Lopressor – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Lopressor is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent angina/chest pain. The drug belongs to a class of medication called beta-blockers. It helps relax a person’s blood vessels and slow their heart rate to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Lopressor may also improve a patient’s chance of surviving after a heart attack. Sometimes, healthcare professionals will prescribe the drug if a patient has an irregular heartbeat.

Lopressor is also used to address other conditions like migraine headaches or movement disorders due to drugs for treating mental illness.

Lopressor’s generic name is metoprolol. Its other brand names include Kapspargo Sprinkle, Metoprolol Succinate ER, Metoprolol Tartrate, and Toprol-XL.

Known health risks or side effects of Lopressor

Lopressor may cause common side effects such as:

Bloating or gas
Cold hands and feet
Constipation
Depression
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dry mouth
Heartburn
Nausea
Rash or itching
A runny nose
Stomach pain
Tiredness
Vomiting

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Fainting
Irregular, pounding, or rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Swelling of the hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet
Unusual weight gain
Wheezing

List of organs that might be affected by Lopressor

An overdose of Lopressor may cause complications like changes in heart rhythm, nausea, severe low blood pressure, or vomiting.

Overdosing on the drug can also result in an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing; hives; or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Lopressor

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Lopressor and they act as natural beta-blockers:

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) – Traditional healers use hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries as a cardiotonic. Beta-blockers and hawthorn can help address hypertension. Hawthorn also acts as a diuretic. The herd has procyanidins and flavonoids that interact with enzymes and helps regulate blood pressure and water balance. It can improve heart circulation and dilate coronary arteries so more oxygen can reach heart tissues. Don’t use hawthorn if you’re taking other heart medications.
Indian coleus (Coleus forskohlii) – Indian coleus is a perennial herb used by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat heart diseases and skin disorders. Some heart and skin diseases are linked to low levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a chemical messenger molecule that controls epinephrine. Indian coleus contains forskolin, an active ingredient and chemical that increases cAMP levels and helps relax smooth muscles. The chemical can help treat angina and congestive heart failure. Do not use the herb if you have diabetes or are using other heart medicine.
Indian snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina) – Indian snakeroot is used by herbalists to treat health conditions like anxiety and hypertension. The herb is full of active ingredients, which include more than 60 potent alkaloids like ajmalicine, ajmaline, rescinnamine, reserpine, and serpentine. Some alkaloids act like beta-blockers. It also has tranquilizing effects and it can reduce the effects of the stress hormone norepinephrine. Don’t combine the herb with other tranquilizers or antidepressants.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Lopressor

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Lopressor, such as heartburn:

Aloe vera juice – Aloe vera juice has healing properties and it can help relieve heartburn. It can also help protect the gastrointestinal GI tract.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – Apple cider vinegar can also provide relief if you have heartburn. Dilute one to two tablespoons of ACV with eight ounces of water.