Lopressor SR Description

When you first hear from your doctor that your blood pressure is too high you may be a little shocked. Unless blood pressure levels are very high, hypertension does not display any symptoms to warn you that you could be at risk for a stroke, heart attack, or kidney disease.

Lopressor SR or generic Metoprolol SR is a slow release beta blocker drug prescribed for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) who cannot take other blood pressure meds or for those that have not achieved very positive results with other medications for hypertension. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Lopressor SR Helps Reduce High Blood Pressure

When taken as directed Lopressor SR blocks the effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline, two hormones made naturally in your body. This action will reduce the force of blood in your arteries as it’s pumped around your body and decrease the number of heartbeats and the force of each beat in order to restore proper cardiac function. Lopressor SR also inhibits your kidneys from producing another hormone called angiotensin II which allows your blood vessels to relax and dilate so blood flow is less forceful.

Conditions Treated by Lopressor SR

Lopressor SR may also be prescribed if you are experiencing the pain of angina. In most cases angina is due to having arterial atherosclerosis. This is when your arteries have collected fatty deposits (plaque) which causes a narrowing effect inside your arteries so blood flow is impaired and your heart is not receiving sufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients that it requires to function properly. You may feel a pain or tightness in your chest that you may think is a heart attack. Without the right medication, a healthier diet, exercise, and no more cigarettes, it may very well be a heart attack.

Meet with your doctor, nutritionist, trainer, or other support groups to learn better eating habits so you can lose some weight, give up smoking, and cut down on your alcohol consumption. Regular check-ups will track your progress and monitor your blood pressure along the way to a healthier you. Your doctor may also prescribe Lopressor SR if you have already had a heart attack to help prevent a second one.

Before You Take Lopressor SR

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding so it can be decided if the benefits of taking Lopressor SR outweigh any risks there might be to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have with your doctor and provide a list of any OTC or Rx medicine you currently take or use, including herbal and vitamin supplements. Your doctor can then determine if Lopressor SR is the right medication for you.

Lopressor SR Precautions

If you are scheduled for any surgical procedures, tell the surgeon that you take Lopressor SR as there are some hypertension medications that should be stopped pre-operatively. Until you know how your body will react to taking Lopressor SR, avoid any unsafe tasks such as driving or operating machinery.

Possible Side Effects of Lopressor SR

• Constipation/diarrhea
• Headache
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness

Drugs Similar to Lopressor SR

• Bystolic
• Coreg CR
• Zebeta