Beta-blocker prescriptions available online

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.

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.

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.

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.

The five most commonly prescribed beta-blockers are:

• Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate)

• Metoprolol tartrate

• Coreg (carvedilol)

• Tenormin (atenolol)

• Inderal (propranolol hydrochloride)

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

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.

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.