Beta Blocker Withdrawal

Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a class of drugs that were initially used to treat hypertension and heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythm, accelerated heart rate, angina and heart failure. These drugs are now being used in the treatment of various other disorders such as hyperthyroidism, migraine, glaucoma and anxiety. Doctors generally recommend the use of these drugs after analyzing the patient's medical history. One should never abruptly stop taking beta blockers without one's doctor's approval. An abrupt beta blocker withdrawal can give rise to distressing symptoms. In this article, we will look into the symptoms of beta blocker withdrawal syndrome.

How Does a Beta Blocker Work

Beta blockers work by blocking epinephrine and norepinephrine from binding to the beta receptors located in various parts of the body. Beta receptors are categorized into beta-1, beta-2 and beta-3 receptors. Beta blockers mainly act on the beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. These drugs are classified on the basis of the location and the type of the receptor it blocks. These are classified into selective and non-selective beta blockers. The effects of these drugs vary depending on the selectivity in which beta receptor these drugs block. While beta-1 receptors are present in the heart, eyes and the kidneys, beta-2 receptors are located in the lungs, liver, skeletal muscle, blood vessels, uterus and gastrointestinal tract. Beta blockers primarily block norepinephrine and epinephrine from attaching themselves to the beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. The main effect of this class of drugs is dilation of blood vessels and slowing down the heart rate. The use of these drugs lowers the blood pressure as well as the heart rate. Now that you know what is a beta blocker and how these drugs work, let's find out more about the beta blocker withdrawal syndrome.

Beta Blocker Withdrawal Syndrome

Beta blocker effects on sudden withdrawal will depend on the type of beta blocker one is using. If one has been using a beta blocker for some time, one's body might become dependent on the drug. The symptoms of beta blocker withdrawal stem from the body's dependence on the drug. Sudden discontinuation could make one more sensitive to adrenaline circulating in one's body. So, one is likely to experience exacerbated symptoms of the condition for which one is being treated. For instance, when a patient abruptly stops taking the beta blocker recommended for the treatment of angina, the severity of angina pectoris is bound to increase. One might also suffer from recurring episodes of chest pain. Similarly, a person who abruptly stops taking beta blocker for anxiety, will experience beta blocker withdrawal symptoms such as increased anxiety, pounding heart, excessive sweating, shaking, confusion or insomnia. Wondering how long does beta blocker withdrawal last? Well, the duration of the rebound effects will be longer in case of a short-acting beta blocker, and shorter if you suddenly stop using a long-acting beta blocker.

How to Prevent Beta Blocker Withdrawal

The best way to prevent beta blocker withdrawal symptoms is to reduce the dosage gradually. As mentioned earlier, one must adhere to the dosage prescribed by one's doctor. While stopping the drug abruptly can give rise to distressing symptoms, a beta blocker overdose will also have serious repercussions on one's health. So, let your doctor decide as to the way the dosage has to be lowered. When the doctors feel that the patient doesn't need to take beta blockers, they reduce the drug dose over several days before asking the patient to stop the drug completely. Those who are being treated for serious heart diseases must always take these drugs under medical supervision. Since sudden withdrawal of beta blockers can exacerbate the symptoms of the condition for which one is being treated, consult the doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Let the medical experts decide what's best for you.

This was all about beta blocker withdrawal symptoms and treatment. If you wish to find out more about the types of beta blockers, you can go through the Buzzle article on beta blockers list. Though these drugs can help in alleviating the symptoms of many serious medical conditions, the desired effects can be seen only if one takes them as per the recommended dosage. If you are taking a beat blocker for the treatment of any condition, take it as per the dosage prescribed by your doctor.