A common side effect of beta blockers is:

A) They should not be abruptly stopped:
Beta blockers should not be abruptly discontinued because sudden withdrawal can lead to rebound hypertension, tachycardia, and even a risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with heart disease. Gradual tapering is recommended to allow the body to adjust and avoid these adverse effects.

B) They are safe to take with herbal medications:
Herbal medications can interact with beta blockers and alter their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. For example, herbs like St. John's wort can decrease the effectiveness of beta blockers, while others like ginseng may increase the risk of side effects like high blood pressure. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements with beta blockers.

C) It isn't necessary to monitor lab results:
While beta blockers don't require regular lab tests for their direct effects, monitoring is important in certain patients, especially those with underlying conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or diabetes. For example, monitoring renal function, electrolytes, and blood glucose may be necessary for patients who are taking other medications alongside beta blockers or who have coexisting conditions.

D) Taking over-the-counter medications is acceptable:
Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications can interact with beta blockers and affect their effectiveness or cause adverse effects. For example, decongestants (found in many cold medications) can raise blood pressure and counteract the effects of beta blockers.

A) Cough:
Cough is more commonly associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril or lisinopril, rather than with beta blockers. ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. Beta blockers do not generally have a direct effect on causing cough, so this is not a typical side effect of beta blockers.

B) Hypotension:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a common and well-documented side effect of beta blockers. Beta blockers, such as metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol, work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a reduction in heart rate and the force of heart contractions, which can lower blood pressure. In patients with already low blood pressure or those receiving other antihypertensive medications, this effect may be more pronounced and could lead to symptomatic hypotension, such as dizziness or lightheadedness.

C) Anxiety:
Anxiety is not a common side effect of beta blockers. In fact, beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety, particularly for physical symptoms like palpitations and tremors. However, anxiety may worsen in some individuals due to other factors, such as the psychological impact of dealing with heart disease, but this is not a typical side effect of beta blockers.

D) Elevated heart rate:
Beta blockers work to decrease heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors. This leads to a slower heart rate and reduced workload on the heart. Therefore, elevated heart rate is not a common side effect of beta blockers. In fact, if the heart rate becomes too low (bradycardia), this can be a concerning side effect, but it is the opposite of an elevated heart rate.