Beta-blockers are drugs that block or nullify the function of adrenaline, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. They are used to treat congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, angina, migraines, hyperthyroidism, and glaucoma. Beta-blockers can also help with anxiety-producing situations, but may cause side effects such as dizziness, insomnia, and weight gain. They are not suitable for those with diabetes, asthma, or major depressive illnesses.
Beta-blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are drugs that change the way the body responds to adrenaline (epinephrine). Essentially, they block or nullify much of the function of adrenaline, which can have an effect on the way the heart works. In particular, these substances reduce the number of heart beats and the strength of each beat, which reduces blood pressure and improves heart function. While they’re most often used to treat conditions like congestive heart failure or high blood pressure, they have many other uses.
These drugs can certainly improve blood pressure, but they aren’t necessarily first-line treatment for high blood pressure. They may also not be prescribed on their own and are not limited to use in people with high blood pressure. Beta-blockers are particularly useful in treating congestive heart failure and other conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms and angina.
It would be a mistake to think of beta blockers as heart medications only. They have also been found effective in the treatment of migraines, hyperthyroidism and glaucoma. Some types of these drugs are used as anti-anxiety drugs, such as buspirone.
Studies have recently focused on how blocking the effects of adrenaline can be particularly helpful in anxiety-producing situations such as a public performance. Unlike tranquilizers, beta blockers don’t tend to calm or cause drowsiness, so they may not affect performance, but they can eliminate stage fright. It should be noted that some people do not find buspirone effective and may benefit from a different drug, another beta blocker, or a different class of drugs.
Doctors often note that people taking beta blockers for conditions such as congestive heart failure often don’t feel well for the first few months. In fact, people may feel that their symptoms are getting worse rather than better. The body eventually copes with the different way adrenaline is processed, and improvement tends to be noticed about two months after starting treatment.
There are many beta blockers available and these include some of the following: buspirone, atenelol, propranolol, metroprolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol and labetol. These may also have numerous registered trademark names. Everyone can have slightly different side effects, but common side effects of these medications can include dizziness or lightheadedness, insomnia, indigestion, upset stomach, constipation, flatulence, and weight gain. Others may experience side effects such as erectile dysfunction and depression.
Some people shouldn’t take beta blockers. They are generally not prescribed to those with diabetes because they can negatively affect blood sugar. They may also not be suitable for those with asthma as they increase the frequency of asthma attacks. Another possible risk exists for those with major depressive illnesses. Because beta-blockers can fuel depression, they can make other drugs used to treat it ineffective.
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