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Compare Lopressor vs. Prazosin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) and prazosin (Minipress) are both used to manage high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Metoprolol is a beta blocker that also treats chest pain and lowers the risk of death after a heart attack. It works by slowing down the heart, which reduces pressure on blood vessels and the heart's oxygen demand. Prazosin, on the other hand, is an alpha blocker that relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow. While metoprolol is typically taken twice daily with food, prazosin is taken 2 to 3 times a day and can be taken with or without food. Common side effects of metoprolol include tiredness and dizziness, whereas prazosin often causes dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. Additionally, prazosin is sometimes used off-label for PTSD-related nightmares, though its effectiveness for this use is debated. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
    Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
    Prazosin (Minipress)

  • Summary of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is a beta blocker used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure in adults. It can also lower the risk of death after a heart attack. You take it by mouth, typically once or twice a day, but your dose depends on your condition. Side effects include dizziness, shortness of breath, and it can make you tired.

    Summary for Alpha blocker
    Prescription only

    Prazosin (Minipress) is an alpha blocker that's used to lower high blood pressure. It works by relaxing your blood vessels, so blood flows through more easily. Prazosin (Minipress) is taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. But it isn't a first-choice medication to lower blood pressure because it can cause bothersome side effects like dizziness, headache, and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after a heart attack
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Pros and Cons of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Fast-acting — works quickly after you take it
    •First choice treatment after a heart attack
    •Available in different strengths, so your dose can be adjusted easily
    •Possible option for those who are breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Typically need to take more than once a day
    •Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, unless you have certain heart conditions
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar
    Pros and Const for Alpha blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for lowering blood pressure
    •Older adults are at higher risk for side effects, like dizziness or drowsiness
    •Taken multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Drowsiness (8%)
    •Lack of energy (7%)
    •Weakness (7%)
    •Pounding heart (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)

  • Warnings of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risks of stopping treatment suddenly
    •Worsening heart failure
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Major surgery
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Severe allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood pressure and risk of fainting
    •Painful erection (priapism)
    •Eye problems during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate
    Learn more about Prazosin

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