Noncardiogenic Uses of Beta Blockers

Beta blockers, a class of drugs prescribed most widely for the treatment and control of hypertension and heart-related ailments, are used also to treat other conditions that fall outside the parameters of cardiovascular medicine. These medications, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, work by blocking epinephrine and norepinephrine from binding to the beta receptors of nerves, according to MayoClinic.com.

Anxiety Disorders

• In an interview with ABC News in February 2008, Brian Brennan, M.D., associate director of translational neuroscience research at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass., said that beta blockers can minimize the physical manifestations of anxiety disorder. Used most often, according to Brennan, is propanerol (also sold under the brand name Inderal). Propanerol is a nonselective beta blocker, meaning that it blocks epinephrine and norepinephrine from binding to both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors, as opposed to a selective beta blocker, which blocks only beta-1 receptors and is most effective for cardiovascular applications. Brennan pointed out that beta blockers don't seem to do much to address the emotional distress associated with anxiety disorders.

Glaucoma

• The Glaucoma Research Foundation reports that beta blockers can help to decrease the body's production of intraocular fluid. Excessive amounts of this fluid put unhealthy pressure on the sensitive structures of the eye, causing glaucoma. Brand-name glaucoma medications that contain beta blockers as key ingredients include Betagan, Betimol, Betoptic S, Istalol, OptiPranolol and Timoptic-XE. The foundation indicates that common side effects of beta blocker glaucoma drugs include fatigue, low blood pressure and reduced pulse rate. Asthmatics taking these drugs may experience shortness of breath.

Hyperthyroidism

• An overactive thyroid gland can trigger a wide range of symptoms, some of which can be controlled by beta blockers, according to the Merck Manuals. Hyperthyroidism, the condition caused by overactive thyroid, may manifest as a goiter (a swelling of the gland), tremors, anxiety, nervousness; excessive sweating, weight loss, frequent bowel movements, abnormal cardiac rhythms, rapid heart rate and hypertension. According to Merck, beta blockers can be effective in addressing some of these symptoms, particularly rapid heart rate, tremors and other physical manifestations of anxiety.

Migraines

• Beta blockers have been found to be very helpful in the prevention of migraine headaches, although the precise mechanism through which they work this magic is still unknown, according to WebMD. However, some medical professionals theorize that it may have something to do with the drugs' ability to relax blood vessels, an effect that makes beta blockers useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It's important to note that beta blockers are used for the prevention of migraines but are not effective for the relief of migraine symptoms once an attack has begun. MAGNUM (Migraine Awareness Group: A National Understanding for Migraineurs) points out that beta blockers can interact with other medications and may be contraindicated for those with other medical conditions. It is important, therefore, to check with your doctor before using beta blockers for migraine prevention.