What do beta blockers do for hyperthyroidism?
There are many treatments available for hyperthyroidism, including radioactive iodine and surgery, but one medication that is often prescribed by doctors is called beta blockers. But what exactly do beta blockers do for hyperthyroidism, you ask? Well, let me enlighten you.
Understanding Hyperthyroidism
Before we delve into the specifics of how beta blockers help with hyperthyroidism, let’s first define what this condition actually is.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, tremors/shaking hands,and surprise…heart palpitations!
Enter Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are a type of medication that works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on your body. Adrenaline is responsible for causing many symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism like shaking and heart palpitations (I know right?! That little chemical has all the power)
Beta-blockers specifically target beta-adrenergic receptors in your body to block adrenaline from binding to them. This results in decreased heart rate and blood pressure levels as well as reduced anxiety (as if we don’t already have enough reasons to love it!)
Benefits of Using Beta Blockers
Now that we understand how these drugs work at a basic level,it’s time to talk about some benefits which makes them our go-to mediciations:
1.Relief From Pesky Symptoms
As mentioned earlier,beta blockers can provide relief from certain symptoms related to an overactive thyroid (like those pesky shakes) very quickly with their rapid onset action. No more jitters or racing heartbeat – they’ll be gone before you know it!
2.No Need For Surgery Or Radiactive Iodine Treatment
While surgery or radioactive iodine may still be needed in some cases, beta blockers can provide a less invasive treatment option that doesn’t require as much downtime or recovery.
3.A Side Effect Smorgasbord
While many medications come with their fair share of side effects (yay, more things to deal with!), beta blockers generally have fewer side effects compared to other treatments for hyperthyroidism. This is good news! You will spend less time pondering if the solution was worth the pain it causes.
Types Of Beta Blockers Used For Hyperthyroidism
There are several types of beta blockers available on the market today, and doctors may prescribe different ones based on your unique needs (so don’t go pretending you know what’s best). Here are three common choices:
1.Atenolol
Atenolol is a cardioselective medication which means that it primarily affects the heart. It’s used to treat rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure but because it does not cross into brain tissue very easily,this makes this as an ideal choice for people who want relief from physical symptoms without any mental haziness.
2.Metoprolol
Metoprololis another frequently prescribed beta blocker – unlike atenolol, this one doeshave a greater ability to cross over into brain tissue,because# balanceyyyy!! It treats palpitations,racing thoughts due to anxiety,and eye problems quite effectively so you feel like falling off the bed again (sorry I meant sofa..)
3.Propranolol
Propanalolis sometimes calledthe kingof all beta-blockers’. This bad boy has been around since dinosaurs (okay fine,1970s)and takes care of pretty much every symptom related be it anxiety,faster heart rate OR tremors/shaking hands.No more guessing games- Propanalols gotcha covered!
Getting The Dosage Right! A Word To The Wise
While beta blockers may provide relief for those with hyperthyroidism, it’s important to note that the dosage can vary from patient to patient,didn’t we tell you? (Nope!We didn’t).It’s always better to start off with a lower dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved while monitoring carefully for possible side-effects,because let’s be honest who wants palpitations on top of palpitations?!
Precautions
Like any medication, beta blockers do come with their share of precautions:
1.Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
As a general rule, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking medications unless they have been cleared by a doctor so keep your hands off!
2.Deeper Illnesses
If you’re already dealing with serious heart conditions such as congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),then Beta Blockers might not be an ideal choice because in some cases they could hamper the treatment rather than advance it.
3.May Aggravate Psychiatric Disorders
Finally,might sound strange but if somebody has got history of depression medicines containing Propanalol may worsen these symptoms.So its better seeking doctor’s help at earliest without any delay!
Conclusion
Beta-blockers are among the most popular drugs used in helping people deal with hyperthyroidism because as benefits suggests- quick onset action;minimum side effects,and noticeable relief from anxiety,racing heartbeat and tremors…now isn’t that something alluring ? So stop wasting time wondering what treatments are best;go grab yourself some Beta-blockers now folks!