Side effects

Common side effects of beta blockers can include:

• Cold hands or feet.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Weight gain.
• Dizziness or light-headedness.

Less common side effects include:

• Depression.
• Shortness of breath.
• Trouble sleeping.

Beta blockers, especially ones that affect both the heart and blood vessels, generally are not used if you have asthma. There are concerns that the medicine may trigger severe asthma attacks.

If you have diabetes, beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat. It's important to check your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes and you're taking a beta blocker.

Some beta blockers can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They can cause a slight rise in triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. Beta blockers also can cause a modest decrease in good cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These changes may only last for a short time.

You should not suddenly stop taking a beta blocker. Doing so could increase your risk of a heart attack or other heart problem.

Talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions about the medicines you take.