Can You Take Too Much of a Beta Blocker?
Beta blockers are prescription medications used to
treat high blood pressure and a variety of other conditions. As with most medications, it is possible to take too much of a beta blocker. The specific effects of a beta blocker overdose can be dangerous but will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the particular beta blocker, the dosage, and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.
Most of the effects of a beta blocker overdose are simply an extension of the normal (and usually desirable) effects of the medication. For instance, because beta blockers are often used to treat
high blood pressure, an overdose can cause dangerously low
blood pressure.
An overdose with a beta blocker may cause the following problems:
- Constriction of the airway, which may cause breathing problems
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Low heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Congestive heart failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma.
Treatment for a Beta Blocker Overdose
The treatment for an overdose will vary. If the beta blocker overdose was recent (and taken by mouth), the healthcare provider may administer certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Treatment will also involve supportive care, which may consist of administering:
- Medications to increase the heart rate
- IV fluids and medications to increase blood pressure
- Asthma medications to reverse airway constriction
- IV glucose to reverse low blood sugar levels.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on beta blockers.
