What are the side effects of beta blockers?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 30, 2024.
Side effects vary among different beta blockers because some are more selective than others. This means that some only act on beta receptors in the heart (cardioselective) whereas others also affect beta receptors located elsewhere, such as in the lungs (nonselective). Some beta-blockers, such as atenolol, are only cardioselective at low dosages.
Beta blockers are used to treat several different heart conditions and work by binding to specific beta receptors located mainly in the heart which slow heart rate and reduce how hard the heart contracts. This decreases blood pressure and improves tolerance to exercise.
The most common side effects of beta-blockers are:
- Cold hands and feet
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping or strange dreams
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth, skin or eyes
- Gastrointestinal effects (such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation)
- A headache
- A slowing of your heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sexual dysfunction or low libido
- Temporary increase in triglyceride levels and a decrease in HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Weight gain.
Some side effects, such as a headache or dizziness, are more likely when you first start taking beta blockers. Others, such as shortness of breath, are more common with nonselective beta-blockers. Beta-blockers may also lower blood sugar levels and should be used with caution in people with diabetes because they can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
Talk to your doctor immediately if you develop any serious side effects such as anxiety, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing or wheezing, or significant fluid retention or swelling.
See here for more information about beta-blockers.
Related questions
- What is the best time of day to take blood pressure medication?
- How long does it take for magnesium supplements to work?
- Can you take Viagra with high blood pressure?
Read next
Does metoprolol lower resting heart rate?
Yes, metoprolol can lower resting heart rate. It is a beta-blocking medication that is used to lower blood pressure, as well as relieve chest pain from angina pectoris. It is also used for the treatment of heart failure and heart attack. Metoprolol comes in both immediate-release and long-acting formulations. Continue reading
Metoprolol Succinate vs Tartrate: What's the difference between them?
Metoprolol is available as two different salts: metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate.
The main difference between metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate is that metoprolol tartrate is only available as an immediate-release tablet which means it must be taken several times per day, whereas metoprolol succinate is an extended-release tablet that can be taken once a day. As a result, there are differences in the dosages and indications for both metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading
Does Losartan block COVID-19 Coronavirus Receptors?
Losartan (Cozaar) does not directly block SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus receptors, but this angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), may influence COVID-19 outcomes through its effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Losartan works by blocking angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1) in the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and lungs, reducing the activity of RAAS, which lowers blood pressure and may modulate the inflammatory response.
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Best time to take amlodipine - day or night?
- What are the equivalent dosages of bumetanide, furosemide & torsemide?
- How quickly does propranolol work?
- Losartan vs Valsartan - What's the difference between them?
- Should you drink a lot of water when taking Lasix?
- Can you eat bananas when taking losartan?
- I have high blood pressure. Can I take Mucinex DM safely?
- Does metoprolol make you sleepy?
- How long after taking 5 mg lisinopril will my blood pressure drop down?
- What is the best blood pressure medication for diabetics?
- How is atenolol superior to metoprolol?
- Does caffeine cause high blood pressure?
- Can carbidopa/levodopa cause high blood pressure?
- How long does minoxidil take to work?
- Can Armour Thyroid cause high blood pressure?
- Is sleep apnea the hidden cause of your high blood pressure?
- Is high blood pressure considered heart disease?
- Are you Experiencing Side Effects from your Medicine? Here's what you should know
- Does Gemtesa cause high blood pressure?
- Should I be Concerned about Prediabetes?
- What's the buzz on Ozempic and Wegovy?
- Is loss of sense of smell a symptom of COVID-19?
- Can Gilenya cause high blood pressure?
- How are hypertension, heart disease and stroke related?
Related support groups
- High Blood Pressure (501 questions, 1,632 members)
- Migraine (304 questions, 1,643 members)
- Heart Attack (78 questions, 191 members)
- Heart Disease (63 questions, 223 members)
- Angina (22 questions, 80 members)