Lopressor is an effective medicine prescribed for angina and high blood pressure. The drug is also prescribed for preventing heart attacks.
Lopressor belongs to a group of medicines known as Beta-blockers.
The drug has to be taken with food. Take care that the medicine is swallowed as the drug has to be released slowly in the body. Crushing and chewing the drug may release the drug all of a sudden.
Once you have been prescribed Lopressor, you should have to follow the doctor’s prescription; never take fewer doses or more doses or use the drug for longer periods. Moreover, do not stop the drug in the middle of a course without talking to your doctor. If Lopressor medicine is stopped in the middle, your conditions may worsen.
Talking about the doses, take care that you do not miss any dose. But if a dose is missed you can take it when you remember it. But never take the missed dose if your next scheduled dose is only four hours away. You should not take extra Lopressor doses for the missed one. You should also be aware of the overdose symptoms like dizziness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, weakness and bluish colored fingernails. If you suspect of having taken an overdose, contact the doctor without delaying.
Once your doctor decides to prescribe Lopressor, you should have to inform your doctor about all your health conditions so that he may take a wise decision on the prescription. Tell your doctor if you have pheochromocytoma, circulation problems, asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver or kidney diseases, low blood pressure and thyroid disorder
Lopressor is rated FDA pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known if the drug can cause birth defects. Even then it is better to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or hoping to get pregnant. The drug may pass into breast milk and so breast-feeding women should only take the drug after talking to the doctor.
Your doctor may ask for frequent check ups for monitoring your health conditions. So you should never miss your appointments and lab tests. If you are going to have any surgery, better tell your surgeon that you are on Lopressor medication. Some times, your surgeon may stop the drug for a while.
Lopressor also comes with many allergic reactions and side effects. Always be aware of the allergic reactions like breathing difficulty, swelling (face, lips, tongue) and hives.
If you come across uneven heartbeats, mild exertion, swelling ankles or feet, stomach pain, fever, nausea, appetite loss, dark urine, clay-colored stools and yellowing of skin or eyes, you should have to immediately contact your doctor.
Vomiting, insomnia, decreased sex drive, difficulty having an orgasm, anxiety, tired feeling are some of the lesser known side effects hat come with Lopressor.
Avoid alcohol while you are on Lopressor medication as it increases the risk of side effects. The drug is known to cause dizziness and may impair your thinking. Do not drive or perform any hard task unless you are aware of the effect of Lopressor in your body.
