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What Are the Dangers of Beta Blockers?

Beta blockers are hypertension medications known formally as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They work by interfering with the actions of norepinephrine and epinephrine and therefore lower the heart rate (they are often prescribed to patients who have abnormal heart rhythms) and help widen blood vessels to lower blood pressure. However, like all hypertension drugs, beta blocker have their own side effects and concerns worth noting. In general, it is one of the safest heart drugs available, but it is powerful and should be understood before using it.

  1. Warning

    • In some patients, beta blockers can slow the heart rate to extremely low levels, putting you at risk of shock. Before beginning a regimen of beta blockers, discuss this with your doctor and learn the warning signs of a dangerously low heart rate. Because some people do feel a little light-headed before they get used to taking beta blockers, you should get up from bed or a seated position slowly until your body adjusts to the effects of the drugs.

    Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of beta blockers are feelings of fatigue. However, while they may make you feel drowsy, they can also interfere with your sleeping patterns, particularly during the first few weeks of consumption. Some of the more unusual but more serious side effects of beta blockers include diarrhea, stomach aches, nausea and vomiting. However, many patients tolerate beta blockers with no side effects.

    Interactions

    • Like all drugs, beta blockers can interact with other medications and either become more or less effective. They are commonly prescribed with other blood pressure medications such as diuretics, agiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers to maximize blood pressure control. Likewise, alcohol can lessen the effectiveness of beta blockers.

    Who Should Avoid Beta Blockers?

    • Patients with certain previous or current conditions may want to avoid beta blockers. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine advises patients with asthma and diabetes in particular to discuss alternatives with their doctors. Beta blockers are associated with a worsening of asthma symptoms and with masking blood sugar levels in diabetics. If you have congestive heart failure or certain serious lung conditions, you should also consider an alternative.

    If You Experience Side Effects

    • If you start to experience side effects from beta blockers, do not immediately stop taking them. Call your doctor's office. Your pharmacist can also be a good source of information. Because beta blockers are prescribed to help with your heart rate and blood pressure, suddenly discontinuing them could be dangerous. Always talk with your doctor and remember that many minor side effects can disappear once your body adjusts to the medication.

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