Bystolic is the brand name of the generic drug nebivolol. According to MayoClinic.com, Bystolic is prescribed by doctors to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. Bystolic works by slowing down the heart and decreasing the amount of blood pumped out of the heart per heart beat, resulting in a lower blood pressure. Patients taking this medication should have their heart rates and blood pressures checked frequently.
Cardiovascular Effects
Bystolic may cause some cardiovascular side effects. According to Drugs.com, patients may experience a slow heart rate, irregular heart rhythm or shortness of breath. Due to Bystolic's action of slowing down the heart to help decrease high blood pressure, these side effects may be dose related, and lowering the prescribed dose of Bystolic may resolve them. Some patients have reported swollen hands and feet while on Bystolic as well. These symptoms should be reported to a doctor as they may be signs of inadequate cardiac functioning.
Neurological Effects
MayoClinic.com reports that patients taking Bystolic may experience neurological side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness and drowsiness. Patients may become lethargic or have slurred speech. These symptoms may indicate that Bystolic is lowering the blood pressure too much, and patients with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and have their blood pressures checked. Other possible neurological side effects include headache, insomnia and restlessness.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects experienced with Bystolic are usually mild and not a cause for discontinuation of the drug, according to RXList.com. Possible gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Abdominal pain may also be present. These symptoms may be dose related, but most resolve on their own after a period of adapting to the medication.
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