Carvedilol is the generic medical term for a beta-blocker sold as Coreg in the United States. It may be prescribed in the treatment of high blood pressure, known medically as hypertension. This condition puts strain on your heart by making it work harder to get blood to all parts of your body. Beta-blockers, the Mayo Clinic states, help to change the way some impulses in your nerves work to decrease the heart's workload. Carvedilol may be used for several other heart conditions.
Chest Side Effects
Among the most common serious side effects of carvedilol are problems in your chest. This can be a result of how the medication works on your heart. Pain in the chest is most common, but other sensations also are serious and require a call to your physician immediately for recommendations about any medical aid you may need. You also may experience heaviness, tightness or discomfort in your chest as well.
Heart Side Effects
Bradycardia, a medical term meaning your heart is beating at an abnormally slow rate, is another common serious side effect of carvedilol. The average adult when sitting or lying down has a heart rate of between 60 beats and 100 beats per minute. A heart rate that is lower than 60 beats a minute is an indication of bradycardia. The condition may prevent your body from getting enough oxygen through your bloodstream and cause symptoms such as making you feel as if you are going to faint or fainting. Bradycardia also may make you feel dizzy or fatigued. You may experience shortness of breath, confusion and lapses in memory. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects.
Other Side Effects
Carvedilol also may cause some other common side effects throughout your body. You may, for example, get a sensation of tingling or prickling. You also may get diarrhea. These are temporary effects that should pass as your body acclimates to carvedilol. Swelling may occur in your legs, ankles and feet, or it may occur throughout your body. Pain is another potential side effect as is gaining weight. These are serious common side effects of the medication.
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