Bystolic Side Effects. Bystolic, also known by its generic name nebivolol, is a medication for treating high blood pressure and hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers, which work by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the body, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, that contribute to blood pressure rise.
While Bystolic can be an effective treatment for hypertension, it can also have side effects. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common side effects of Bystolic.
Side Effects of Taking Bystolic
Fatigue and dizziness
One of the most common side effects of Bystolic is fatigue, which is often accompanied by dizziness. This may be due to the medication’s effects on the cardiovascular system, which can cause a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to a feeling of lightheadedness and a sense of tiredness.
Nausea and stomach upset
Bystolic can also cause nausea and stomach upset, which can manifest as indigestion, bloating, or vomiting. These symptoms can be particularly distressing for patients who take Bystolic regularly.
Headache
Another common side effect of Bystolic is headache. This is often due to the medication’s impact on blood flow and pressure, which can cause constriction of blood vessels in the brain and limits blood flow. The resulting headache may be mild or severe, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.
Insomnia and sleep disturbances
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible to responding to stimuli and generate “alertness”. An over activated sympathetic nervous system during the nap time can cause sleep disturbances, and Byslotic often triggers this phenomenon.
Sexual dysfunction
Some patients who take Bystolic may experience sexual dysfunction, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty achieving orgasm. This is thought to be due to the medication’s interactions with the body’s autonomic nervous system, which interferes with sexual function.
Depression and anxiety
Finally, some patients may experience depression or anxiety as a side effect of Bystolic. This is due to the medication’s impact on the body’s neurotransmitter levels, which affects mood and emotional regulation.
More Serious Bystolic Side Effects
In some cases, there are more severe side effects of Bystolic, which include the following:
- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
- Heart block (when electrical signals in the heart don’t work properly)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Acute renal (kidney) failure
- Bronchospasm (spasm in the airways)
- Lupus erythematosus
- Raynaud phenomenon (decreased blood flow to fingers)
Note: Talk with your doctor if you experience any Bystolic side effects, and get emergency medical attention if you experience a more severe adverse effect.
Who Should Not Take Bystolic?
Bystolic is not recommended if you have any of the following conditions:
- major heart condition such as heart failure
- “AV block” (2nd or 3rd degree)
- sick sinus syndrome
- very slow heartbeats
- severe liver disease
- your heart cannot pump blood properly
Also, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- asthma
- bronchitis
- emphysema
- a heart attack
- problems with circulation (especially in your feet and legs)
- diabetes (taking nebivolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar)
- a thyroid disorder
- liver or kidney disease
- allergies
- pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland)
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Bystolic can be an effective treatment for high blood pressure, it can also have side effects that should be taken into consideration. Patients who experience any of these symptoms while taking Bystolic should talk to their doctor about their treatment options and discuss whether Bystolic is the right medication for them. The doctors may recommend a safer alternative to Bystolic if your body cannot refuses this medication.
