Beta Blockers

What beta blockers are for

Beta blockers can help treat problems affecting your heart and blood vessels by slowing down your heartbeat.

They're often used to treat:

• angina
• high blood pressure
• atrial fibrillation (a type of heart rhythm problem)
• some types of heart failure

You may also be offered a beta blocker if you recently had a heart attack.

Beta blockers can also have an effect on other parts of the body, such as your eyes and nerves. So they're also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as glaucoma, anxiety and migraines.

Types of beta blockers

There are 2 main types of beta blockers:

• selective beta blockers - which are mainly used to treat heart problems
• non-selective beta blockers - which can be used to treat non-heart related conditions, such as anxiety and migraines

Beta blockers usually come as tablets or capsules that you swallow. There are also eye drops for glaucoma.

Not all beta blockers are listed here. If you cannot find your medicine, check the leaflet that comes with it, or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects of beta blockers

Like all medicines, beta blockers can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects of beta blockers can include:

• cold feet and hands
• dizziness
• tiredness (fatigue)
• insomnia
• having vivid dreams or nightmares
• problems getting or keeping an erection

If you feel dizzy after taking a beta blocker, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until the dizziness stops.

If side effects are bothering you or do not go away, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

This is not a full list of all the possible side effects of beta blockers. Check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine to find out more.

Who can take beta blockers

Most adults can take beta blockers. They are also sometimes prescribed to children.

But beta blockers are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if you have:

• a breathing problem, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• heart block, where your heart beats too slowly or your heartbeat is not steady
• poorly controlled heart failure
• low blood pressure (hypotension)

Before using beta blockers, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Some beta blockers can be taken while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor about the best medicine for you.

Taking beta blockers with alcohol or other medicines

Taking beta blockers with some other medicines or alcohol can cause side effects.

For example, it may cause problems if you take beta blockers with things such as:

• alcohol - this can make you feel dizzy and light-headed
• painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen - known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• medicines used to treat high blood pressure
• some medicines for an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if there is anything you should avoid while taking it. Always ask a pharmacist or your doctor if you're unsure.

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men