Toprol XL prescribed for anxiety

cosmicpixie · Post by **cosmicpixie** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 7:24 pm

My doctor prescribed 10mg of Toprol XL for my anxiety and panic attacks because it contains beta blockers. My concern is that this is technically a heart medication and not something doctors typically prescribe for anxiety. I've tried Lexapro but didn't like how it made me feel, so I've been taking the Toprol once a week or so. Any thoughts on this medication?

chunkybug · Post by **chunkybug** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:11 pm

I took Toporol XL while I was pregnant with my baby because I was having palpitaions and shortness of breath. She said it was very common in pregnancy. However, it was getting very severe and my doctor sent me to a cardiologist and she perscribed Toporol Xl. It did help a bit with the palptations and made them less frequent. I didn't have any problems with it. I know some doctors prescribe Toporol to treat anxiety because it also helps lower your blood pressure and heart palpitations.

Shaky Susie · Post by **Shaky Susie** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:56 am

I took toprol xl for a while. My doctor gave it to me to help with a mild tremor that I inherited. I quickly noticed that I loved it b/c it kept my heart from pounding when I got nervous. Many people with stage fright take metoprolol before a performance. It is even a banned substance in professional pool because it calms their nerves and keeps their hands steady. I took it for about 5 years and I'll admit that there are times that I miss it b/c I hate feeling my heart pound when I get nervous. I never had any side effects but I hear that a lot of people do.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:06 pm

Hi to all:
I've been taking Toprol XL for about 8 years.
I take it for rapid heart rate and for high blood pressure. I don't have any side effects from it at all.
It is sold in generic form now so I get that.
It is a pretty good medicine for me.
MJ

cosmicpixie · Post by **cosmicpixie** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:20 pm

SS-were you taking the Toprol on a daily basis for the 5 year duration? So far I haven't experienced any side effects, which is why this prescription has been so great. The only downside is that my family is freaking out because they don't think I should be taking a "heart medicine" for the anxiety issues in my head. I've been having a lot of anxiety lately due to my fiance getting put on the night shift at the police department. Our house was also broken into a few weeks back. I feel like I've been a nervous wreck lately and have contemplated taking the Toprol on a daily basis, versus just taking it once a week or as needed.

kitty365 · Post by **kitty365** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:01 pm

Hi to all,
my name is Trina, I joined this website and program a year ago and strayed away due to my daughter getting married and getting lazy I suppose.

I noticed this post on Toprol and I hope you all don't mind my two cents, LOL

I'm a cardiac/ critical care nurse, and know alot about beta blockers (which is what toprol, metaprolol, atenolol, all are). I was prescribed atenolol last fall in 2007 for a moderate blood pressure and for anxiety. Be very careful with it and do not just take it whenever you need it, it isn't that kind of a drug. It can cause drops in blood pressure if not taken correctly and can actually cause the heart rate to rebound if you stop taking it suddenly if you have been on it a while. By rebounding I mean it can cause you to have a very fast heart rate if you stop taking it without weaning off of it. This drug not only slows the heart rate but it also causes bp to be lowered.

I took it for the flippy skippy beats (palpitations) and mine did not get better on it, but they got worse. When I stopped taking it I had to gradually wean down the dose, and my heart was fast for about a month. I now do yoga, exercise daily and eat right to control mine and don't take any drugs. My best advice, ignore the heart skips, and keep busy. The more you focus on them the more they will come about.

And to Cosmicpixie, your family is right, these drugs are nothing to take lightly, they alter the hearts natural rythym, we use them in code blue situations when people have lethal rythyms, and these drugs modify the heart beat. Better to exercise and practice relaxation than to take these drugs unless you have a high blood pressure.
Trina

Shaky Susie · Post by **Shaky Susie** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:02 pm

I did take toprol xl (and then the generic) everyday. However, I was prescribed the beta blocker for a tremor and not anxiety. However, they are somewhat related. I'd definitely talk to your doctor about any concerns you have - I think I'd only use it as a last resort for anxiety. That's just my opinion though - I don't like taking medicine! Good luck!

Engine2 · Post by **Engine2** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:36 am

My doctor prescribed me Toporol XL for high blood pressure (though I think I was going out of my mind when I was there) hence the high blood pressure, but after revealing more about my anxiety issues he then gave me Xanax for anxiety.

He has said if I lose weight he would consider taking me off the Toporol.

SeeBee · Post by **SeeBee** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:07 pm

Thank you, Kitty, for your post. I, too, am an RN, and cannot believe that a Cardiologist would prescribe Toprol or any medication that's main objective is to lower BP, on a PRN basis. I think their maybe some misunderstanding on the patient's part, or at least I hope that is what it is.

In any event, the OP should definitely be in touch with the prescribing physician. If, in fact, it has been prescribed PRN, I would be searching for a new physician. Beta-blockers, ACE Inhibitors, etc. are not to be played with on a PRN basis. I am not trying to scare anyone, but these are medications that try to regulate BP, pulse rates and other cardiac anomolies... and, if on them, should be taken at the same time each day.

I am also curious as to how you are getting just 10mg of Toprol XL... the lowest dispensed dosage is 25mg., scored would be 12.5mg.

Good luck