Beta blockers
Slow the heart and reduce its workload, while also lowering blood pressure.
Why it gets prescribed
Commonly prescribed after a heart attack, in heart failure, for some rhythm problems, angina, and sometimes for tremor or migraine.
What to watch for
Heart rate and blood pressure. Fatigue, cold hands and feet, or dizziness on standing are worth reporting.
Stopping — read this before you stop anything
This group must NOT be stopped abruptly — stopping suddenly can cause a rebound. If it needs stopping, it is usually tapered under the prescriber’s guidance.
Tell the prescriber and the pharmacist
Mention asthma or lung disease, diabetes (this group can mask signs of low blood sugar), or other heart medicines.
Worth asking
- How low does my heart rate have to be before I report it
- What do I do if I miss a dose
- How does this affect exercise