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What Causes Tremors After Taking Metoprolol Tartrate?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Jul 2015
Question: I have been taking Propanalol ER 30mg for 9 years without any problems. I have COPD and have had bronchitis twice in the last 6 months. The Dr. I went to for the bronchitis, says I should not be taking propanalol because it affects my lungs, so he changed me to metroprolol tart 50 mg. 1/2 table in the morning and 1/2 table in the evening. This pill has made me very jittery, my hand shakes, as well as I fill very anxious every time I take it. I called the Dr.'s office about it two days ago but they still have not called me about it. So I went back to my propanalol this morning. Should I continue with the propanalol or should I insist the Dr. fine another drug for me to take or just try to get off these drugs totally? I was put on the propanalol originally for tremors, and it was determined my thyroid had gone hyper, so they gave me a radiation tablet, to stop the function of the thyroid and put me on synthroid. The propanlol seem to help my irregular heartbeat, so my previous Dr. left me on it for that reason. What should I do?
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows :

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that betablockers (propranolol, metoprolol, etc) have not absolute contraindications in COPD patients. They may be used safely in such patients, unless any individual intolerances is identified (as may happen with every other drug).

Propranolol, besides from helping heart rate management, has beneficial effects on controlling tremor and anxiety (as it is lipo-soluble, so may pass through hemato- encephalic barrier, acting also on CNS).

I would recommend you to consult an internist or neurologist, to identify the rreason of your tremor (is it benign essential tremor, or is it related to an actual thyroid dysfunction, or is something else?).

A careful thyroid evaluation is necessary (clinical investigation and thyroid hormone levels), to identify any needs of synthroid dose adjustment.

Returning to your main question, about ongoing therapy, I would recommend to consult with your prescribing doctor about those unpleasant effects seen with metoprolol, and discuss for alternative options (propranolol as it is well tolerated, or other drugs).

Alternative drugs for tremor may be clonazepam, etc.

Meanwhile, keep taking propranolol according to your previous regimen till you discuss with your doctor.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9545 Questions

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What Causes Tremors After Taking Metoprolol Tartrate?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows : Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that betablockers (propranolol, metoprolol, etc) have not absolute contraindications in COPD patients. They may be used safely in such patients, unless any individual intolerances is identified (as may happen with every other drug). Propranolol, besides from helping heart rate management, has beneficial effects on controlling tremor and anxiety (as it is lipo-soluble, so may pass through hemato- encephalic barrier, acting also on CNS). I would recommend you to consult an internist or neurologist, to identify the rreason of your tremor (is it benign essential tremor, or is it related to an actual thyroid dysfunction, or is something else?). A careful thyroid evaluation is necessary (clinical investigation and thyroid hormone levels), to identify any needs of synthroid dose adjustment. Returning to your main question, about ongoing therapy, I would recommend to consult with your prescribing doctor about those unpleasant effects seen with metoprolol, and discuss for alternative options (propranolol as it is well tolerated, or other drugs). Alternative drugs for tremor may be clonazepam, etc. Meanwhile, keep taking propranolol according to your previous regimen till you discuss with your doctor. Hope to have been helpful to you! Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri