question: I have been on metroprolo ER for close to 10 years - 100mg since last July. I was still having high blood pressure problems & swelling so my cardiologist told me to stop taking it and started me on Benicar 40mg. He told me it was completely safe to just stop taking the metroprolo; however after reading many things contrary to that, I started back with 50 mg and stopped the Benicar for now. I do not know how many days I should allow to taper off and when I should start back with the Benicar. Right now, blood pressure is okay.