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Metoprolol's Effect on Erections
Metoprolol is a beta blocker. These are medications used to treat heart attacks. They also are prescribed for angina and high blood pressure. Beta blockers are used to block the action of the sympathetic nervous system and slow down the heart rate. Like many medications, metoprolol is are beneficial and in some cases life-saving, it does have side effects 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Sexual Side Effects
When metoprolol (toprol) was being studied in clinical trials in order to obtain approval for public use, sexual side effects were not found to be a problem 1. However, after approval, there have been reports of sexual side effects 1. These primarily are in the form of impotence or decreased sex drive.
Impotence
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Impotence is the inability to obtain or sustain an erection. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another term for this condition. ED is not a common result of taking metoprolol. The Mayo Clinic reported that for intravenous metoprolol, this side effect is rare 12. For oral Toprol, this side effect is listed as being less common.
- Impotence is the inability to obtain or sustain an erection.
- For oral Toprol, this side effect is listed as being less common.
Anxiety
Although sexual side effects are not common with metoprolol use, there is an increase in the chance of this occurring if an individual is prone to anxiety and becomes aware of the possibility of this problem 1. It is possible that the ED is related more to anticipatory anxiety than to actual physical issues in this case.
Medications and ED
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If you are struggling with ED while on Toprol, it may be the cause. However, there are other medications that may be the culprit. Heart and blood pressure medications like propranolol and clonidine may contribute to impotence. Other classes of medications that have this possible side effect include antidepressants, antihistamines and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- If you are struggling with ED while on Toprol, it may be the cause.
- Heart and blood pressure medications like propranolol and clonidine may contribute to impotence.
Warning
Toprol is a strong medication and has side effects. Some of the more common ones are dizziness, sweating, blurred vision, confusion or slow heartbeat. If you have any changes, such as ED or these other effects, consult your physician.
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References
- Metoprolol Sexual Side Effects
- Mayo Clinic Metoprolol Information
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Metoprolol. Updated September 15, 2017.
- Texas Heart Institute. Beta-blockers.
- AstraZeneca .Dutoprol (metoprolol succinate extended release/hydrochlorothiazide). [Package Insert]. Updated 2011.
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Lopressor HCT T2007-77 metoprolol tartrate USP and hydrochlorothiazide USP. [Package Insert]. Updated 2007.
- American Heart Association. What is high blood pressure? 2020.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Angina. Updated January 3, 2017.
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) tablet, Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) injection, solution. [Package Insert]. Updated 2008.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart failure. Updated September 8, 2020.
- AstraZeneca. Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate) extended-release tablets. [Package Insert]. Updated 2009.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. High blood pressure—medicines to help you. May 22, 2019.
Writer Bio
Ellen Topness has been a counselor in the mental health field for more than 25 years. She has a Master of Arts in counseling. Throughout her career, Topness has enjoyed writing articles, poems and vignettes for pleasure. She also released a new ebook, "A Natural Disaster: Learning to Survive Myself."