Beta Blocker Overdose

Disorders like high blood pressure, chest pain, panic attacks and migraines include the use of a class of drugs known as beta blockers, in their treatment procedure. These medicines help in reducing the effects of adrenaline and other stress hormones in the body thereby, relieving the symptoms of the ailments mentioned above. Beta blocker overdose, as obvious it is, a situation that occurs when the medicine is taken more than the amount recommended by a doctor. Most people may commit this overdose accidentally and some, intentionally.

Symptoms that Indicate Beta Blocker Overdose

The symptoms of the overdose may affect different parts of the body, such as the eyes, ears, nose and throat, heart, the nervous system and even the lungs.

When the overdose affects the eyes, the symptoms include blurred vision and double vision. With the heart, an overdose invites trouble such as lightheadedness, heart failure, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate and even shock. Beta blocker overdose, as mentioned, also affects the airways and lungs, the problem manifest into breathing difficulty and wheezing for people with asthma. When the nervous system is affected, symptoms such as confusion, convulsions, drowsiness, excessive perspiration and fever, set in. Weakness, nervousness and even coma may also become the possible repercussions of the overdose.

Also, people who are already suffering from medical conditions such as emphysema and bronchitis, may make the conditions worse, by taking beta blockers. These medications may have a negative impact on low blood sugar. They tend to increase the heart rate and so hypoglycemic shock becomes inevitable.

Treatment

An overdose of beta blocker is a medical emergency. However, there are a few things which must be taken care off before calling for medical help or while the help is arriving. These vital things include making a note of the age, weight and condition of the affected person, and name of the product taken. Also, if possible, the time when the medication was swallowed and amount too, must be noted. It is also beneficial if the emergency team comes to know if the beta blocker was a prescribed medication for the patient. In case you were not aware, 1-800-222-1222 is the number of every poison center in the United States. So, whenever you have to face such a situation as a beat blocker overdose, be conscious to call this number and help yourself with professional assistance, in order to deal with the situation, until medical help arise.

In the emergency room, the overdose symptoms, blood pressure, temperature, pulse and breathing rate would be monitored or measured. The sufferer may receive medications for dealing with rising blood pressure and some for treating seizures. Also, abnormal heart rate would be taken care of, by the use of medications.

Here is a standard chart listing the names under which prescription beta blockers are sold.

• Acebutolol (Sectral)
• Atenolol (Apo-atenolol)
• Betaxolol (Kerlone)
• Bisoprolol (Zebta)
• Carteolol (Cartrol)
• Esmolol (Brevibloc)
• Labetalol (Normodyne)
• Metoprolol (Toprol)
• Nadolol (Corgard)
• Sotalol (Betapace)
• Oxprenolol (Trasicor)
• Penbutolol (Levatol)
• Pindolol (Novo-pindol)
• Propranolol (Inderal)
• Timolol (Apo-timol)

Needless to say, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendation about the correct beta blocker dosages. Remember, taking more than what you need won't do more for treating the sickness than what you are taking already.