Can I Stop Metoprolol Completely?

Posted on Sat, 5 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking MetoProlol Tartrate 25 mg/day for several years. My new physician said that he thought that I would do well without it. The day that I had my exam by blood pressure was 106/68. I had just taken a half tablet that morning before seeing him. It has been 10 days since I stopped taking the medicine and my blood pressure has been running 155-160/85-90. Should I start taking the Metroprolol again on a regular basis? I am 69 and in good health. XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: YES Detailed Answer: Dear friend, Welcome to Health Care Magic YES, you should... The dose is small indeed / up to 200 mg can be taken Stopping a beta blocker abruptly may cause rebound – pulse rate and blood pressure often shoot up in most people Start again now You may try to withdraw later – say after 2 weeks / step wise and slowly / Reduce the dose to 12.5 mg for 4 or 5 days / then alternate days for 4 or 5 days and watch. If all is well, you can stop… Keep following up with your doctor... Take care Wishing all well God bless

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T