Beta blockers are medications used primarily to reduce blood pressure. They also may be prescribed for ailments such as glaucoma, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, generalized anxiety disorder, arrhythmia and angina. Often, beta blockers are used in combination with other medicines to decrease blood pressure. Beta blockers may cause problems for people with diabetes and asthma.
Sectral
Sectral (generic: acebutolol) may be prescribed as a capsule or tablet. It can help in the treatment of high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. Side effects may include difficulty breathing, chest pains, vision changes, swelling and wheezing. An overdose may cause symptoms that require emergency treatment, including anxiety, chills, convulsions, coma and depression.
Tenormin
Atenolol, marketed as Tenormin, may be used to fight hypertension. It also can lessen the intensity of heart attacks and decrease chest pain. It is taken in tablet form. All possible side effects of atenolol require a doctor's aid. These may include blurry vision, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weakness, anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, pain in the legs and cold sweats. An overdose may cause anxiety, depression, seizures and comas.
Zebeta
Bisoprolol, sold as Zebeta, treats high blood pressure. It is in tablet form. Side effects may include congestion in the ears, difficulty breathing, weakness, chills, fainting and an irregular heartbeat. Side effects requiring medical attention include confusion, nausea, anxiety, pale skin, slurred speech and sudden weight gain.
Coreg
Coreg (generic: carvedilol) may be used to to reduce congestive heart failure and as a treatment following a heart attack, in addition to high blood pressure. It may be prescribed as a tablet or capsule. Carvedilol may cause dizziness, anxiety, convulsions, dark urine, fever, sudden headaches and increased blood pressure.
Lopressor and Toprol XL
Metroprolol, sold as Lopressor, is available as an injection to decrease the mortality risk from heart attacks. Side effects include weakness, slow heartbeat, difficulty breathing, mood changes, night blindness and confusion. Metroprolol also may be prescribed as a tablet to aid in treatment of chest pain and to reduce the risk of second heart attacks. Side effects are similar to the injected form.
Corgard
Corgard (generic: nadolol) may be used to fight severe pains in the chest and high blood pressure. It is a pill. Nadolol may produce side effects such as behavioral changes, breathing difficulties, extreme fatigue, confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, abdominal pain, vomiting and lessened libido.
Bystolic
Nebivolol, sold as Bystolic, is a tablet used to control high blood pressure. Side effects include blue skin, coma, confusion, depression and swelling.
Inderal and InnoPran XL
Propranolol, marketed as Inderal, may be administered as an injection. It can regulate abnormal heartbeats. Side effects may include a bloody nose, hair loss, swelling, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain. As a capsule or tablet---sold as Inderal or InnoPran XL---it is used for those with high blood pressure. Additional side effects may include numbness, tingling, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and euphoria.
