Propranolol withdrawal duration, while on meteoprolol?

[Linda121567]

4 days ago pcp changed my beta blocker from propranolol 40mg twice daily to metprolol er 25mg daily d/t low pulse in 40s- 50s. Been on propranolol for 22yrs for PVCS. She had me just stop propranolol and start metoprolol, been experiencing shakiness, occassional pvcs, headache, nausea, pulse still 45 - low 60s at rest and with exertion 70-90. Should she have tapered propranolol or will the metoprolol block the more serious withdrawal symptoms ie: HTN, chest pain ect. How long will it take to see improvment in symptoms>

[lotus8]

Since they are in the same family of drugs, you really shouldn't have any side effects. I went off propanol onto Toprol XL, both beta blockers with no issues at all. The problem may be in the dosage or even the fact it's a generic. I find the generic not to be as effective as the brand but perhaps that's just me. I suggest you call the doctor or pharmacist. You are on a very low dose. I take 50mg of Toprol XL twice daily and that does not totally keep the SVT under control. It's possible you are not taking enough.

[tom_h]

What are you hoping to accomplish with this switch? To be honest, I don't think Metoprolol is going to work any better on the PVC's.  Trust your physician's instructions.  By the way, 25mg (I assume once a day) is a low dose, and I'd consider this a "starting out" dose.  I don't know how that compares to the level of Propranolol you were taking.