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

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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:

PREVENTING MIGRAINES WITH BETA BLOCKERS, PART 2: WARNINGS AND TIPS

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.

PREVENTING MIGRAINES WITH BETA BLOCKERS, PART 2: WARNINGS AND TIPS

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!

PREVENTING MIGRAINES WITH BETA BLOCKERS, PART 2: WARNINGS AND TIPS

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.

Thinking about natural ingredients for migraines?

Several natural supplements provide health benefits without side effects.

Popular natural migraine ingredients include:

*Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) promotes neurological health by regulating calcium channels.

*Riboflavin boosts stamina and maintains mitochondrial health.

*Magnesium is effective at maintaining already healthy blood pressure.

*Coenzyme Q10 provides antioxidant protection, helps to maintain proper immune function, and promotes cardiovascular health.

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Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Chronic Pain

References:

Choosing blood pressure medications

Beta Blockers Drugs on MedicineNet.com

Migraine Symptoms, Causes, Treatment on MedicineNet

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MEDICAL RF.COM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY,  ADAM GAULT/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY