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Is It Safe To Abruptly Stop The Intake Of Metoprolol?
Question: my doctor told me to just stop taking my metoprolol succinate 50mg cold turkey is there a safe way since I have mvp?
Brief Answer:
There is another way, but it is a lengthy approach
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Before we go into the process of weaning off metoprolol succinate, I would first like to know that beta-blockers like metoprolol are prescribed in cardiac rhythmic abnormalities like MVP to help prevent episodes of palpitations (i.e. rapid heartbeat). So the metoprolol should only be weaned off if you are not at a risk to palpitations anymore.
Now going into the process of weaning off metoprolol:
1. If you have been taking 50 mg of metoprolol every day, then you should first reduce this to half the dosage (either by purchasing 25 mg tablets or by cutting the 50 mg tablet into half). Take this for one week
2. Then reduce to approximately 12.5 mg per day (again by either finding a close to 12.5 dosage tablet or cutting any other preparations). This again has to be taken for a week
3. You can then reduce to a base dose of approximately 6.25 mg per day for the next week.
4. Then take 6.25 mg thrice a week, then twice a week, then once a week, and then completely discontinue the medication
This is the best option available, as a safer and easier substitute to cold turkey. Please also make sure you consider the following suggestions as well:
+Completely avoid caffeine
+Avoid or control stress
+Mild exercise on daily basis
+Healthy diet and lifestyle
I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.
Best wishes.
There is another way, but it is a lengthy approach
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Before we go into the process of weaning off metoprolol succinate, I would first like to know that beta-blockers like metoprolol are prescribed in cardiac rhythmic abnormalities like MVP to help prevent episodes of palpitations (i.e. rapid heartbeat). So the metoprolol should only be weaned off if you are not at a risk to palpitations anymore.
Now going into the process of weaning off metoprolol:
1. If you have been taking 50 mg of metoprolol every day, then you should first reduce this to half the dosage (either by purchasing 25 mg tablets or by cutting the 50 mg tablet into half). Take this for one week
2. Then reduce to approximately 12.5 mg per day (again by either finding a close to 12.5 dosage tablet or cutting any other preparations). This again has to be taken for a week
3. You can then reduce to a base dose of approximately 6.25 mg per day for the next week.
4. Then take 6.25 mg thrice a week, then twice a week, then once a week, and then completely discontinue the medication
This is the best option available, as a safer and easier substitute to cold turkey. Please also make sure you consider the following suggestions as well:
+Completely avoid caffeine
+Avoid or control stress
+Mild exercise on daily basis
+Healthy diet and lifestyle
I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.
Best wishes.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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