Nebilet (nebivolol) is a beta blocker used to to help manage hypertension and, somewhat less commonly, to reduce the frequency and severity of angina and reduce strain on the heart in heart failure.

This medication slows the rate at which the heart beats and dilates blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure and reducing strain on the heart. This can prevent an assortment of very serious complications, including heart attack, stroke, and death.

Beta blockers also see some use in reducing migraine frequency and alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety episodes, though Nebilet is rarely used for these applications. Most patients find better results with propranolol or metoprolol.

What to Expect from Nebilet

Nebilet may be prescribed on its own or along with other medications. It takes around two to three weeks for full benefits to be reached; dosage adjustments are typically made at two- or three-week intervals. It will lower blood pressure regardless of why it's being taken; patients with preexisting low blood pressure issues may want to consider other products.

Most patients are prescribed Nebilet to treat high blood pressure, however, making its blood pressure-lowering properties beneficial. High blood pressure often has no symptoms until a serious event occurs, so patients probably won't notice a significant difference in how they feel even if the medication is working perfectly. It is critical that patients continue to take the medication even if otherwise feeling fine.

Nebilet will not cure high blood pressure, and lifestyle changes that address the underlying issue are usually advised. These changes typically include:

• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating healthy
• Reducing sodium in diet
• Quitting smoking

Other lifestyle changes may also be advised. If made and maintained lifestyle changes may be enough to eventually stop taking hypertension treatments, though this is not always the case. If lifestyle changes are not made or are insufficient to control blood pressure, Nebilet will likely be taken for years, even for the remainder of life.

Dosage & Administration

Nebilet comes in 5 mg tablets, which can be taken with or without food according to personal preference. Tablets can be split if doses smaller than 5 mg are required. They may also be crushed and mixed in soft food for those who have difficulty---or an aversion to---swallowing whole tablets.

The majority of patients are started on 5 mg per day. Patients with other medical conditions or taking other medications may be started on 2.5 mg per day.

If needed dosage may be increased every two weeks in 5 mg increments up to 40 mg per day, though it is rare that a patient will require such a high dose; other medications are usually introduced instead.

Treatment should never be discontinued abruptly; if ending treatment---even if simply switching to a different medication---dosage should be gradually tapered off over several weeks. Abruptly stopping treatment can cause very serious side effects, including heart attack. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan.

Treatment may continue indefinitely provided no adverse effects develop. The majority of patients take Nebilet for years without any serious side effects, keeping blood pressure within healthy ranges and reducing strain on the heart. Taken as directed this medication can make a big difference in maintaining independence, avoiding lengthy and costly hospital stays, and even extending life.

Adverse Reactions

Most side effects associate with Nebilet are related to lowered blood pressure; patients may experience:

• Mild fatigue
• Mild confusion
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Cold and/or tingling hands and/or feet

These symptoms typically fade away as the body adjusts and are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive. Some caution should be exercised performing dangerous tasks until effects are known.

Other medical conditions and medications can increase the risk of more severe side effects, however; Nebilet should be used with caution if there is any history of:

• Diabetes
• Low blood pressure
• Any heart problems
• Any circulation problems
• Kidney or liver problems
• Any thyroid disorders
• Depression or mental illness
• Any muscle disorders

And medications of concern include:

• Medications that affect heart rhythm
• Epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Medications to treat mental or mood disorders
• Medications that affect blood sugar levels

It's common for other hypertension medications to be taken along with Nebilet, such as diuretics, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. Note that taking more than one beta-blocker at the same time can have very serious consequences.