Key takeaways
Olmesartan (Benicar) and Nebivolol (Bystolic) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different classes of medications and work in different ways. Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that helps lower blood pressure by relaxing and widening your blood vessels. It is typically taken once a day and is available as a generic. Nebivolol, on the other hand, is a beta blocker that lowers blood pressure by slowing down your heart rate and also relaxing blood vessels. It is also taken once a day and is available in both brand and generic forms. While Olmesartan is often a first-choice medication for high blood pressure, Nebivolol is not usually the first option. Nebivolol is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction and weight gain compared to other beta blockers, but it can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and is not recommended for people with certain heart or lung conditions. Both medications can cause dizziness, but Olmesartan may also lead to severe diarrhea and high potassium levels, while Nebivolol can cause tiredness and headaches.
