Beta Blockers

What Is a Beta Blocker?
Beta blockers are used to treat many forms of heart problems, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and chest pain. In some cases, they are prescribed to prevent heart attacks in people who have already suffered from a heart attack. There are two forms of beta receptors in the body. Beta blockers generally target beta 1 receptors, which control heart beat and the force of the beats.

A beta blocker is a form of blood pressure medication used to slow the nerve impulses that travel through the heart. When these impulses are slowed, the heart is not forced to work as hard, thus reducing the strain to the heart. It also regulates heartbeat by blocking impulses that cause arrhythmia.

Brand Names/Generics
Some of the more commonly prescribed Beta blockers are as follows (the generic names for each medication are listed in parentheses):
Betapace (solotol)
Blocadren (timolol)
Brevibloc (esmolol)
Cartrol (carteolol)
Coreg (carvedilol)
Corgard (nadolol)
Inderal (propranolol)
Inderal-LA (propranolol)
Kerlone (betaxolol)
Levatol (penbutolol)
Lopressor (metoprolol)
Normodyne (labetalol)
Sectral (acebutolol)
Tenormin (atenolol)
Toprol-XL (metoprolol)
Trandate (labetalol)
Visken (pindolol)
Zebeta (bisoprolol)

What To Tell the Doctor
While beta blockers are very effective in controlling high blood pressure, there are some things you should be aware of - and you should make your doctor aware of - before taking beta blockers. First of all, their effectiveness is compromised when mixed with other medications. Certain medications, such as anti-depressants, allergy shots, diabetes and asthma medications, over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, and alcohol, can interact with beta blockers and decrease their effectiveness. You should even make your doctor aware of any type of herbal pill of supplement you're on.

Your doctor should be aware of other things before you decide to go on beta blockers. For example, if you are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant, beta blockers can be absorbed by the baby and cause problems. People with a slow heart beat and asthma may also not be able to take beta blockers, as they can worsen the existing condition. An overactive thyroid and kidney and liver disease can also compromise the effects of beta blockers. Discuss your preexisting conditions with your doctor, and he can help you find a more suitable treatment for your heart disease or high blood pressure.

Side Effects
As with any medication, beta blockers present a variety of potential side effects. Some are serious, some are more common. Either way, you should discuss any side effects you have with your doctor.

Common side effects include:
Drowsiness
Cold hands and feet
Feeling dizzy or fatigued
Dry mouth and eyes

Less common side effects:
Slowed heart rate
Vivid dreams
Swollen hands and feet
Difficulty breathing

Rare and more serious side effects:
Vomiting
Severe abdominal cramps
Constipation
Rashes on the skin
Depression
Impotence

You should never just stop taking beta blockers, which could make the condition worse. Discuss side effects with your doctor. Sometimes, the benefits of the medication will outweigh the side effects and you will remain on the medication. Other times, the dosage will be adjusted or medication will be changed. There are many forms of beta blockers, so it might take some trial and error before you and your doctor can find the most beneficial medication.

Beta blockers have proven to be an effective way to help control many forms of heart complications, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and arrhythmia.

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Beta Blockers