One Blood Pressure Med May Not Be Enough

It should be noted that Lopressor refers to metoprolol tartrate, while Toprol-XL refers to metoprolol succinate, the sustained release formulation.

Lopressor and High Blood Pressure

Metoprolol tartrate, sold as Lopressor, is a beta blocker which means it affects the heart and circulatory system. Lopressor is frequently used in the treatment of angina. Other uses include heart attack prevention and blood pressure control.

Proper Usage

This medication needs to be taken exactly as prescribed. It is best to take this medication with food, or right after a meal with a full glass of water. If you miss a dose you need to take it as soon as you remember, if it is time for your next dose or close to time for your next dose you should take a dose immediately and skip the other dose. Get back on schedule and stay on schedule from then on. Do not take two doses at once, this is unsafe and can cause an overdose which can be fatal.

Complete Treatment

Lopressor is an effective medication but it cannot work alone, it is only one component in a full treatment plan that includes overall health care. Your overall health care plan should include daily activity, diet, weight control, and following your doctor's care. Sticking to your physicians recommendations for medications and exercise as well as dietary changes (if any).

Who Shouldn't Take Lopressor?

If you have had a heart problem including a heart block, a slow heart rate, or a sick sinus syndrome. If you have been diagnosed with:

Circulation problems
Congestive Heart Failure
Asthma
Bronchitis
Liver or Kidney disease
Myasthenia gravis
Pheochromocytoma
Diabetes
Emphysema
Low Blood Pressurev Depression
Thyroid disorders.

Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should not take Lopressor. This medication can be passed through mother's milk and can harm the nursing child.

Side Effects

Lopressor can cause hives, facial and tongue swelling as well as difficulty breathing. If you have these, or other serious side effects you should immediately contact your doctor. This medication can impair your ability to react quickly so you should not drive or operate machinery until you know how you are going to react to this drug.

Storage

You should store Lopressor at room temperature, away from heat sources, in a dry area.

Over dose information

In case of an overdose you should contact your physician or emergency medical services. Symptoms of overdose include uneven heart rate, weakness, seizures, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and bluish fingernails.

Warren has done extensive research on the most widely used blood pressure medications. See which one is best suited to your needs by visiting our Blood Pressure Med Reviews pages