Beta Blocker Side Effects

Although most people who take beta blockers do not experience any problems, side effects are possible. Some of the more common side effects of beta blockers include a slow heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness. In most cases, you or your healthcare provider can easily treat the side effects. However, you should notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop more serious side effects, such as chest pain, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing.

Beta Blocker Medication Information

An Introduction to Beta Blocker Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with beta blockers. However, not everyone who takes these medications will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate them quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with beta blockers. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you. You can also read about specific side effects for each individual beta blocker by going to the specific drug within eMedTV.)

Common Side Effects

Beta blockers have been thoroughly studied in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the beta blocker were documented and then usually compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group taking the placebo.

In these studies, some of the most common beta blocker side effects in general have included:

A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
Low blood pressure
Fatigue
Cold hands and feet
Dizziness.

The most common side effect of most beta blocker eye drops is temporary eye discomfort.

(Beta Blocker Side Effects Continued: Page 2)