Lopressor Side Effects

Dizziness, tiredness, and itching or unexplained rash are among the most commonly reported side effects of Lopressor. Some uncommon side effects (occurring in less than 1 percent of people) include an increase in liver enzymes, hair loss, and insomnia. Some Lopressor side effects should be reported to your healthcare provider, including chest pain; difficulty breathing or swallowing; and cold, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet.

 

Lopressor Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lopressor® (metoprolol tartrate). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If people do develop Lopressor side effects, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common, but can still occur.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Lopressor. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Lopressor side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Lopressor

Lopressor has been studied extensively in people with
 high blood pressure, people who have angina, and people with a recent history of heart attack. 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. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, some of the most common side effects of Lopressor 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 Metoprolol and Depression)
  • Shortness of breath -- up to 3 percent of people.
     
Other common Lopressor side effects (occurring in more than 1 percent of people taking the drug) include but are not limited to:
 
(Lopressor Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;