schedules.
8. Digestive Problems
Metoprolol can sometimes cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Reported effects may include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Stomach discomfort
Constipation in some individuals
These effects are often mild, but persistent vomiting or diarrhea can contribute to dehydration, which may increase dizziness and low blood pressure.
Should Metoprolol Be Taken With Food?
Instructions can depend on the formulation.
Metoprolol is often recommended in a consistent relationship to meals so that absorption remains predictable.
Follow the directions on your prescription label or those provided by your pharmacist.
What If You Vomit After Taking a Dose?
