A beta blocker is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms and chest pain. For individuals who have suffered a heart attack, it may be used for the prevention of any future heart attacks. According to MayoClinic.com, beta blockers block the effects of the hormone epinephrine on the heart and the heart beats more slowly, leading to a decrease in the blood pressure. According to MayoClinic.com, the side effects of beta blockers can be related to the respiratory system and vision, heart and blood, or the nervous system.
Respiratory System and Vision
According to MayoClinic.com, beta blockers may have side effects related to the respiratory system. These include problems related to the airways and lungs such as trouble breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The individual may also experience side effects related to the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. These include blurred vision or double vision.
Heart and Blood
According to MayoClinic.com, beta blockers may cause side effects related to the heart and blood. FamilyDoctor.org says that the individual may feel lightheaded and dizzy. FamilyDoctor.org advises individual on beta blockers to avoid driving and operating machines since they may feel dizzy. Since beta blockers slow down the heart rate, they may also cause problems related to the heartbeat including rapid or slow heartbeat and irregular heartbeat. According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, an overdose of beta blockers can also cause heart failure, shock, and low blood pressure.
Nervous System and Others
Medline Plus says that these medications can cause the individual to feel confused and nervous. The individual may also feel weak and drowsy. Fever and excessive sweating are also some of the side effects of beta blockers. Convulsions and coma may happen in case of an overdose of beta blockers. According to MayoClinic.com, an individual may also have cold hands and feet and dryness of the mouth, eyes, and skin. It also goes on to say that the individual may have trouble sleeping and get swelling in the hands or the feet. FamilyDoctor.org says that a loss of sex drive and erection problems may also happen in individuals taking beta blockers.
