7 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Beta Blocker
Key takeaways:
Beta blockers are medications used to treat high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. Other uses include treating glaucoma and preventing migraines.
There are two groups of beta blockers: selective and non-selective. Selective beta blockers specifically target your heart. Non-selective beta blockers target additional organs and tissues, including the lungs and blood vessels.
Beta blockers can cause side effects, like low heart rate and low blood pressure. They can also interact with alcohol and other medications you’re taking.
There are many ways to save on your beta blocker. Many are available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help make your prescription more affordable.
Access savings on related medications
Beta blockers are a well-established class of medications with many important medical uses. You may be prescribed one for high blood pressure, heart failure, or another heart-related condition. Or perhaps you’re taking one off-label for performance anxiety. Migraine prevention, glaucoma, and tremor are a few other conditions where beta blockers may come in handy.
Here, we’ll cover seven things you should know about this versatile class of medications.
1. There are different types of beta blockers
The medications that fall into the beta blocker class share many similarities. But there are some differences that can determine their usefulness for many medical conditions. They’re typically divided into two categories: selective and non-selective beta blockers.
Selective beta blockers specifically target the heart. Because of this, they’re sometimes called “cardioselective” beta blockers. They work by slowing down your heart. They’re used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, heart failure, and other heart-related conditions.
Non-selective beta blockers target many different organs and tissues, including the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. They’re also used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Some are also used to treat glaucoma or alleviate performance anxiety.
Examples of each category are listed below:
| Selective beta blockers | Non-selective beta blockers |
|---|---|
|
|
2. Beta blockers can cause side effects
Like all medications, beta blockers can cause side effects. Of course, not everyone will experience every side effect. And those you do experience can depend on the beta blocker you’re taking.
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Examples of beta blocker side effects include:
Low heart rate (bradycardia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Dizziness
Nausea
Constipation
Shortness of breath
Trouble sleeping and nightmares
Certain side effects may go away as your body gets used to the medication. But if any start interrupting your daily activities, let your healthcare provider know. They can determine the best course of action for managing them.
3. Don’t stop taking your beta blocker abruptly
Beta blockers are used to treat several chronic conditions, like high blood pressure. Taking them as prescribed is essential to their success in managing your condition. However, some people may want to stop taking their medication because of side effects, cost, or other factors.
But some medications can have serious effects if you stop them cold turkey. If you stop taking your beta blocker abruptly, it can result in a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping your beta blocker. They can help you discontinue it safely. Don’t attempt to stop taking it on your own.
4. Don’t mix alcohol with beta blockers
In general, combining alcohol with medications can be risky — beta blockers are no exception. Alcohol can raise your heart rate and cause irregular heartbeats. If you’re taking a beta blocker for heart problems, alcohol could potentially make those problems worse. And alcohol may also affect how well your beta blocker lowers your blood pressure.
What’s more, drinking alcohol while taking a beta blocker can result in dizziness and fainting. This can cause you to fall, increasing your risk of fractures. But you may be wondering if just a drink or two is OK. Your healthcare provider can tell you how much alcohol is safe for you to drink.
5. Beta blockers aren’t right for everyone
As discussed above, beta blockers have many uses, from high blood pressure to migraines. However, beta blockers aren’t right for everyone. And for others, they may require extra caution.
For example, it’s typically recommended to avoid beta blockers in people with asthma. That’s because these medications have the potential to cause a severe asthma attack. If needed, selective beta blockers may be used with caution, since they’re less likely to affect the lungs.
Likewise, people with diabetes should take beta blockers with extreme caution. Beta blockers slow down your heart rate. So they can mask the signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat. It’s best to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels with this combination.
If you have a low heart rate or low blood pressure, your healthcare provider may avoid beta blockers. That’s because they could cause your heart rate or blood pressure to drop too low. This could result in dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.
6. Beta blockers can interact with other medications
Interactions are possible if you’re taking a beta blocker with other medications. Even though they’re in the same class, various beta blockers can be broken down differently in your body. So some interactions may be specific to the beta blocker you’re taking.
For example, propranolol and metoprolol can interact with certain antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac). When combined, these medications can boost the amount of propranolol or metoprolol in your blood. This can increase the likelihood of side effects.
Beta blockers can also interact withother medications that slow down your heart rate. Examples include digoxin (Lanoxin), clonidine (Catapres), and certain calcium channel blockers.
Be sure to share your medication list with your healthcare provider and pharmacist. When starting a beta blocker or other new medication, they can check for any potential interactions.
7. Beta blockers are generally pretty affordable
There are many ways to save on your beta blocker medication. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs. You can find generic beta blocker prices under $15 with a free GoodRx discount.
Most beta blockers are available as lower-cost generics. Exact prices vary by pharmacy. Below are some examples of GoodRx prices on common beta blockers.
| Medication (generic) | GoodRx price |
|---|---|
| Propranolol 10 mg #60 tablets | Less than $5 |
| Propranolol ER 60 mg #30 capsules | Less than $15 |
| Metoprolol 25 mg #60 tablets | Less than $15 |
| Metoprolol ER 25 mg #30 tablets | Less than $10 |
| Atenolol 25 mg #30 tablets | Less than $15 |
| Timolol 0.5% #5 ml eye drops | Less than $10 |
The bottom line
Beta blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart-related conditions. Some can also treat glaucoma, prevent migraines, and help with performance anxiety.
Beta blockers can cause side effects, like bradycardia and hypotension. And they can potentially interact with other medications you’re taking. Stopping your beta blocker abruptly can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Don’t stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first.
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References
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2012). Beta adrenergic blocking agents. LiverTox.
Tiotiu, A., et al. (2019). Beta-blockers in asthma: Myth and reality. Expert Review in Respiratory Medicine.
Tucker, W. D., et al. (2022). Selective beta-1-blockers. StatPearls.
Wharton, S., et al. (2018). Medications that cause weight gain and alternatives in Canada: A narrative review. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy.
