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Josh Regel

Know your medications – High blood pressure

Beta-Blockers



There are so many medications that are being used for blood pressure and many patients suffer the side effects from these medications.  Today I would like to talk to you about a class of medications called Beta-blockers.  Here is a quick list of the medications that are in this group or drug class.


Propranolol (Inderal) Sotolol (Betapase) Nadolol (Corgard) Atenolol (Tenormin) Acebutolol (Sectral) Metoprolol (Lopressor and Toprol) Timolol (Blocadren) Pindolol (Visken) Betaxolol (Kerlone) Bisprolol (Zebeta, Ziac) Cartelol (Cartrol) Carvedilol (Coreg) Labetolol (Normodyne) Nebivolol (Bystolic) Penbutolol (Levatol)


This list is not a complete list and many blood pressure medications are a combination of a beta-blocker and other blood pressure medications.  To determine if you currently take a Beta-Blocker give me a call (901) 757-9434 or send me a message jregel@regelpharmalab.com so you can know for sure.


These medications have been around for years and are very helpful in lowering blood pressure as well as controlling heart rate, migraines, chest pain, glaucoma, and anxiety.  Here are some quick facts/helpful tips about these medications:


  1. Be sure to check your pulse (heart rate) regularly.  There are many devices like digital blood pressure cuffs and smart watches that have this capability now.  A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100.  A highly trained athlete may have a lower resting heart rate.  For us normal people the closer you get to 60 the more efficient your heart is working.

  2. For most of the medications on this list I would recommend that you take the medication with a meal.  This enhances the absorption of the medication.

  3. Avoid foods and beverages that can alter your heart rate like caffeine and alcohol.

  4. Do not take medications for cold and allergies that contain pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).  This can increase your blood pressure and heart rate.


Nutrient Depletions with Beta-blockers

Did you know that these medications can cause a depletion of the key nutrients Coenzyme Q-10 and melatonin?


A depletion of Coenzyme Q-10 can lead to the following symptoms:


  1. High Blood Pressure

  2. Chest Pain

  3. Stroke

  4. Irregular heart beat

  5. Congestive heart failure

  6. Poor insulin production

  7. Lack of energy

  8. Gingivitis

  9. Weak immune system

With a list like this it makes me wonder if the Beta-Blocker is helping or hurting.

A depletion of Melatonin can lead to the following symptoms:


  1. Insomnia and other sleep disturbances

  2. Some reports are showing a link between low levels of melatonin and increase in cancer risk


If you take a Beta-Blocker I would recommend a quality Co-enzyme Q-10 product as well as a small dose of Melatonin.  If you would like me to suggest a strength for these nutrients contact me so I can determine your specific needs.  jregel@regelpharmalab.com or (901) 757-9434.

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