
Metoprolol is a prescription drug used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and angina. It is also known by the brand name Lopressor HCT. Like all medicines, metoprolol can cause side effects, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, peripheral edema, and gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhea. More rarely, metoprolol has been associated with anaphylaxis, lung problems, heart problems, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can cause muscle weakness and pain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain | Musculoskeletal pain was reported in studies of metoprolol tartrate IR tablets, but it is not known how often this side effect occurred. |
| Arthritis | Arthritis (joint swelling that causes joint pain) was very rarely reported in studies of metoprolol tartrate IR tablets. But it’s unknown whether the drug was the cause. |
| Memory loss | Memory loss was reported in studies of metoprolol tartrate IR tablets, but it is not known how often this side effect occurred. |
| Mitochondrial disorder | Metoprolol may aggravate or trigger muscle weakness in patients with a mitochondrial disease. |
| Other side effects | Diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, gastric pain, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, tiredness, peripheral edema, fatigue, dizziness, dyspnea, bradycardia, headache, chest pain, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, trouble breathing, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, lung problems, heart problems, anaphylaxis |
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What You'll Learn

Metoprolol-induced arthralgia
Metoprolol is a prescription drug used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and angina. It is important not to discontinue the use of metoprolol tartrate tablets abruptly, especially in patients with coronary artery disease. In rare cases, serious side effects can occur, and patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain, swelling of the face, fingers, feet or lower legs, trouble breathing, or weight gain.
Some people may experience joint pain as a side effect of taking metoprolol. Arthritis (joint swelling that causes joint pain) was very rarely reported in studies of metoprolol tartrate IR tablets, but it is unknown whether the drug was the cause. Musculoskeletal pain was also reported in these studies, but it is not known how often this side effect occurred. Joint pain was not reported in studies of metoprolol succinate ER tablets. There have been reports of joint pain in people using this form of metoprolol since the drug came on the market, but it is unclear how often this has happened or whether the drug was the cause.
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 cases resolved within days of discontinuing the medication. One case report described a 59-year-old female who presented to her primary care doctor due to six to twelve months of polyarthralgias. The pain was migratory, primarily in the metatarsal joints of both feet, lateral hips, and wrists. She experienced about 30 minutes of morning stiffness in the toes and fingers of her right hand and lower back. The pain improved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but did not resolve completely.
If you experience joint pain while taking metoprolol, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help determine the possible cause and recommend a suitable treatment or alternative medication. Joint pain can sometimes be eased with gentle movement, and hot or cold packs may also help, as can over-the-counter anti-inflammatory gels.
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Musculoskeletal pain
Metoprolol is a prescription drug used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and angina. It is also used to treat hypertension. While metoprolol can cause side effects, many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Other Side Effects
In addition to musculoskeletal pain, metoprolol has been associated with various other side effects, including:
- Arthritis (joint swelling that causes joint pain)
- Memory loss
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Bradycardia
- Sinus pause
- Cardiac arrest
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Respiratory distress
It is important to note that the occurrence of these side effects may vary depending on the individual. If you experience any adverse effects while taking metoprolol, consult your doctor or healthcare provider for advice and to determine the appropriate course of action.
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Memory loss
Metoprolol is a prescription drug used to treat certain heart problems, such as high blood pressure, angina, and chest pain. It is also used to increase the chances of survival after a heart attack. It is available as a generic drug and under several brand names, including Lopressor and Toprol XL.
Other central nervous system (CNS) side effects associated with metoprolol include confusion, fatigue, lightheadedness, nightmares, sleep disturbances, and gait problems. These side effects are more common in older patients and those with impaired liver function or pre-existing cognitive deficits.
If you experience memory loss or other CNS side effects while taking metoprolol, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help identify the possible cause and may recommend switching you to a different treatment. Most mild side effects tend to improve with continued treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if bothersome side effects persist, your doctor may reduce your dose or recommend discontinuing the medication.
In addition to CNS side effects, metoprolol can also cause other side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain. Most of these side effects are mild and tend to improve with continued treatment. However, some serious side effects have been reported, including severe bradycardia, heart failure, and allergic reactions.
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Constipation
If you have constipation with metoprolol, it may help to:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat more fiber
- Exercise regularly
- Use a stool softener or laxative
If these things don’t help, talk with your doctor. They may recommend taking a laxative medication or switching you to a different treatment for your condition.
Other Side Effects
Metoprolol may cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. The most common side effects are dizziness, tiredness, and diarrhea. Other side effects include:
- Itching
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Low blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances
- Chest pain
- Heart attack
- Allergic reactions
Serious side effects are rare, but can include worsening heart and lung problems. Metoprolol can also mask the symptoms of low blood glucose (sugar). If you experience severe fatigue, shortness of breath, or unexpected weight gain and swelling, contact your doctor immediately.
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Beta-blockers and muscle weakness
Beta-blockers are a class of prescription medications used to treat a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. They work by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels, which helps to manage blood pressure. Beta-blockers can also be used to treat conditions related to the brain and nervous system. While they have been in use for decades, and their effects and safety are well understood, they can still cause side effects.
Beta-blockers are known to cause muscle weakness and fatigue. This is due to their impact on the beta-2 receptors, which are mainly found in smooth muscle tissue. Beta-blockers inhibit Na(+)-K+ ATPase pumps, controlling ion movement between muscle and plasma, thus contributing to muscle fatigue. This impairment of exercise performance is a well-known side effect of beta-blockers.
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. It has been associated with various side effects, including arthralgia, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and chest pain. While muscle weakness is not specifically mentioned as a side effect of metoprolol in the sources provided, it is a known side effect of beta-blockers in general. Therefore, it is possible that metoprolol could contribute to muscle weakness in some individuals.
It is important to note that side effects of medications can vary between individuals, and not everyone will experience the same side effects. Additionally, side effects may improve as the body adjusts to the medication. If you are experiencing muscle weakness or other side effects while taking metoprolol or any other medication, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for advice and to ensure that the medication is working properly for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Metoprolol is a prescription drug used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and angina.
Like all medicines, metoprolol can cause side effects, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, serious side effects such as lung or heart problems, memory loss, and allergic reactions can occur.
Muscle pain or weakness has been reported in some patients taking metoprolol, particularly those with mitochondrial disease. However, it is unclear how often this occurs or if metoprolol is the direct cause. Other types of pain, such as joint pain and headaches, have also been reported.
If you experience bothersome pain, including muscle pain, while taking metoprolol, you should consult your doctor. They can help determine the possible cause and recommend an alternative treatment if necessary.




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