Skip to main content

What are the side effects of beta blockers?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 30, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

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:

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

Read next

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

How quickly does propranolol work?

When propranolol is used to relieve performance, social, or situational anxiety, it works quickly, usually within 30 to 60 minutes to help relieve physical symptoms of anxiety such as flushing, shaking, sweating, trembling, and an elevated heart rate. It is unlikely to relieve the mental symptoms of anxiety (such as mental fog or blankness), but generally relieving some of the physical symptoms improves the mental symptoms. Its effects last for 3 to 4 hours. Continue reading

Should you drink a lot of water when taking Lasix?

You should avoid becoming dehydrated while taking Lasix, but you do not need to drink a lot of extra water unless your healthcare provider recommends it. In some cases, you may need to restrict the amount of fluids you drink if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems. Ask your doctor the specific amount of water and other fluids you should drink everyday to avoid getting dehydrated, and follow those directions. Continue reading

See also:

Related medical questions

Related support groups