Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 2: Warnings and Tips

Are you using beta blockers for preventing migraines? If so, it’s important to understand the risks involved, such as side effects, migraine drug interactions, and other warnings- used incorrectly, beta blockers can be fatal. Here are some basic facts about beta blockers for migraine attack prevention:

Also read Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 1: Introduction

Beta blockers side effects

Certain side effects may occur while using beta blockers; report to your physician if you suddenly start experiencing the following symptoms:

Headaches
Insomnia
Cold hands and feet
Swelling in the extremities
Frequent bruising
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Memory loss
Hallucinations
Nightmares
Confusion
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Slow heartbeat
Breathing difficulties
Sexual dysfunction

If you are nursing, pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, please notify your healthcare provider before using beta blockers for migraines.

Also, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting beta blockers:

Heart disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Drug allergies

Drug interactions and other warnings!

Certain medications are extremely hazardous when taken in combination with beta blockers.

Please make note of the following drug interactions and warnings:

*ACE inhibitors with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)- fatal heart attack or kidney disease

*Calcium channel blockers or digoxin (Lanoxin) with beta blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) or death

*Antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, and zithromycin) with calcium channel blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, organ failure, or death

*Antipsychotic drugs thioridazine (Mellaril, Novoridazine, Thioril) or chlorpromazine (Thorazine, Largactil) with beta blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) or death

*Clonidine (Catapres) with beta blockers- dangerously high blood pressure (hypertension) or death

*Barbiturates like Phenobarbital may reduce the efficiency of beta blockers

*Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen may reduce the efficiency of beta blockers

If you decide to discontinue usage of beta blockers, notify your doctor. Sudden cessation of beta blockers may result in heart attack, angina, or death.