Close clinical observation minimizes the complications of beta-blocker withdrawal.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether beta-blocker withdrawal under close medical supervision poses undue risks.


METHODS
Retrospective case review. Data extracted from previous study.


METHODS
114 hypertensive subjects tapered from beta-blocker therapy. Subjects were a subset of patients originally studied for blood pressure medication withdrawal and biofeedback training.


METHODS
Frequency of symptoms and adverse effects reported by subjects during medication taper to the study nurse.


RESULTS
Symptoms were no more likely to occur with beta-blocker withdrawal than with withdrawal of other types of antihypertensive medications. Most adverse effects were classified as minor. Two subjects experienced major symptoms. One subject required reinstitution of beta-blockers for palpitations, and another exhibited angina upon beta-blocker withdrawal.


CONCLUSIONS
In well-screened patients under careful monitoring, withdrawal from beta-blockers appears to present a small, manageable risk.
Eisele
G
G
Division of Nephrology, Albany Medical College, NY.
Gilmore
L L
LL
Blanchard
E B
EB
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists