Lopressor is a blood pressure medication normally prescribed to lower high blood pressure and treat other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Before starting Lopressor, it’s helpful to know the benefits and side effects of this blood pressure medication.
Lopressor, also known by its generic name metoprolol tartrate, is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent (beta-blocker) that decreases chest pain and
lowers blood pressure, says Drugs.com. The beta-blocking agent reduces strain on the heart, which also decreases the amount of blood pumped out by the heart to normalize blood pressure levels.
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WebMD reports other conditions treated with this blood pressure medication include migraines, headache prevention, tremors, irregular or fast heart rhythms, and chronic chest pain (angina). Lopressor also can prevent further heart complications and increase chances of survival after a heart attack. It works by relaxing blood vessels and blocking the harmful effects of chemicals like epinephrine.
Lopressor also can decrease the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems by lowering harmful blood pressure levels.
According to MedlinePlus, high blood pressure can gravely affect the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs. The site warns patients not to suddenly stop taking Lopressor once starting the medication as this can cause chest pain or a heart attack. Should a patient desire to stop the medication, a doctor needs to slowly lower the dose to prevent harmful side effects.
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Possible side effects of this blood pressure medication may include dizziness, fatigue, depression, nausea, dry mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, heartburn, constipation, or cold hands and feet. If these symptoms become severe or persist for a long period of time, contact a doctor.
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, weight gain, fainting, or rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Certain medical conditions and medications may interact with Lopressor blood pressure medication, says Drugs.com, and include pregnancy, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal or dietary supplements, allergies, adrenal gland tumor, overactive thyroid, low blood pressure, history of heart attack, slow or irregular heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain, circulatory problems, liver conditions, diabetes, COPD, bronchitis, and asthma or other breathing problems.
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