Taking a Beta-Blocker
Taking a Beta-Blocker
Your beta-blocker decreases your heart’s workload and helps it beat more regularly. It can also help increase your heart's pumping ability. This can reduce chest pain. It may also lower your blood pressure. This medicine is sometimes used to treat other medical problems.
The name of my beta-blocker is: _____________________
I’m taking it for: _________________________
Medicine tips
Read the fact sheet that comes with your medicine. Ask for a sheet if you don’t get one.
Take your beta blocker exactly as directed. Follow the directions on the label.
Take your medicine at the same time or times every day.
If you take a long-acting tablet or capsule, swallow it whole. Do not chew it, crush it, or break it open unless you are told it is OK to do so.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If so, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
For your safety
Tell any healthcare provider you have (including your pharmacist) before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This includes vitamin supplements and herbal remedies.
Do not stop taking your beta-blocker unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Doing so can make your condition worse. When it is time to stop, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you are sure your beta-blocker doesn’t make you sleepy or dizzy.
To prevent dizziness, get up slowly after sitting or lying down.
Ask your healthcare provider to check your pulse rate before and after taking your beta blocker.
Possible side effects
Along with their intended effects, medicine can have unwanted side effects. These effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Possible side effects of beta blockers include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Tiredness, drowsiness, or weakness
Sexual dysfunction
Trouble sleeping
Mood changes or depression
Fainting
Slow heartbeat
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have side effects that bother you or don’t go away.
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Fainting
Chest pain or a slow or irregular heartbeat
Swelling in your lower legs or feet
Yellowing skin or eyes
Numbness or tingling
Skin rash or itching
NOTE: This medicine can cause potentially dangerous side effects if you stop taking it too quickly. Take this medicine only as directed. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your healthcare provider first. When told you can stop taking this medicine, follow all instructions you are given carefully. Talk with your healthcare provider about anything you don’t understand or to learn more about your medicine.
Updated:  
March 20, 2017
Sources:  
Major side effects of beta blockers, Up To Date, Major Side Effects of Beta Blockers, UpToDate, Use of beta blockers in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, Up To Date
Reviewed By:  
Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN,Gandelman, Glenn, MD, MPH,Image reviewed by StayWell art team.