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Dr. Banita Sehgal
Internal Medicine Physician
My approach to healthcare is rooted in building genuine partnerships with my patients.
Taking the time to understand their needs and goals helps us collaborate effectively and find the best path forward together. What I love most about my work is being someone they can count on — familiar, accessible, and focused on their well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Metoprolol may be suitable for managing conditions like high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, a history of heart attacks, or certain irregular heart rhythms. To determine if it’s right for you, your healthcare provider will assess your cardiovascular health, considering factors such as your current medications, potential drug interactions, and contraindications – including severe asthma, slow heart rate, or specific heart conduction issues.
Your provider will also discuss the potential benefits, risks, and side effects to ensure metoprolol aligns with your treatment goals. If prescribed, they will monitor your response and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure the medication is both effective and well-tolerated. Always consult your provider and follow their guidance to decide if metoprolol is the best option for your needs.
Yes, metoprolol is a beta-blocker. This class of medications works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which reduces the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline. As a result, metoprolol slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the heart's workload. This makes it effective in managing conditions such as high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, and certain irregular heart rhythms.
Metoprolol – along with other beta-blockers – can be associated with weight gain. This may be due to its effects on metabolism or fluid retention, particularly in people with heart failure.
Weight gain is not a common or guaranteed side effect of metoprolol, and its impact can vary depending on the individual. If you notice unexplained weight gain while taking metoprolol, it's a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider, as they may adjust your treatment or explore other potential causes.
Yes, metoprolol lowers blood pressure. As a beta-blocker, it works by blocking the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. This leads to a slower heart rate and reduced force of contraction, which helps lower blood pressure.
Metoprolol is commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and can also help prevent complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The best time to take metoprolol depends on your healthcare provider’s dosage recommendations. Lopressor (branded metoprolol tartrate) is available as a tablet that’s typically taken once or twice a day with meals or immediately after eating. Other versions of the medication will be taken at different times and in different doses depending on the specific formulation and the condition being treated.
Metoprolol typically starts to take effect within one to two hours after taking the medication. However, it may take several days to weeks for its full benefits to be noticed, particularly in terms of lowering blood pressure or improving heart-related symptoms like angina. The exact timeline can vary based on factors such as the individual’s response to the medication, the condition being treated, and the dosage prescribed.
It can be safe to take other medications while on metoprolol, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before combining it with any other drugs. Some medications may interact with metoprolol, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
Medications that may interact with metoprolol typically include:
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Other blood pressure medications: Combining metoprolol with other antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics) can lower blood pressure too much
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Calcium channel blockers: Medications like verapamil or diltiazem can amplify the heart rate-lowering effect of metoprolol, potentially leading to too slow of a heart rate
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Diabetes medications: Metoprolol can mask symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so additional caution is needed if you are on insulin or other diabetic medications
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Antidepressants, especially SSRIs or SNRIs: Certain antidepressants may interact with metoprolol, affecting heart rate or blood pressure
No, it’s generally not considered safe to drink alcohol while taking metoprolol. Alcohol can significantly increase the risk of certain side effects of the medication including dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting due to its ability to lower blood pressure. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol while on metoprolol.
While there aren't specific foods that you need to completely avoid while taking metoprolol, there are a few dietary considerations to keep in mind. While taking metoprolol, it’s important to limit your intake of high sodium and processed foods, as excess sodium can counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects of the medication. Potassium-rich foods (bananas, potatoes, leafy greens, etc.) should also be avoided since metoprolol can increase potassium levels in the blood.
Unlike other medications used to treat heart conditions, metoprolol is not known to interact with grapefruit. Still, it may be best to consume it in moderation or consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
The most common side effects of metoprolol typically include fatigue, dizziness, slow heart rate (bradycardia), cold hands or feet, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues like nausea or stomach discomfort, and mood changes such as depression.
Be sure to contact your LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider if your side effects do not resolve or if you experience more severe side effects.
LifeMD offers patients access to licensed healthcare providers who can offer guidance on healthcare concerns. Through our virtual platform, you can schedule same-day appointments and meet with a medical professional from the comfort of your home.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe you a medication if appropriate, and order it to your local pharmacy for your convenience. Skip the waiting room with LifeMD, make an appointment today to get started.