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Beta-blocker prescriptions available online

Learn how beta-blockers can help with high blood pressure and anxiety with a consultation from one of our board-certified doctors online. Get a new prescription for beta-blockers or refill an existing prescription today.*

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About beta-blockers

Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications designed to block the effects of certain chemicals on the heart. Beta-blockers cause the heart to beat slowly with less force, which helps lower blood pressure. They can also help widen veins and arteries to improve blood flow.

Beta-blockers are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, but they're also used for other medical conditions. For example, your healthcare provider may prescribe beta-blockers off-label to treat different brain and nervous system conditions, such as anxiety disorders.

There are two types of prescription beta blockers. While certain beta-blockers only work on the heart, others affect the heart and blood vessels.

What beta-blockers treat:

The most common condition treated with beta-blockers is high blood pressure. Beta-blockers are typically used to treat for the heart- and blood pressure-related conditions, including:

Tachycardia
Chest pain (angina)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Congestive heart failure
Coronary artery disease
Irregular heart rhythm
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Essential tremor

Beta-blockers may also be prescribed off-label to treat other health conditions, such as:

Glaucoma
Migraine headaches
Anxiety disorders

Beta-blockers reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. They stop stress hormones, such as adrenaline, from binding to beta receptors in your body.

Types of beta-blockers available online

The two types of beta-blocker medications are called non-cardioselective and cardioselective beta-blockers. Beta-blockers slow heart rate and lower blood pressure by helping the heart relax. Your heart will beat slower and less forcefully when taking beta-blockers.

Non-cardioselective (β1/β2) beta-blockers

Examples of non-selective beta-blockers include:

Inderal (propranolol) Trandate (labetalol) Betapace

Cardioselective (β1) beta-blockers

Examples of cardioselective beta-blockers include:

Toprol XL (metoprolol) Bystolic (nebivolol) Tenormin (atenolol) Ziac (hydrochlorothiazide / bisoprolol) Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) Zebeta

How beta-blockers work

Side effects of beta-blockers

When taken as prescribed, beta-blockers are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects.

The more common side effects of beta-blockers include:

Fatigue and tiredness

Cold hands

Headache

Digestive problems

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Weight gain

In rare cases, beta-blockers may cause serious side effects. These can include:

Shortness of breath

Sleep changes

Decreased libido

Mood changes, such as depression

Beta-blocker risks

Beta-blockers are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

Before you take a prescribed beta-blocker, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or issues:

History of fluid retention without diuretic use

Severe heart failure

Raynaud’s disease

Liver or kidney disease

People with asthma can safely use cardioselective (beta-1 selective) beta-blockers. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have severe asthma attacks.

Because beta-blockers typically affect blood sugar, they're usually not recommended for people with diabetes or low blood sugar. It's important to check your blood sugar regularly if you're taking beta-blockers and have diabetes.

Beta-blocker drug interactions

When you begin a new medication, tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you take. Some medications that might interact with a beta-blocker include:

ACE inhibitors

Certain allergy medications

Alpha-blockers

Medication for stomach ulcers

Antidepressants

Antihypertensive agents and other blood pressure medications

Asthma drugs

Calcium channel blockers

Isoproterenol and dobutamine

Neuroleptic drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen

Oral hypoglycemics

Psychotropic drugs

Reserpine

Rifampicin (rifampin)

Thyroxine

Blood thinners, such as warfarin

Beta-blocker FAQs

How should I take beta-blockers?

Please always follow your doctor's instructions when you take beta-blockers. Most beta-blockers are taken once daily, excluding certain beta-blockers used during pregnancy and Sotalol, which is given 2–3 times daily. Most beta-blockers can be taken with or without food.

If you forget, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.

An overdose of beta-blockers can slow your heart rate and make breathing harder. You may also experience dizziness and trembling. If you've exceeded your regular dose, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical help.

Who shouldn’t take beta-blockers?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a different medication if you have certain health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following requirements to ensure that beta-blockers are safe.

Uncontrolled heart failure
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Certain heart rhythm problems
Bradycardia (very slow heartbeat)
Raynaud’s disease
History of fluid retention
Low blood sugar

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding when taking beta-blockers. Tell your doctor or dentist that you're taking beta-blockers if you have an upcoming surgery, including dental procedures.

How long does it take for beta blockers to work?

When you start taking a beta-blocker, it can take 2–3 weeks for your body to adjust to the new medication. During the first few weeks, you may feel more tired or dizzy, and you'll need to take caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It's essential to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

After starting beta-blockers, you may notice some changes in the way your heart works during daily life. For example, beta-blockers prevent spikes in heart rate, so you may see that your heart rate doesn't beat as fast as it usually would during physical activity.

What should I avoid with beta-blockers?

When you're taking beta-blockers, avoid eating or drinking caffeine products. Ask your doctor for medical advice before taking over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, antihistamines, antacids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking beta-blockers. Alcohol can also lower your blood pressure, leading to adverse reactions.

While exercising while taking beta-blockers is safe, you should take caution. You may have to change your exercise routine based on how you feel. Please discuss safe exercise routines with your healthcare professional to ensure the exercise is safe.

What are the top 5 beta-blockers?

The five most commonly prescribed beta-blockers are:

If you're interested in taking beta-blockers, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history to choose the best option.

What is the most common beta-blocker?

The most commonly prescribed beta-blocker is Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate), with over 18 million prescriptions.

Metoprolol succinate is an extended-release medication taken once daily. It can treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart failure.

What is a beta-blocker used for?

Beta-blockers commonly treat heart and circulatory conditions, including high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and heart rhythm disorders. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe off-label beta-blockers to treat diseases related to your brain and nervous system, such as anxiety disorders.

Beta-blockers work by artificially affecting your body's chemical signaling process, which controls certain processes and functions. Beta-blockers bind to specific sites on the surface of cells (receptors), where certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) latch on.

By blocking the effects of stress hormones on the heart, beta-blockers help reduce blood pressure and slow heart rate.

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Step 2

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Step 3

Pick up your beta-blocker prescription from your online doctor.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

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Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

Cleveland Clinic. Beta-blockers. Accessed on September 30, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22318-beta-blockers
Mayo Clinic. Beta blockers. Accessed on September 30, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/beta-blockers/art-20044522#:~:text=Beta%20blockers%2C%20also%20known%20as,force%2C%20which%20lowers%20blood%20pressure.
Texas Heart Institute. Beta-Blockers. Accessed on September 30, 2022. https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/beta-blockers/#:~:text=While%20on%20beta%2Dblockers%2C%20you,the%20effects%20of%20beta%2Dblockers.

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

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