The Practical Guide to the Side Effects of Beta Blockers
Here’s a list of the common side effects of beta blockers. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know exactly what the possible beta blockers side effects are, the reason why the unwanted symptoms appear, and what action you should take if you experience them.
This list is not exhaustive and does not include all the possible side effects you can experience when taking beta blockers. If you experience any of these symptoms at all, or any other side effects, make sure you inform your doctor. This list was compiled from free resources from the internet and it doesn’t replace medical advice either.
It is dangerous to stop taking beta blockers abruptly! Always consult your doctor if you want to stop your treatment.
1. Common side effects
a) Drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or you feel like fainting: Beta blockers directly affect your heart rate and blood pressure. Your blood pressure is probably too low. This is normal when you start taking this medication while your body adjusts itself to the drug.
Suggestion: Give your body time to adjust to the drug. If the problems persist, consult your physician. Don’t stop taking the drug abruptly.
b) Sore throat, dry mouth, dry eyes or dry skin: In some cases, beta blockers can affect the glands responsible for the creation of natural body oils and fluids such as skin oil, saliva and tears.
Suggestion: There are products such as chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes and even an oral gel that you can use as saliva substitutes to help with the dry mouth condition. Look for hydrating skin cream products to help with dry skin.
c) Warning signs of low blood sugar (hypo) don’t surface: For people with diabetes, beta blockers can remove the warning signs of a low blood sugar level. They stop the palpitations and tremors you experience when you have diabetes and your blood sugar is too low.
Suggestion: Check your sugar level carefully. Only take beta blockers under the supervision of your physician.
d) Cold hands and feet: Beta blockers can constrict small blood vessels, which in turn reduces the circulation to your hands and feet.
Suggestion: Dress warmer than usual. If the problem persists or aggravates, consult your doctor.
2. Less common side effects
a) Trouble breathing, short breath, wheezing: Beta blockers can narrow the airways and make breathing difficult, especially for people who already suffer from breathing problems.
Suggestion: Consult your doctor.
b)Sleeping problems, vivid dreams, nightmares and trouble falling asleep: Beta blockers hinder the natural melatonin production which is the hormone responsible for sleep.
Suggestion: Having good sleep hygiene can help you fall asleep faster and feel more rested when you wake up. Always try to go to sleep at the same time and make sure your body gets enough sleep (between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night is considered normal). Consult your doctor if you suffer from sever insomnia when you take beta blockers.
c) Slow heartbeat: Beta blockers lower your blood pressure and slow down your heartbeat. A heartbeat rate slower than 60 BPM can be considered abnormal.
Suggestion: If your heart rate is below 60 BPM, consult your doctor.
d) Swollen hands or feet: Your blood pressure could be too low.
Suggestion: Consult your doctor.
3. Rare side effects
a) Depression, confusion, impotence or lack of sexual drive, back or joint pain: Beta blockers cause a reduction in coenzyme Q10 that can contribute to depression and muscular pains. Additionally, because this drug lowers your blood pressure, they can cause erectile dysfunction.
Suggestion: Consult your doctor. If you experience depression or confusion, consult your doctor immediately.
b) Easy bruising or bleeding: Because of the way they act on your cardiovascular system, beta blockers can sometimes increase bleeding tendencies.
Suggestion: Inform your doctor.
c) Digestive problems such as abdominal cramps, throwing up, diarrhea and constipation: Some people who take beta blockers can experience a variety of digestive problems because their body does not react well with the drug.
Suggestion: If the symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
d) Irregular heartbeat: Beta blockers have a direct impact on your heart. They should lower your BPM, your blood pressure, and stabilize your heartbeat. It is not normal to experience irregular heartbeat when using this medication.
Suggestion: Consult your doctor immediately.
e) Allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and trouble breathing: If you experience an allergic reaction to beta blockers, these symptoms will be severe.
Suggestion: Seek medical help immediately.
If you are using beta blockers to help you control your stress and anxiety, know that there are natural alternatives that can offer you a permanent solution to your problem.