Question 1

what medication can i use as an alternative to beta blockers?

Accepted Answer

Reason taking?: If you are taking it for blood pressure, there are multiple non-beta blocker options available, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, thiazide diuretics, etc.  If you are taking it to slow a rapid heart rate condition, then non-dihydropididine calcium channel blockers, diltiazem or verapamil, may be options.

Question 2

does propranolol (beta blockers) cause any long term damage to the heart or anywhere? and are there dangers to taking the medication in general?

Accepted Answer

: Beta-blockers have been around for a long time and, in general, are very safe. The real danger is in making your blood pressure or heart rate decrease too much and give symptoms like lightheadedness. You don’t indicate why you are taking this medicine or if you are taking it all the time. So, if you have continued concerns, talk to your doctor who knows these details. Good luck!

Question 3

hi,do i need the flu vaccination yet ? i'm 56, not overweight and don't drink alcohol & never smoked. only medication i'm on is beta blockers for anxiety(propopnolol) i'm a barber not working due to covid restrictions so not exposed to public. thanks?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: CDC, AAFP, ACP, virtually all the professional medical societies recommend a flu shot for EVERYONE, unless there is a strong and compelling contraindication not to do so. So...go get your shot! Stay healthy!

Question 4

generally, how potent is clonidine when compared to other hypertensive medications, such as beta blockers and ace inhibitors? or, is it so individual?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension: Current 1st line medication for hypertension or high blood pressure is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) like hctz (hydrochlorothiazide) unless you have a compelling reason eg diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, etc for something else. Clonidine is far down list. It works but all BP meds work. Down side of Clonidine is rebound hypertension if you forget to take dose. Some find it sedating. Potency depends upon dose.

Question 5

is it dangerous to take stimulants (adhd medications) and beta-blockers (propranolol) together? if so, why? diff. med. for bp and migraine prevention?

Accepted Answer

Theoretically yes: Practically probably not.  This answer is based on the fact that if you are on a B Blkr and taking a symptathomimetic agent like a stimulant this could cause severe hypertension.  Based on studies of people on B Blkrs who took cocaine or were given epinephrine for allergic reactions and this turns out not to be unfounded and not the case.  If your BP is up see your Dr and review your medications.

Question 6

hypertensive crisis response to medications (beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, arbs, etc.) (lisinopril no problem though) & foods ( any vinegar, oats soy, cream of rice, agave. not allergy. what type of dr. should i see help?

Accepted Answer

: We need more details to address your concern. When I have a patient resistant to multiple blood pressure medications or not controlled on several medications, I look for secondary hypertension. This comes from training as an internist. I have worked with hypertension specialists who do the same.

Question 7

how could a person potentially overdose on negatively inotropic drugs such as beta blockers etc. and how does this effect the heart?

Accepted Answer

Too much/too many: If you take too much of anything (including water), you can overdose.  Od of a bb will cause low blood pressure, excessively slow heart rate, heart block, dizziness and passing out. Enough of anything can cause death. Don't consider it for suicide: it would be unpredictable and unpleasant.

Question 8

can docs please explain, are beta blockers prescription drugs?

Accepted Answer

Yes: in the US for sure.  I'm not certain about other countries.  There is a certain amount of monitoring that accompanies their usage.

Question 9

have avg of 20k pvcs a day all tests are normal (echo, etc). beta blockers don't work. ep wants to try diltiazem. how will this drug help with pvcs?

Accepted Answer

It's a CCB: Many channels for rhythm in heart. 
Beta blockers didn't work.
Next he is trying calcium channel blocker (diltiazem).
If this doesn't work there are many other drugs. But with increasing frequency of side effects. 
BB's and CCB's have safer side effect profile.

Question 10

my almost 9 month old needs to take beta blockers for her hemangioma, i am very worried about this drug, can this cause major negative side effects?

Accepted Answer

Hemangioma: Beta blocker drug Propranolol is being widely used for treatment of hemangioma. Treating doctor decides depending on the size, location and severity of the hemangiona. Smaller ones needs only follow up.

The side effects can be: lowering of blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar; cold extremities, restless sleep, constipation.
The other important side effect can be bronchospasm or wheezing.

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Doctor answers about:

Topical beta blockers medication

A member asked:

What medication can i use as an alternative to beta blockers?

A member asked:

Does propranolol (beta blockers) cause any long term damage to the heart or anywhere? and are there dangers to taking the medication in general?

A member asked:

Hi,do i need the flu vaccination yet ? i'm 56, not overweight and don't drink alcohol & never smoked. only medication i'm on is beta blockers for anxiety(propopnolol) i'm a barber not working due to covid restrictions so not exposed to public. thanks?

A member asked:

Generally, how potent is clonidine when compared to other hypertensive medications, such as beta blockers and ace inhibitors? or, is it so individual?

A member asked:

Is it dangerous to take stimulants (adhd medications) and beta-blockers (propranolol) together? if so, why? diff. med. for bp and migraine prevention?

A member asked:

Hypertensive crisis response to medications (beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, arbs, etc.) (lisinopril no problem though) & foods ( any vinegar, oats soy, cream of rice, agave. not allergy. what type of dr. should i see help?

A member asked:

How could a person potentially overdose on negatively inotropic drugs such as beta blockers etc. and how does this effect the heart?

A member asked:

Can docs please explain, are beta blockers prescription drugs?

A member asked:

Have avg of 20k pvcs a day all tests are normal (echo, etc). beta blockers don't work. ep wants to try diltiazem. how will this drug help with pvcs?

A member asked:

My almost 9 month old needs to take beta blockers for her hemangioma, i am very worried about this drug, can this cause major negative side effects?

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