
Metoprolol is a medication that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It is a type of beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent chest pain or further damage after a heart attack. Like all medicines, metoprolol can cause side effects, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Some of the common side effects of metoprolol include dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and fainting. In rare cases, metoprolol has been associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramping. There have been reports of metoprolol-induced arthralgia, which resolved within days of discontinuing the medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Metoprolol cause muscle weakness? | Yes, Metoprolol can cause muscle weakness. |
| Prevalence | Rare |
| Muscle weakness cause | Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that limits aerobic muscle pathways by decreasing oxygen availability to the muscle. |
| Other side effects | Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, confusion, trouble breathing, fatigue, muscle cramps, weight gain, chest pain, lung problems, heart problems, etc. |
| Action required | Consult a doctor or pharmacist. |
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What You'll Learn

Metoprolol-induced arthralgia
Metoprolol is a medicine that can cause side effects, although many people experience no side effects or only minor ones. The common side effects of metoprolol occur in more than 1 in 100 people. Side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Metoprolol may also cause a person to become less alert than usual.
In the rheumatology world, certain drugs are known to cause musculoskeletal symptoms, such as arthralgias, myalgias, and drug-induced lupus. Beta-blockers like Metoprolol are known to cause arthralgias, as listed on the product label. However, there is a lack of awareness that this class of medication can cause arthralgias and elevated anti-nuclear antibodies. In 1986, Sills documented five cases of self-reported metoprolol-induced arthralgias through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's spontaneous reporting system. All five cases resolved within days of discontinuing the medication.
In one case report, a patient who had taken levothyroxine and sertraline for several years changed from triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide to metoprolol for blood pressure control. The patient experienced bilateral first MTP tenderness without swelling or erythema, bilateral greater trochanteric bursa tenderness, and a positive Patrick's maneuver bilaterally. A pelvic X-ray showed sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis and enthesopathy, which, along with the examination findings, prompted the rheumatologist to order a pelvic MRI. The patient discontinued metoprolol upon request, and the arthralgias resolved within two to three days.
Another case report describes a patient with a history of fluoroquinolone-induced arthralgias, plantar fasciitis, and trochanteric bursitis. The patient changed from triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide to metoprolol for blood pressure control about a year earlier. The patient's symptoms did not improve with exercises or NSAIDs, so they were referred to a rheumatologist. The examination revealed similar findings to the previous case, including bilateral first MTP tenderness and bilateral greater trochanteric bursa tenderness. A pelvic X-ray also showed sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis and enthesopathy, and the patient was advised to undergo a pelvic MRI.
If you are experiencing any side effects from taking metoprolol, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.
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Metoprolol and mitochondrial dysfunction
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, a class of medications used to treat cardiac arrhythmias and systemic hypertension. Like all medicines, metoprolol can cause side effects, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Some common side effects of metoprolol are dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, headaches, and weakness.
Mitochondria are organelles responsible for generating the energy required to sustain life and support growth. They are present throughout the body, and their dysfunction can affect any organ, including the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, or respiratory system. Mitochondrial disorders are a group of metabolic conditions caused by impairment of the oxidative phosphorylation system. Symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction may include loss of motor control, muscle weakness, cardiac disease, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, and respiratory insufficiency.
There is limited clinical data on the relationship between metoprolol and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, some sources suggest that metoprolol may aggravate underlying mitochondrial dysfunction, worsening symptoms such as chest wall weakness. This is assumed to be due to the direct effect of metoprolol on the respiratory electron transport chain, impairing aerobic exercise capacity and decreasing oxygen availability to the muscles. Additionally, metoprolol can inhibit the biological pathway of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a mitochondrial coenzyme essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is crucial for cellular energy processes. Blockage of CoQ10 action can contribute to further mitochondrial dysfunction.
In a case study, a 7-year-old boy with a clinically diagnosed mitochondrial disorder presented with multisystem disease, including autonomic dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux, gastroparesis, nocturnal hypoventilation, and metabolic derangements. After discontinuing metoprolol, his dyspnea and abdominal breathing pattern improved, and he returned to his medical baseline within four weeks. Another case report mentions a patient with metoprolol-induced arthralgias, which resolved within two to three days after drug cessation.
While there is no specific therapy for mitochondrial disease, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure the information on metoprolol's side effects applies to individual circumstances.
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Metoprolol's impact on chest wall muscles
Metoprolol is a medication that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It is a type of beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina).
Metoprolol has been associated with several side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and unusual weakness or fatigue. While muscle weakness is not explicitly mentioned as a side effect in the sources, beta-blockers as a class of medications have been linked to muscular fatigue and cramping.
There are also case reports of metoprolol-induced arthralgia, which is musculoskeletal pain that can involve the chest wall muscles. In one case, a patient with a mitochondrial disorder developed respiratory distress after being prescribed metoprolol, and it was suspected that the medication aggravated underlying chest wall weakness.
It is important to note that side effects of metoprolol can vary depending on the individual, and many people may experience no side effects or only minor ones. Some side effects may improve as the body adjusts to the medication, and healthcare providers can offer guidance on managing or preventing them. If you are experiencing muscle weakness or other side effects while taking metoprolol, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.
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Metoprolol and weight gain
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat several heart-related conditions. While it is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects, one of which may include weight gain.
Weight gain is a known potential side effect of beta-blockers, including metoprolol. Studies indicate that metoprolol may cause weight gain of up to 2.3 kg (5 lbs) on average, with some individuals experiencing up to 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs) in rare cases. This weight gain typically occurs gradually over the first few months of treatment, with an average increase of 0.9 kg to 1.4 kg (2 lbs to 3 lbs).
The exact mechanism behind metoprolol-induced weight gain is not fully understood, but it is speculated that beta-blockers can slow down metabolism by as much as 50%. This reduction in metabolic rate prevents the body from efficiently converting food into energy, leading to excess calories being stored as fat and resulting in weight gain. Additionally, beta-blockers like metoprolol can cause fatigue, reducing one's desire to exercise and further contributing to weight gain.
It is important to note that not everyone taking metoprolol will experience weight gain, and individual factors may play a role. If you are concerned about weight gain while taking metoprolol or any other beta-blocker, it is recommended to discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider. They can advise you on managing your weight while ensuring your heart condition is adequately treated.
While weight gain may be a concern, it is crucial to consider the overall benefits of metoprolol for your specific condition. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, as they can provide personalized advice and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
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Metoprolol's side effects
Metoprolol is a medication that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It is a type of beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and prevent chest pain or further damage after a heart attack.
Like all medicines, metoprolol can cause side effects, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Side effects can vary depending on the individual and may include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Less alertness
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Arthralgias (joint pain)
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightening of the chest
- Swollen ankles or legs
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fast heart rate
- High temperature
- Trembling
- Confusion
Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine, and your healthcare provider can advise on ways to prevent or reduce them. It is important to report any side effects that are bothersome or persistent. In the case of serious side effects, such as those indicating lung or heart problems, immediate medical attention may be required.
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Frequently asked questions
Metoprolol is a medication that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. It is a type of beta-blocker.
The side effects of metoprolol include dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, and weight gain. Some people may also experience muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and general fatigue.
Yes, metoprolol can cause muscle weakness in some individuals. It is listed as a side effect on the product label.
If you experience muscle weakness or any other side effects while taking metoprolol, you should consult your healthcare provider. They may suggest ways to prevent or reduce the side effects or adjust your medication.
Metoprolol may also cause shortness of breath, wheezing, tightening of the chest, swollen ankles or legs, and an irregular heartbeat. In rare cases, serious side effects such as lung or heart problems may occur. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms.









