Beta blockers effectively treat hypertension and migraines in people of all ages. The Mayo Clinic describes beta blockers as epinephrine inhibitors that modulate nerve impulse responses to control the patient's heart rate. Beta blockers effectively decrease the heart's requirement for blood and oxygen and subsequently lower overall blood pressure. The "American Heart Journal" indicates that beta blocker use costs an average between $9 and $20 thousand per year of treatment depending on the side effects experienced by the patient. Unfortunately, the side effects experienced by each patient cannot be predicted, and physicians are forced to utilize a test-and-see method to determine whether beta blockers will be effective for each patient. Fortunately, alternative migraine and hypertension medications are available if needed.
Types
The National Migraine Association lists several types of beta blockers approved to treat migraines and hypertension. The primary difference stems from the delivery mechanism. Several beta blockers, including Atenolol and Metoprolol, are injectable and approved for use in children. Metoprolol, Oxprenolol, and Propranolol are available as tablets or capsules in an extended release form. These extended release drugs typically have fewer side effects since they keep the level of the drug more consistent in your body. If you take one of the many other forms not available in an extended release formula, you should be more diligent in taking your medications at the same time every day.
Benefits
The National Migraine Association and Mayo Clinic outline several other benefits to beta blockers. Beat blockers are highly effective at controlling blood pressure in addition to preventing headaches. Controlled blood pressure allows for easier blood circulation to prevent future migraine attacks. Clinical studies analyzing the effects of beta blockers after a heart attack illustrate the potential for beta blockers to stop chest pain and minimize the likelihood of a future heart attack due to decreased blood circulation.
Common Side Effects
There are many side possible side effects to regular beta blocker use, all of which should be cataloged and reported to your physician. The National Migraine Association lists the most widely reported effects, such as depression, dizziness, difficulty breathing and confusion. All of these side effects occur intermittently and should be relatively easy to live with. Switching to a different beta blocker brand name may reduce side effects. All depression symptoms should be taken seriously.
Rare Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic lists loss of sex drive and trouble sleeping as atypical side effects. Additional medications to induce sleep and sex drive may effectively overcome these side effects. Occasionally, joint swelling and an irregular heartbeat occur and should be treated with immediate medical help. Joint swelling will make any movement painful while an irregular heartbeat may produce numerous medical conditions that lead to death.
Dangerous Side Effects
Since blood flows more freely while patients are taking beta blockers, all cuts or injuries have the potential to become serious and should be treated immediately. Moreover, the Mayo Clinic indicates that beta blockers may cause birth defects if taken within a month of the patient becoming pregnant or during pregnancy.
Warnings
Beta blockers are expensive and must be taken every day in order to prevent migraines and hypertension. If you decide to stop taking the medication, you should seek medical guidance since all beta blockers require weaning in order to prevent your body from over-reacting to the withdraw.
Member Comments