Does Toprol-XL Cause Low Blood Sugar?
Toprol-XL® (
metoprolol succinate) is a
beta blocker. Low blood sugar levels have been reported in people taking beta blockers. Normal doses of
Toprol-XL probably do not significantly increase the risk of low blood sugar for most people. However, the medication can make low blood sugar less noticeable, which can be dangerous, especially for people with
diabetes.
This potential side effect of beta blockers tends to be more common in infants, children, and people with kidney disease or diabetes. It is also more likely to occur while fasting (such as before surgery) or after prolonged exercise.
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar With Toprol-XL
Low blood sugar symptoms can vary, depending on a number of factors, including how low the blood sugar levels are.
Early signs and symptoms may include:
- Sweating
- Shakiness
- Extreme hunger
- Dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Blurry vision.
More severe symptoms of low blood sugar can include:
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Loss of life.
Two other symptoms are an increase in heart rate and
high blood pressure; however, these particular symptoms may not occur in people taking Toprol-XL because of the effects of the medicine. Therefore, Toprol-XL can "mask" these important symptoms of low blood sugar, perhaps making it less noticeable (and therefore more dangerous).
