Side Effects of Metoprolol Succinate

There are a number of possible side effects of metoprolol succinate, including a slow heart rate, diarrhea, tiredness, and dizziness. Some rare side effects of metoprolol succinate (documented in less than 1 percent of people taking the medicine) include insomnia, headaches, and low blood sugar. Although most metoprolol succinate side effects are minor, there are some side effects that require immediate medical attention, such as chest pain, confusion, and unexplained swelling or weight gain.

 

Side Effects of Metoprolol Succinate: An Overview

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL®). However, not everyone who takes metoprolol succinate will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. When people do develop metoprolol succinate side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects are a lot less common but can still occur.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with metoprolol succinate. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of metoprolol succinate side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Metoprolol Succinate

Metoprolol succinate has been studied extensively in people with high blood pressure, people who have angina, and people with congestive heart failure. In these clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, some of the most common side effects of metoprolol succinate include:
 
  • A slow heart rate -- up to 16 percent of people
  • Tiredness -- up to 10 percent of people
  • Dizziness -- up to 10 percent of people
  • Diarrhea -- up to 5 percent of people
  • Itching or unexplained rash -- up to 5 percent of people
  • Depression -- up to 5 percent of people (see Toprol and Depression)
  • Shortness of breath -- up to 3 percent of people.
     
Other common side effects of metoprolol succinate (occurring in more than 1 percent of people) include but are not limited to:
 
(Side Effects of Metoprolol Succinate Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;