What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Beta-Blockers?

Long-term side effects of beta-blockers may include disorientation, short-term memory loss, emotional lability (rapid, extreme changes in mood), inability to concentrate or think clearly, and decreased performance on neuropsychological tests used to measure a psychological function.

Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are used to treat high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), chest pain (angina), heart failure, tremors, pheochromocytoma, and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Less commonly, beta blockers are used to prevent migraines, or to treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), anxiety, tremor, and glaucoma (as eyedrops).

Beta blockers work by blocking the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) from binding to beta receptors on nerves. This helps reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Examples of beta-blockers include: 

• Acebutolol (Sectral)
• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Betaxolol (Kerlone)
• Bisoprolol fumarate (Zebeta)
• Carteolol hydrochloride (Cartrol)
• Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
• Metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL)
• Nadolol (Corgard)
• Penbutolol sulfate (Levatol)
• Pindolol (Visken)
• Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)
• Sotalol hydrochloride (Betapace)
• Timolol maleate (Blocadren)

Possible long-term side effects of beta-blockers may include:

• Disorientation for time and place
• Short-term memory loss
• Emotional lability (rapid, extreme changes in mood)
• Inability to concentrate or think clearly
• Decreased performance on neuropsychological tests used to measure a psychological function 

Common side effects of beta-blockers include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Insomnia
• Cold hands and feet
• Tiredness 
• Depression
• Slow heartbeat
• Symptoms of asthma
• Impotence 

Serious side effects of beta-blockers include:

• Shortness of breath with a cough that worsens with activity 
• Swollen ankles or legs
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Wheezing 
• Tightening feeling in the chest 
• Yellowing skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Some beta-blockers are not recommended for use during pregnancy. They may cause low blood pressure, excess potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), kidney failure, and harm to a fetus. Consult with your doctor on what medications may work best.