What are beta blockers?

There have been numerous discussions about the use of beta blockers. What is the best advice?

• Recently, I have read that doctors often hesitate to prescribe beta blockers because of the myths about suppression of hypoglycemia reactions in diabetes. I have also learned that these drugs reduced mortality in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, hence it is strongly recommended to these patients. And, I have also learned that the concern about these drugs should not prevent doctors from prescribing this life-saving therapy to COPD patients. What should be done if patients developed SOB, low pulse rates, etc, by taking these medications? Withhold, then continue? or Discontinued?.

• Answer:

  Beta blockers can be prescribed for several reasons. There are also multiple drugs out there that can do the same thing as beta blockers without the side effects. The problem there is that you may need to take more than one medication to mimic the effect. Every drug is prescribed on a person to person basis. What works for one person may not work for another. Each person must be assessed and monitored carefully when taking medication. The best advice? Try the med. If it works........ great, if not, try something equal that doesn't cause the harsh side effects. Either that, or take the prescribed medication and deal with the side effects by prescribing more meds to treat the side effects ( and so on and so on.........)