Generic Toprol XL, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris (chest pain, usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries), and heart attack. When prescribed for high blood pressure, Generic Toprol XL is effective when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, thereby reducing the demand for oxygen and lowering blood pressure. Occasionally doctors prescribe Generic Toprol XL for the treatment of aggressive behavior, prevention of migraine headache, and relief of temporary anxiety. Generic Toprol XL is prescribed for high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure.

Generic Toprol XL (metoprolol XR) is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Generic Toprol XL (metoprolol XR) blocks the action of the sympathetic nervous system, a portion of the involuntary nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the pace of the heart beat. By blocking the action of these nerves, Generic Toprol XL (metoprolol XR) reduces the heart rate and is useful in treating abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Generic Toprol XL (metoprolol XR) also reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the heart rate and the force of muscle contraction, metoprolol reduces heart muscle oxygen demand. Since angina occurs when oxygen demand of the heart exceeds supply, Generic Toprol XL (metoprolol XR) is helpful in treating angina.

Generic Toprol XL should be taken with food or immediately after you have eaten. Take Generic Toprol XL exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any Generic Toprol XL doses. If Generic Toprol XL is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen.

If you miss a Generic Toprol XL dose: If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 Generic Toprol XL doses at the same time.

Adults Dosages of Generic Toprol XL should be individualized by your doctor. It should be taken with or immediately following meals.

High Blood Pressure
The initial dosage of Generic Toprol XL ranges from 50 to 100 milligrams once a day. Your doctor may gradually increase the dosage up to 400 milligrams a day. Generally, the effectiveness of each dosage increase will be seen within a week.

Angina Pectoris
The usual starting dosage of Generic Toprol XL is a total of 100 milligrams a day taken in a single dose of Toprol-XL. Your doctor may gradually increase the dosage up to 400 milligrams a day. Generally, the effectiveness of each dosage of Generic Toprol XL increase will be seen within a week. If treatment is to be discontinued, your doctor will withdraw the drug gradually over a period of 1 to 2 weeks.

Children
The safety and effectiveness of Generic Toprol XL have not been established in children.

Generic Toprol XL Overdose
Generic Toprol XL taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

The symptoms of Generic Toprol XL overdose may include: Asthma-like symptoms, coma, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, shock, slow heartbeat, stopped heart. Generic Toprol XL Storage instructions Store Toprol-XL at room temperature

Generic Toprol XL Preparations
Capsules: Generic Toprol XL 50 mg, Generic Toprol XL 100 mg

If Generic Toprol XL is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Toprol XL with certain high blood pressure drugs such as reserpine.

Other medications that might interact with Generic Toprol XL include: Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), Amiodarone (Cordarone), Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, Calcium channel blockers such as Calan and Cardizem, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Clonidine (Catapres), Epinephrine (EpiPen), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Hydralazine (Apresoline), Insulin, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Indocin, Oral diabetes drugs such as Glucotrol and Micronase, Paroxetine (Paxil), Prazosin (Minipress), Propafenone (Rythmol), Quinidine (Quinaglute), Ranitidine (Zantac), Rifampin (Rifadin).

Most important fact about Generic Toprol XL
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Generic Toprol XL regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Generic Toprol XL; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Generic Toprol XL does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Special precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Generic Toprol XL during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Generic Toprol XL appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Special warnings about Generic Toprol XL
If you are taking Generic Toprol XL to relieve congested heart failure, the condition may temporarily be worsened as your dosage is increased. Be sure to alert your doctor to any signs of worsening heart failure such as weight gain or increasing shortness of breath. Do not stop Generic Toprol XL abruptly. This can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced. If you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies or other bronchial conditions, or liver disease, Generic Toprol XL should be used with caution.

Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Generic Toprol XL. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow. Generic Toprol XL may mask some symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetics or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor. Generic Toprol XL may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know how you respond to this medication. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Generic Toprol XL if you have a medical emergency, or before you have surgery or dental treatment. Notify your doctor if you have any difficulty in breathing.

Why Generic Toprol XL should not be prescribed?
If you have a slow heartbeat, certain heart irregularities, low blood pressure, inadequate output from the heart, or heart failure, you should not take Generic Toprol XL.

Generic Toprol XL side effects
Side effects of Generic Toprol XL cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Generic Toprol XL.

More common side effects of Generic Toprol XL may include: Depression, diarrhea, dizziness, itching, rash, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, tiredness

Less common or rare side effects of Generic Toprol XL may include: Blurred vision, cold hands and feet, confusion, congestive heart failure, constipation, difficult or labored breathing, dry eyes, dry mouth, gas, hair loss, headache, heart attack, heartburn, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nausea, nightmares, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, short-term memory loss, stomach pain, swelling due to fluid retention, trouble sleeping, wheezing, worsening of heart irregularities.