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Do Amlodipine And Metoprolol Succinate Cause Dizziness And Lightheadedness?
Question: I take amlodipine 2.5 mg and metoprolol 12.5 mg daily for several years. I have never been told I had or have HBP. I have never had angina or heart failure. I am a well controlled 75 year old adult onset diabetic taking Pioglitazone/metformin 15-850 mg bid. Lately I have been experiencing
lightheadedness and dizziness when lowering my head to pick up something or placing something in the trunk of my car. I feel amlodipine and/or metoprolol are the culprits and I want to stop these drugs as a test. I will monitor my BP. Any reservations on your part? Thanks in advance
lightheadedness and dizziness when lowering my head to pick up something or placing something in the trunk of my car. I feel amlodipine and/or metoprolol are the culprits and I want to stop these drugs as a test. I will monitor my BP. Any reservations on your part? Thanks in advance
Brief Answer:
You can do it, but please take into account the following
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a diabetic patient does not require antihypertensive treatment unless other conditions co-exist, like proteinuria or heart problems (including heart failure, arrhythmias etc). If your cardiologist says that your heart is perfectly fine and your echo is normal, then I can't see any reason for you to take the drugs, particularly if you've never had hypertension. It's strange though, because - I suppose - your doctor should have informed you about the necessity of the prescribed medications!
So the answer is that you can stop the drugs, if the aforementioned conditions apply to you, particularly if the dizziness and lightheadedness are accompanied by a lower than usual blood pressure. Other potential symptoms of orthostatic hypotension may include symptoms of faintness when getting up too fast from the recumbent position. Just remember that beta-blockers like metoprolol have to be withdrawn with caution, because of the rebound effect they may have on heart rate. I would start with amlodipine.
I hope I've helped!
You can contact again, if you'd like, to ask more questions about this subject.
Kind Regards!
You can do it, but please take into account the following
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a diabetic patient does not require antihypertensive treatment unless other conditions co-exist, like proteinuria or heart problems (including heart failure, arrhythmias etc). If your cardiologist says that your heart is perfectly fine and your echo is normal, then I can't see any reason for you to take the drugs, particularly if you've never had hypertension. It's strange though, because - I suppose - your doctor should have informed you about the necessity of the prescribed medications!
So the answer is that you can stop the drugs, if the aforementioned conditions apply to you, particularly if the dizziness and lightheadedness are accompanied by a lower than usual blood pressure. Other potential symptoms of orthostatic hypotension may include symptoms of faintness when getting up too fast from the recumbent position. Just remember that beta-blockers like metoprolol have to be withdrawn with caution, because of the rebound effect they may have on heart rate. I would start with amlodipine.
I hope I've helped!
You can contact again, if you'd like, to ask more questions about this subject.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have had some mild proteinuria on my last 2 visits but was taking the aforementioned meds long before.
Brief Answer:
ARBs may be indicated
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the input!
I referred to proteinuria but since there is a little misunderstanding I'll be more clear now. Proteinuria in a diabetic patient with type 2 diabetes may get better with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The ARBs are anti-hypertensive drugs also, but they belong to a different class. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and metoprolol is a beta-blocker. So the proteinuria scenario does not really apply to you.
I cannot guess why your doctor prescribed these two drugs. Perhaps your best next step is to talk with your doctor about your concerns. But if you'd like to stop the drugs, you can do it gradually and cautiously. Your proteinuria is another reason to talk with your doctor about potential treatment with an ARB.
Kind Regards!
ARBs may be indicated
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the input!
I referred to proteinuria but since there is a little misunderstanding I'll be more clear now. Proteinuria in a diabetic patient with type 2 diabetes may get better with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The ARBs are anti-hypertensive drugs also, but they belong to a different class. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and metoprolol is a beta-blocker. So the proteinuria scenario does not really apply to you.
I cannot guess why your doctor prescribed these two drugs. Perhaps your best next step is to talk with your doctor about your concerns. But if you'd like to stop the drugs, you can do it gradually and cautiously. Your proteinuria is another reason to talk with your doctor about potential treatment with an ARB.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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