If you accidentally take two 50 mg metoprolol tablets (100 mg total), don’t panic. Some people may not experience serious problems, while others may develop a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or fainting. What happens depends on your prescribed dose, overall health, and any other medications you take. Contact your healthcare provider or a poison center for advice, especially if you develop symptoms or were not prescribed a 100 mg dose.
Introduction
Accidentally taking an extra dose of medication can happen to anyone. You may forget you’ve already taken your tablet or mistakenly take two doses too close together.
If you’ve accidentally taken two 50 mg metoprolol tablets, you may wonder whether it’s dangerous and what you should do next.
The answer depends on several factors, including the dose your doctor prescribed, your heart condition, blood pressure, and how your body responds to metoprolol. While some people may have only mild symptoms, others may need medical attention.
This guide explains what may happen after taking 100 mg of metoprolol by mistake, what symptoms to watch for, and when to seek medical care.
What Happens If You Accidentally Take 2 Metoprolol 50 mg Tablets?
Taking two 50 mg tablets means you’ve taken 100 mg of metoprolol.
For some people, this may not cause serious problems, especially if they are already prescribed 100 mg per day. However, if your usual dose is much lower, taking an extra tablet may increase the risk of side effects.
Possible effects include:
- A slower heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Unusual tiredness
- Weakness
- Cold hands and feet
Example: If your prescribed dose is 50 mg once daily and you accidentally take a second tablet, you may simply feel more tired than usual. However, if you begin feeling faint or notice severe dizziness, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Does Taking 100 mg Once Mean You Have Overdosed?
Not always.
Whether taking 100 mg at one time is considered an overdose depends on:
- Your prescribed daily dose
- Your age
- Your medical condition
- Your heart rate and blood pressure
- Other medicines you take
For example:
| Situation | Possible Risk |
| Usually prescribed 100 mg daily | May have little or no extra effect if taken as one dose, but medical advice is still recommended |
| Usually prescribed 50 mg daily | Higher chance of side effects |
| Usually prescribed 25 mg daily | Greater risk of a slow heart rate or low blood pressure |
Even if you feel well, it’s a good idea to let your healthcare provider know what happened.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
After taking an extra dose, pay attention to how you feel over the next several hours.
Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling sleepy
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Cold hands or feet
More serious symptoms include:
- Very slow heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Severe weakness
Doctor’s Tip: If you become difficult to wake up, faint, have trouble breathing, or develop chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.
What Should You Do After Accidentally Taking Two Tablets?
If you’ve taken two metoprolol tablets by mistake:
Stay Calm
One extra dose does not always cause a medical emergency.
Do Not Take Another Dose
Skip any additional metoprolol until you’ve spoken with your healthcare provider or have been told when to take your next dose.
Do not try to “balance out” the mistake by taking more or less medication on your own.
Monitor Your Symptoms
Pay attention to:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure (if you have a home monitor)
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Extreme tiredness
If symptoms become worse, seek medical attention promptly.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Even if you feel well, call your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or local poison center for advice. They can tell you whether you should simply monitor your symptoms or need medical evaluation.
How Long Should You Watch for Symptoms?
Metoprolol usually begins working within a few hours, although this depends on whether you take the immediate-release or extended-release form.
Most side effects from an extra dose are likely to appear during the first several hours after taking it.
Continue monitoring yourself as advised by your healthcare provider.
Can Taking Two Tablets Lower Your Heart Rate Too Much?
Yes, it can.
Metoprolol slows the heart rate. Taking an extra dose may cause your heart to beat more slowly than intended.
A heart rate that is slightly lower than usual may not be dangerous if you feel well.
However, seek medical attention if a slow heart rate is accompanied by:
- Fainting
- Severe dizziness
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion
The combination of a slow heart rate and symptoms is more concerning than the number alone.
Who Is More Likely to Have Side Effects?
Some people are more sensitive to an extra dose of metoprolol.
This includes people who:
- Are older adults
- Have low blood pressure
- Already have a slow heart rate
- Have heart failure
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Take other medicines that slow the heart rate
These individuals may need closer monitoring after taking an accidental extra dose.
How Can You Prevent Taking a Double Dose?
Simple habits can reduce the chance of medication mistakes.
You can:
- Use a weekly pill organizer.
- Set a daily phone reminder.
- Mark each dose after taking it.
- Keep your medicine in one place.
- Avoid taking an extra tablet if you’re unsure whether you’ve already taken one. Check with a family member or review your medication tracker if possible.
Example: Many people use a pill organizer with separate compartments for each day. Once the day’s compartment is empty, they know they’ve already taken their medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is taking 100 mg of metoprolol dangerous?
Not necessarily. The risk depends on your prescribed dose, your health, and how your body responds. Contact your healthcare provider or poison center for advice, especially if you develop symptoms.
Should I skip my next metoprolol dose?
Do not decide on your own. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for instructions about your next scheduled dose.
What are the first signs of taking too much metoprolol?
Common early symptoms include dizziness, unusual tiredness, weakness, lightheadedness, and a slower heart rate.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
Symptoms often develop within the first few hours after taking an extra dose, although the timing varies depending on the type of metoprolol and individual factors.
Should I go to the emergency room after taking two tablets?
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop fainting, severe dizziness, chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, or become difficult to wake up.
Key Takeaways
- Accidentally taking two 50 mg metoprolol tablets means you’ve taken 100 mg in total.
- Some people may have only mild symptoms, while others may develop a slow heart rate or low blood pressure.
- Watch for dizziness, fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
- Contact your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or poison center for guidance, even if you feel well.
- Do not change your future doses unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
If you accidentally take two metoprolol 50 mg tablets, the outcome depends on your usual prescribed dose, your medical condition, and how your body responds to the medication. While some people may only experience mild tiredness or dizziness, others may develop more serious symptoms such as a slow heart rate or low blood pressure.
The safest approach is to monitor yourself carefully and contact your healthcare provider or poison center for advice. If you develop severe symptoms such as fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately.
References
- NHS – Metoprolol Overdose: Symptoms and What to Do
- MedlinePlus – Metoprolol: Side Effects and Safety Information
- DailyMed – Metoprolol Tartrate: Overdose Symptoms and Management
Related High Blood Pressure Resources
- How much does 25 mg of metoprolol lower heart rate?
- Should you take metoprolol in the morning or at night?
- How long does metoprolol stay in your system?
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you accidentally take more metoprolol than prescribed, contact your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or local poison center for personalized advice. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience severe symptoms such as fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness.