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Metoprolol Side Effects: Depression

Metoprolol is the generic name for a prescription medication known as Toprol. Classified as a beta-blocker, Metoprolol is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, angina (chest pain) and heart failure. Common side effects of metoprolol include dizziness, an itchy rash or skin irritation, fatigue and depression.

  1. Dosage

    • Metoprolol is administered orally in tablet form. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will prescribe 50-100 mg tablets. Take metoprolol exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but never double up on a dose. Take metoprolol with a meal or immediately following a meal.

    Side Effect: Depression

    • Before prescribing metoprolol, your doctor will ask you a series of health history questions, including whether you have experienced depression in the past five years. If you have a history of depression, be sure to tell your doctor before taking metoprolol. If you experience trouble sleeping, a change in your appetite, difficulty concentrating or performing routine tasks or a lack of interest in your hobbies, you may be experiencing depression due to metoprolol, and you need to change medications.

    Overcoming Depression

    • Taking a beta-blocker such as metoprolol can cause depression symptoms to appear. It can also exacerbate already existing feelings of depression for which you may need treatment. Talk to your doctor so that he will be able to modify your treatment and help you seek a counselor. Do not feel embarrassed discussing your depression; it is a common medical condition caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals and is not simply something you can snap your fingers and make disappear. With proper treatment, your depression can be overcome.

    Other Side Effects

    • A more complete list of common side effects from taking metoprolol include fatigue and dizziness; slow heartbeat; developing a rash or irritating, itchy skin condition; diarrhea/nausea; depression and shortness of breath. Talk with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Seek emergency medical care if you experience extreme sadness or have thoughts of harming yourself or others.

    Precaution

    • Discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking metoprolol. In addition to the dangerous effects from possible symptoms of depression, metoprolol should not be taken by those who have a slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure or heart failure.

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