When you first start taking a beta-blocker, your doctor will start you on a low dose then slowly increase it over a few weeks. It can take a while for you to feel better – usually a few months.
Do not suddenly stop taking your beta-blocker
Don't suddenly stop taking your beta-blocker without talking to your doctor first. This can be dangerous and make you feel unwell. If you're taking beta blockers for a heart condition, your symptoms may return.
If you do need to stop taking a beta-blocker then your doctor may advise a slow reduction in dose.
If you have diabetes
If you have diabetes you need to take extra care to measure your blood glucose levels regularly.
- Beta-blockers can cause an increase in blood glucose levels, especially when you first start taking them. This effect usually settles with time.
- Beta-blockers may reduce the warning signs of a low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia – often called a hypo). For example, you may not have the feeling of fast, irregular or strong heartbeats (palpitations) or tremor, which can occur when your blood glucose is going too low. If you're worried about this, talk to your doctor. Don't stop taking your beta-blocker without checking with your doctor first. Read more about hypoglycaemia.
If you have asthma
If you have asthma, taking a beta-blocker may trigger your asthma symptoms or make them worse. Not everybody with asthma is sensitive to these medicines.
If you're worried about this, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine or increase the dose of your asthma preventer medication.
Don't suddenly stop taking your beta-blocker without talking to your doctor first. This can be dangerous and make you feel unwell. Read more about medicines that may trigger asthma symptoms.
