Overdosing on Lopressor: An Overview
Lopressor® (
metoprolol tartrate) is a prescription medication that is used for
lowering high blood pressure (
hypertension), relieving
angina symptoms, and improving chances of survival after a
heart attack. The medication may also be used "
off-label" for other reasons, such as the treatment of
migraines or
anxiety. As with other medicines, it is possible to take too much Lopressor. Overdose effects will vary, depending on a number of factors, including how much Lopressor is taken and whether it is taken with any other medicines, alcohol, and/or drugs.
Symptoms of a Lopressor Overdose
When someone overdoses on Lopressor, the symptoms can vary. Some examples of overdose symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Tiredness
- A decrease in breathing
- Wheezing
- Extremely low blood pressure
- A severe decrease in heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Congestive heart failure
- Loss of life.
Treating a Lopressor Overdose
The treatment for an overdose with Lopressor will vary.
If the overdose was recent, the healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." The healthcare provider may also recommend dialysis, which can remove the medication from the blood. Treatment will also involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
- Medications to increase blood pressure or heart rate
- Medications to improve breathing
- Medicines or placement of a pacemaker for abnormal heart rhythms
- Close monitoring of the heart and lungs.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on Lopressor.
