Switch to Generic Toprol

I'm taking a medication called Toprol for high blood pressure. Is it safe to switch to a less expensive generic form?

It depends on which type you use. One generic for the long-acting heart and blood pressure drug Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate) extended release tablets, sold by Par Pharmaceutical, is "authorized" by the brand-name manufacturer and thus identical to the original. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for others: ConsumerLab.com recently issued a report on generic Toprol-XL, and in its analysis, some formulations appear to release the active ingredient in a manner different from the original.

Many people have contacted us to complain that some generic versions of Toprol-XL do not work well for them. One person told us: "The generic form of Toprol-XL was completely ineffective. My blood pressure went up to 212/126, and increasing the dosage of the generic form did nothing." Others have described irregular heart rhythms, faster pulse, dizziness, hives, and nausea when switched to generic metoprolol succinate. We suggest asking your pharmacist for the Par generic.

Source: Joe Graedon, MS, is a pharmacologist and Teresa Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist. Visit them at peoplespharmacy.com.

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