9 Beta Blockers Side Effects You Need To Know About if You’re Taking Blood Pressure Medication

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to the CDC. One of the most common ways to manage the condition, in addition to making lifestyle changes? Taking beta blockers to treat high blood pressure. In fact, Mayo Clinic experts estimate that 30 million adults take the prescription med. And while beta blockers are immensely helpful, they can also trigger unwanted side effects that are important to keep an eye on. So we asked experts what to watch for, when you need to call your doctor and other ways you can help manage heart problems, such as high blood pressure.   

What are beta blockers?

“Beta blockers are a class of medications that blunt the effects of stress hormones, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine),” says Fady Hannah-Shmouni, MD, endocrinologist and Medical Director at Eli Health. “They work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which are found in the heart, blood vessels, lungs and many other tissues. When these receptors are blocked, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, blood pressure tends to decrease and the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response is dampened.”

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What are beta blockers used for?

These prescription meds are most commonly used to treat heart and blood vessel conditions, though they can also be used for anxiety relief. Dr. Shmouni confirms the medications can help ease a racing heart, shaking and sweating. He also says their ability to help the body regulate its response to stress hormones makes them effective for a wide range of health conditions, including:

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• High blood pressure
• Arrhythmias
• Post-heart attack
• Heart failure
• Migraines 
• Tremors
• Anxiety

5 common beta blocker side effects

Before starting beta blockers and while taking them, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Dr. Shmouni says many of the most common ones occur because the medications reduce the body’s fight-or-flight response. Common side effects include: 

• Fatigue: “A slower heart rate and reduced sympathetic drive can lower perceived energy levels,” says Dr. Shmouni. 
• Cold hands and feet: “Beta blockers can limit blood vessel dilation, reducing circulation,” says Dr. Shmouni.
• Feeling dizzy: “This often reflects lowered blood pressure, especially when standing quickly,” says Dr. Shmouni.
• Slow heart rate: Dr. Shmouni says a slower heart rate is expected when using beta blockers, but if it becomes too slow, it can be problematic. 
• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort: Dr. Shmouni says beta blockers’ calming effect on the nervous system can affect how the gut moves and functions.

3 sneaky beta blocker side effects

There are several side effects you might attribute to other causes, not realizing they could be connected to your beta blocker. Dr. Shmouni says these include:

• Reduced emotional response: “Some patients describe feeling emotionally flatter due to reduced adrenaline activity,” says Dr. Shmouni. 
• Sleep issues or vivid dreams: “Certain beta blockers cross the blood-brain barrier and affect neurotransmitters involved in sleep,” says Dr. Shmouni. 
• Lower exercise tolerance: Dr. Shmouni says beta blockers can prevent the heart rate from increasing as easily during exercise, which can make workouts feel more difficult.

One important beta blocker side effect to watch for, especially if you have COPD, asthma or other issues that may compromise your lung health: trouble breathing or shortness of breath. If you notice this side effect, reach out to your doctor right away.

More ways to manage high blood pressure 

We get it—beta blocker side effects can be downright annoying or even start to impact your quality of life, and your first instinct may be to ditch the meds. But Dr. Shmouni says you should never suddenly stop taking a beta blocker without first talking to your doctor.

“If side effects occur, the first step is to contact the prescribing provider,” says Dr. Shmouni. “Many [beta blocker] side effects are dose-related or temporary, and safe adjustments can usually be made.”

Beta blockers serve many important purposes, from managing complex heart conditions to easing anxiety symptoms. If you’re taking them specifically for hypertension and want to explore additional or alternative approaches, Dr. Hannah-Shmouni recommends these four evidence-based strategies that can help support healthy blood pressure naturally:

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Get regular exercise

“Consistent aerobic activity such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming lowers blood pressure by improving blood vessel flexibility, reducing vascular resistance and enhancing heart efficiency,” says Dr. Shmouni. “Over time, exercise also reduces resting heart rate and dampens excessive sympathetic nervous system activity, both of which contribute to sustained blood pressure control.”

Lower sodium intake 

“Reducing sodium intake and following dietary patterns such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet can significantly lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Shmouni. “These approaches work by decreasing fluid retention, improving endothelial [blood vessel] function and supporting healthy potassium and magnesium balance, all of which help regulate vascular tone.”

Maintain a healthy weight

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“Even modest weight loss can lead to meaningful reductions in blood pressure,” says Dr. Shmouni. “Excess body weight increases cardiac workload and promotes hormonal and inflammatory changes that raise blood pressure.” Weight loss also improves how sensitive the body is to insulin, helps blood flow more easily through blood vessels and reduces strain on the heart.

Practice deep breathing

Dr. Shmouni says slow breathing and mindfulness practices help lower blood pressure by calming the nervous system and lowering stress, with particular benefits for people whose blood pressure spikes when they are under stress.

Deciding to use beta blockers can be a positive step toward taking charge of your health. But if side effects start affecting your quality of life, your doctor can help you adjust your dose, try a different medication or explore other approaches that work better for your unique needs.