Metoprolol helps manage heart conditions, but it has side effects that can disrupt your daily routine. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are common, making even simple tasks feel exhausting. People sometimes experience cold hands and feet due to reduced blood flow. Others report nausea and stomach pain, which can affect appetite and digestion.
While these symptoms might seem minor, they can sometimes point to more serious issues. Ignoring them could put your health at risk. You need to know what’s normal and when to contact your doctor.
In this article, you will learn about metoprolol’s most common side effects, why they happen, and practical ways to manage them.
| 🔑 Key Takeaways You might get headaches when taking metoprolol, but they usually go away after the first week. If they’re severe or last too long, talk to your doctor. Feeling tired, dizzy, or weak can happen, but not everyone gets these side effects. If you feel unsteady, sit down until it passes. Your hands or feet might feel colder than usual because metoprolol affects blood flow. Warm water, movement, and thick socks can help. Nausea isn’t a common side effect, but if you feel sick, eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy food might help. Taking metoprolol with food can also make a difference. Some people get stomach pain while on metoprolol. A heating pad or light meals might ease the discomfort. |
1. Headache
Headaches are a common side effect that you might experience when taking metoprolol, a medication often used to treat heart problems and prevent migraines.
In one study from 2006, a 57-year-old man took 25 mg of metoprolol and began having a severe headache within just 30 minutes. Along with the headache, he also developed a rash and his neck veins became swollen. These symptoms were signs of a serious heart issue called cardiac tamponade, where fluid builds up around the heart and makes it hard for it to pump properly. Sadly, the man passed away a week later because of these complications.
While metoprolol can be effective for certain conditions, it can also cause significant side effects like headaches, especially in patients with existing heart issues.
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It’s best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches usually go away after the first week of taking metoprolol. Talk to your doctor if the headaches are severe or last longer than a week.
Your healthcare provider can help adjust your treatment to minimize side effects and ensure the medication is working safely for you.
2. Feeling tired, dizzy or weak
Many people taking metoprolol report feeling tired, dizzy, or weak. According to a study, out of 100 patients taking metoprolol, only about 19 experienced dizziness directly because of the medication. The other 81 might have felt dizzy for other reasons, such as their heart condition or other factors.
Another case showed that an elderly patient felt more confused and tired while on metoprolol. When his doctor lowered his dose, his symptoms got better. This means that while most people might not feel dizzy or tired because of metoprolol, some individuals, especially older adults, can experience these side effects more strongly.
If metoprolol makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing, and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery if you’re feeling tired. Try not to drink alcohol, as it may make your symptoms worse.
3. Cold Hands
If you take metoprolol, you might sometimes feel that your hands or feet are colder than usual. In one study, out of over 57,000 patients taking beta-blockers like metoprolol, about 7% reported cold hands or feet. This was higher compared to 4.6% of people who weren’t taking these medications.
Another study found that 40% of patients on beta-blockers experienced this side effect. Interestingly, this wasn’t just with metoprolol; other beta-blockers caused similar feelings of coldness too.
You can put your hands or feet under warm running water to help them heat up. Massaging them and wiggling your fingers and toes can also improve blood flow.
Try to avoid smoking and drinks with caffeine because they can make your blood vessels narrower, which makes it harder for blood to flow and keeps your skin cold. Wearing mittens is better than gloves because they keep your hands warmer, and don’t forget to wear warm socks.
Also, make sure not to wear tight watches or bracelets, as they can restrict blood flow and make your hands and feet feel colder.
4. Nausea
Nausea may occur in some individuals who use Metoprolol, however the incidence is quite low (<1%). In fact, one study found that nausea was not significantly more common in patients taking metoprolol compared to those taking the placebo. This means that if you feel nauseous while taking metoprolol, it may not be caused by the medication. Other factors, such as your heart condition or other medications, might be responsible.
To help manage any nausea you might feel, try sticking to simple meals and avoid foods that are rich or spicy. It might also help to take your metoprolol after you have eaten. This way, you can reduce the chances of feeling sick and make taking your medicine more comfortable.
5. Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is also a reported side effect, but is uncommon. In one case, a 56-year-old woman started feeling tired and had stomach pains two weeks after taking metoprolol. Her liver tests were high, which showed that the medicine might have irritated her liver. When she stopped taking metoprolol, her symptoms got better quickly.
Try to rest and relax to help manage any stomach pain you might feel. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help.
If you’re in pain, speak to your doctor. They can provide the best advice and check if your medication needs to be adjusted or if another cause for your stomach pain should be considered.
Final Words
Pay attention to how your body reacts to metoprolol. If side effects like headaches, dizziness, or nausea become too strong or don’t go away, talk to your doctor.
Simple changes, like staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, or keeping warm, can help manage symptoms. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they make symptoms worse. Don’t ignore serious issues—seek medical help if something feels off.
Your treatment should help you, not make you feel worse. If metoprolol isn’t working well for you, your doctor can adjust your dose or find a better option.
FAQs on Side Effects Metoprolol
Can Metoprolol affect my breathing?
Rarely, it can cause shortness of breath or wheezing, especially if you have asthma or lung disease. Call your doctor if breathing problems occur.
Why do my hands and feet feel cold while taking Metoprolol?
Metoprolol reduces blood flow to your extremities, which can make your hands and feet feel cold. Wearing warm socks and gloves can help.
Should I take Metoprolol with food?
Yes, taking Metoprolol with food may help reduce nausea. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to take it.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next dose. Never double up to make up for a missed dose.
Can I stop taking Metoprolol suddenly?
No, stopping suddenly can cause chest pain or even a heart attack. Your doctor will help you taper off the medication safely.
What are the common side effects of metoprolol?
Common side effects include headaches, which usually subside after the first week. If they persist or are severe, consult your doctor. You might also feel tired, dizzy, or weak.
Sources
- Nicpoń, K. W. (2006). Headache induced by oral intake of metoprolol in a patient with chronic and limited cardiac tamponade [Article in Polish]. Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska, 40(4), 342–346. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16967357
- Barron, A. J., Zaman, N., Cole, G. D., Wensel, R., Okonko, D. O., & Francis, D. P. (2013). Systematic review of genuine versus spurious side-effects of beta-blockers in heart failure using placebo control: Recommendations for patient information. International Journal of Cardiology, 168(4), 3572–3579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.05.068.
- Shah, R., Babar, A., Patel, A., Dortonne, R., & Jordan, J. (2020). Metoprolol-associated central nervous system complications. Cureus, 12(5), e8236. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8236
- Khouri, C., Jouve, T., Blaise, S., Carpentier, P., Cracowski, J.-L., & Roustit, M. (2016). Peripheral vasoconstriction induced by β-adrenoceptor blockers: A systematic review and a network meta-analysis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 82(3), 835–848. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12980.
- Barron, A. J., Zaman, N., Cole, G. D., Wensel, R., Okonko, D. O., & Francis, D. P. (2013). Systematic review of genuine versus spurious side-effects of beta-blockers in heart failure using placebo control: Recommendations for patient information. International Journal of Cardiology, 168(4), 3572–3579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.05.068
- National Library of Medicine. (2017). Metoprolol. In LiverTox: Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547984