What to know about beta-blockers and alcohol

If you’re taking beta-blockers, it’s best to avoid alcohol. Here’s why.

Beta-blockers are drugs that help reduce the force and speed of your heartbeat. These drugs also lower your blood pressure.

How beta-blockers are affected by alcohol

Doctors prescribe beta-blockers to treat:

• cardiovascular conditions, such as irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure
• migraine
• anxiety
• glaucoma

Alcohol can change the effect of beta-blockers and lead to adverse effects. Let’s take a look at how beta-blockers work, their interaction with alcohol, and when to talk with your doctor.

Is it dangerous to consume alcohol with beta-blockers? Risks and adverse effects

Beta-blockers lower your body’s response to stress. They do so by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline in the nervous system. 

There are different types of beta-blockers, such as:

• acebutolol (Sectral)
• atenolol (Tenormin)
• betaxolol (Kerlone)
• bisoprolol (Zebeta)
• carvedilol (Coreg)
• lebatenol (Normodyne, Trandate)
• metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
• nadolol (Corgard)
• propranolol (Inderal)
• sotalol (Betapace)

When you consume alcohol with beta-blockers, it can reduce the drug’s effectiveness. It may even work differently and lead to adverse effects or a worsening of the drugs’ side effects.

Consuming alcohol can also produce a spike followed by a sudden low in your blood pressure. Additionally, regularly drinking alcohol can lead to high blood pressure through weight gain. 

Some of the effects you may experience when taking beta-blockers and drinking alcohol include:

• headaches
• weakness
• dizziness
• fatigue
• drowsiness

The safety of mixing alcohol and beta-blockers can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as:

• your medical history
• your age
• other medications you’re taking
• your sex, as alcohol can affect females more severely than males

If you wish to drink alcohol after being aware of the risks and side effects, speak with your doctor about the safest way to do so. It may be best to avoid alcohol for the first few days until you know how beta-blockers will affect you. If you experience dizziness or other symptoms when drinking alcohol, it is best to stop.

What do beta-blockers do, and which one is best for you?

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What happens if you drink alcohol with propranolol and metoprolol? 

Metoprolol and propranolol are beta-blockers commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure.

Metoprolol XR and propanolol XR are extended-release forms of these drugs, which means the drug enters your body gradually. 

Alcohol consumption can make these drugs release into your system faster, which can make the drugs work differently and increase the risk of side effects, such as:

• a slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• fatigue
• dizziness
• nausea
• constipation
• erectile or sexual dysfunction in some people
• bronchospasm in people with asthma
• a worsening of symptoms in those with Raynaud’s syndrome
• high blood sugar levels
• sleep problems

Healthcare professionals recommend avoiding drinking alcohol when using metoprolol in extended-release form.

Get some tips on managing the side effects of beta-blockers.

Is dosage a factor? 

It is important to speak with your doctor before changing the dosage of your blood pressure medications or prescribed beta-blockers.

Doctors generally recommend avoiding alcohol while taking beta-blockers, no matter the dosage. 

Learn more about propranolol (Inderal) dosage.

When to see a doctor

If you choose to drink alcohol while taking beta-blockers, you should consult your doctor if you experience side effects or worsening adverse effects.

Call 911 or your nearest emergency service if you experience the following:

• Your heart rate speeds up.
• You’re too dizzy to stand up.
• You faint and injure yourself.

Summary

If you’re taking beta-blockers, try to avoid drinking alcohol.

Beta-blockers are medications prescribed to treat high blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions, as well as migraine and anxiety.

Alcohol can alter the effectiveness of these drugs in your system and may increase and worsen the side effects. 

The adverse effects include lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and drowsiness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor. 

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