AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Expert: Barbara Judge Date: 12/3/2007 Subject: Toprol vs. generic
Question Ever since being switched from Toprol XL 100mg to the generic about six weeks ago I have been experiencing all kinds of symptoms - metallic taste in mouth, constant stomach irritation, frequent dizziness and light-headedness, and my BP has been running higher than it ever was on Toprol.
I have asked both my MD and a pharmacist and they both counseled giving it a few weeks. I just stumbled upon your recent answer (17 Oct.) to someone having nearly the identical symptoms and I am curious if you have any additional info or advice on this.
Thanks!
Answer There is (hopefully) a significant difference between your problem and the previous question. The size and shape of the tablets dispensed to the person in the previous question from October 17 had changed along with the change from brand to generic. At that time there was only one generic manufacturer and the tablets looked identical to Toprol XL 100mg. There are now several companies manufacturing generic Toprol XL 100mg. It is still unusual for someone to report the kind of side effects that you are having just from changing from brand name to generic. It isn't impossible because the drugs can differ in "fillers".
I would reverify the tablets to make sure you do have the correct medicine. If the medicine is correct I would recommend keeping a diary of your blood pressure readings to show your doctor so you have documentation for him/her that you may need to change your prescription back to Toprol brand name.
