Does metoprolol cause numbness and tingling?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While metoprolol is a widely prescribed beta-blocker, drug information sources like Mayo Clinic and Drugs.com list numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips as a possible, though less common, side effect. Understanding the causes, management, and when to seek medical advice is important for anyone asking, Does metoprolol cause numbness and tingling?

Quick Summary

Metoprolol can cause numbness and tingling, or paresthesia, by reducing blood flow to the extremities. While often a minor issue, it can signal more serious conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon. Medical consultation is crucial if symptoms are persistent or accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or color changes.

Key Points

Numbness and tingling is a possible side effect: Metoprolol can cause a sensation of numbness and tingling, known as paresthesia, though it is not one of the most common side effects.
Reduced blood flow is the cause: The sensation is linked to the medication's effect on peripheral circulation, potentially reducing blood flow to the hands and feet.
Pre-existing conditions increase risk: Individuals with circulatory problems like Raynaud's phenomenon or peripheral vascular disease are more likely to experience this side effect.
Severe symptoms require medical attention: While mild symptoms may be temporary, worsening numbness, pain, swelling, or changes in skin color warrant immediate medical consultation.
Management includes lifestyle adjustments: For mild symptoms, keeping extremities warm, engaging in gentle exercise, and avoiding caffeine and nicotine can help.
Alternative beta-blockers may be considered: If the side effect is persistent or bothersome, your doctor might suggest an alternative beta-blocker with a different side effect profile, such as bisoprolol.
Never stop treatment abruptly: Abruptly stopping metoprolol can be dangerous and should only be done under a doctor's supervision.

Understanding the Connection Between Metoprolol and Numbness

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which in turn helps to slow down your heart rate and relax blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. However, this therapeutic effect can sometimes lead to a side effect known as paresthesia, or numbness and tingling.

The primary reason metoprolol may cause numbness or tingling is its effect on peripheral circulation. By slowing the heart rate, the medication can make it more difficult for blood to reach the extremities, such as the hands and feet. This reduced blood flow can result in a cold sensation and, subsequently, a pins-and-needles feeling. While it is a less common side effect, patients with pre-existing circulatory issues, like peripheral vascular disease or Raynaud's phenomenon, may be at a higher risk.

The Mechanism Behind the Sensation

The sensation of numbness and tingling, medically known as paresthesia, is a disorder of the sensory nervous system. In the case of metoprolol, the beta-blocking action can sometimes exacerbate a reduction in blood flow that causes these sensations. For the majority of users, this side effect is mild and temporary, resolving as the body adjusts to the medication. However, for some, particularly those with other vascular conditions, the effect can be more pronounced. It's crucial to distinguish between a mild, temporary sensation and a more serious underlying issue.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While mild tingling can be manageable, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It is important to know the difference between typical side effects and more serious signs of poor circulation or other health complications. Serious symptoms include bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes, severe pain or swelling in the extremities, persistent or worsening numbness and tingling, new or worsening symptoms with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or Raynaud's, or other severe side effects such as fainting or difficulty breathing. Your healthcare provider can evaluate if the dosage needs adjustment, if a different medication is appropriate, or if symptoms relate to another condition.

Managing Numbness and Tingling

For mild, non-emergency numbness and tingling, several home management strategies may help, including keeping warm, gentle exercise, avoiding constrictive items, reducing caffeine and nicotine, hydrating, and massaging affected areas.

Comparing Metoprolol with Other Beta-Blockers

The side effect profile for beta-blockers varies. If metoprolol causes issues, your doctor might consider alternatives.


Feature	Metoprolol	Carvedilol	Propranolol	Bisoprolol
Selectivity	Cardioselective.	Non-selective.	Non-selective.	Cardioselective.
Numbness/Tingling Risk	Less common.	Possible.	More risk of cold extremities.	Less risk of cold extremities.
Effect on Blood Sugar	Can raise blood sugar and mask hypoglycemia.	May not have significant effect.	Can raise blood sugar and mask hypoglycemia.	Less likely to raise blood sugar.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects	Lipid-soluble, can cause CNS effects.	Can cross blood-brain barrier.	More likely to cause CNS effects.	Water-soluble, less likely to cause CNS effects.

Switching to a different beta-blocker, such as one that is less lipid-soluble or more cardioselective like bisoprolol, might help reduce specific side effects like paresthesia.

Conclusion

To the question, Does metoprolol cause numbness and tingling?, the answer is yes, it is a reported, albeit less common, side effect. This is primarily linked to the medication's effect on slowing blood circulation, which can reduce blood flow to the hands and feet. For most individuals, the symptoms are mild and temporary. However, persistent, worsening, or severe symptoms, including pain, swelling, or changes in skin color, require immediate medical consultation. A healthcare provider can assess whether the side effect is caused by metoprolol, if a dosage adjustment is needed, or if an alternative medication is more suitable. As with any medical concern, open communication with your doctor is the best course of action to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your treatment.

For more detailed patient information on metoprolol, the U.S. National Library of Medicine provides comprehensive resources via {Link: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682864.html}.

Potential Complications Associated with Numbness from Metoprolol

While mild paresthesia is typically not a major concern, the symptoms can indicate more severe conditions. This includes Raynaud's Phenomenon, which metoprolol can trigger or worsen, or aggravating symptoms in patients with pre-existing Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). Though rare, other causes like peripheral neuropathy should be considered by a medical professional, especially in individuals with diabetes.

Key Factors to Discuss with Your Doctor

Before taking metoprolol, discuss any history of circulatory issues, such as Raynaud's, PVD, or diabetes, with your doctor. If you have diabetes, discuss your management plan as metoprolol can mask hypoglycemia symptoms. Always inform your doctor of side effects and never stop metoprolol suddenly without consultation due to the risk of serious cardiac complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Numbness and tingling, or paresthesia, is a less common side effect of metoprolol, unlike more frequent issues such as fatigue or dizziness.

Metoprolol's beta-blocking action slows the heart rate and can sometimes reduce blood flow to the extremities, such as the hands and feet. This reduced circulation is the primary reason for the sensation of coldness, numbness, or tingling.

If the sensation is mild and temporary, try keeping your hands and feet warm and engaging in gentle movement to promote blood flow. If the symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other issues like swelling or pain, contact your healthcare provider.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, or a bluish discoloration of your fingers or toes, as this could indicate a more serious circulatory problem.

Yes, if the side effect is bothersome, your doctor may consider adjusting your dosage or switching to an alternative medication, such as a different type of beta-blocker or another class of blood pressure medication.

Yes, metoprolol can potentially worsen symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon in susceptible individuals by causing blood vessels to constrict more easily, leading to more frequent or severe episodes of numbness and color changes.

No, you should never stop taking metoprolol suddenly without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to serious cardiac complications, including chest pain and an increased risk of heart attack.