Abstract

Naseemussalam P. T.*, Amit Ranjan

ABSTRACT

Metoprolol, a widely used beta blocker, has been associated with visual hallucinations and CNS disorders. Multiple reasons can lead to under- recognition and underreporting of this adverse drug effect by both patients and physicians. The true incidence of metoprolol-related visual hallucinations is unknown. Doctors are urged to maintain diligent vigilance when managing patients receiving this medicine. We suspect that metoprolol-induced visual hallucinations may be under- recognized and underreported. Patients may often fail to recognize this adverse effect, believing they are just dreaming, or may be ashamed to report visions that they think will not be perceived by others as real. Similarly, healthcare professionals may also fail to recognize this visual toxicity or attribute visual hallucinations to concomitant illness or other medications. Physicians should maintain diligent vigilance when managing patients receiving this medicine.