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Alternative to Beta Blocker

Beta blockers are prescription drugs prescribed by doctors for a variety of disorders and diseases, including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, tremors, migraines, and cardioprotection after heart attacks. Beta blockers lower blood pressure, slow down the heart and disturb sleep patterns. If you have low blood pressure or have trouble sleeping, beta blockers may not be right for you. There are a few alternatives to treating your ailment that you can discuss with your doctor.

  1. Alternative Migraine Treatment

    • Migraine sufferers may experience relief by taking beta blockers, but they may also cause tiredness, low blood pressure and sleep disturbances. If you feel that beta blockers are not right for your migraine treatment, consider taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve. Your doctor can prescribe you with a stronger dose if the over-the-counter versions do not work for you. For more severe migraines, consider triptan medications like Imitrex or Zomig.

    Alternative Hypertension Treatment

    • Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can be relieved by beta blockers. If you suffer from sleep problems, however, beta blockers can further exacerbate them. Unless your hypertension is life-threatening, you can lower your blood pressure without the use of medication. Exercise, weight loss and eating nutritionally are all things that can help lower your blood pressure, especially when all three are used together. Otherwise, hypertension can be treated with renin inhibitors like Tekturna, or thiazide diuretics like Lozol.

    Alternative Cardiac Arrhythmia Treatment

    • Cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, can be steadied with beta blockers. If you have very low blood pressure or trouble sleeping, however, beta blockers may not be right for you. Other medications your doctor can prescribe to treat your cardiac arrhythmia include other antiarrhythmic drugs besides beta blockers, including slow-channel blockers like Verapamil and Diltiazem, or fast-channel blockers like Quinidine and Procainamide. If you would prefer not to take medication, ask your doctor about a pacemaker, which is surgically installed in your chest and can help your heart beat regularly.

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