Taking Metoprolol With Xanax
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is a drug interaction between metoprolol and Xanax.
Can Metoprolol ER 25 mg be taken with Xanax 0.5 mg? I am supposed to take 1/2 of a metoprolol tablet before bedtime. The Xanax is to be taken as needed.
Oct 20, 2022- There are no known drug interactions between metoprolol ER and Xanax, so it is safe to take them together.
- Both medications can cause dizziness, so be careful when driving or operating machinery.
- Do not stop metoprolol ER suddenly without talking to your healthcare provider, as it needs to be gradually tapered.
Answer
There are no known drug interactions between metoprolol ER and Xanax (alprazolam). However, it is important to be aware that both drugs have the potential to cause dizziness. Otherwise, it is safe to take metoprolol ER 25mg and Xanax (alprazolam) 0.5mg together.
Some additional information on both drugs can be found below.
Metoprolol ER Information
As stated above, metoprolol ER is a beta-blocker that can be used for the treatment of heart failure, angina or hypertension. Some common side effects of metoprolol ER are:
- Hypotension or low blood pressure
- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Itching or rash
- Diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
Patients should note that this medication should not be stopped abruptly unless under the care of their healthcare provider. Metoprolol ER will need to be tapered when stopping the medication. Stopping abruptly could potentially lead to a worsening of the patient’s condition including the development of heart arrhythmia, angina or myocardial infarction.
Also, metoprolol ER should be used cautiously in patients with asthma and diabetes due to the potential to worsen both disease states.
Xanax (Alprazolam) Information
Xanax (alprazolam) is used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax (alprazolam) is also a controlled substance that is considered a Schedule IV drug. The DEA defines Schedule IV drugs as having low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. That being said, patients should only take this drug as directed and when needed to minimize the chance of dependency.
Some common side effects associated with Xanax (alprazolam) include:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Skin rash
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Decrease or increase in appetite
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty in urination
Since Xanax (alprazolam) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, it should be used with caution in the elderly who are at greater risk of falls. Caution should also be taken when Xanax (alprazolam) is taken with other medications that can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Final Words
It is safe to take both Metoprolol ER and Xanax (alprazolam) together. Since both medications can cause dizziness, patients should be aware of this and especially be careful when driving or operating machinery.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Beta-blocker
- A type of medication that slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure by blocking certain nerve signals to the heart.
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure, a condition where blood pressure in the arteries is consistently elevated.
- Bradycardia
- An abnormally slow heartbeat, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute.
- Heart arrhythmia
- An irregular heartbeat where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an uneven pattern.
- Myocardial infarction
- A heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked.
- Panic disorders
- Mental health conditions characterized by sudden, repeated episodes of intense fear or panic.
- Schedule IV drug
- A medication classified by the DEA as having low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.
- Dependency
- A state of physical or psychological reliance on a drug where the body adapts to its presence and may experience withdrawal symptoms without it.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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