How to Cope With the Side Effects of Coreg

Coreg is a beta-blocker which is a type of heart medication. Coreg is prescribed by doctors for people who have had heart attacks in the past, have heart failure or high blood pressure. Coreg can help your condition by reducing how hard your heart has to work. As with other medications Coreg may cause some side effects but there are ways to cope with them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Pay attention to diet. Some people may have weight gain as a side effect of taking Coreg. Combat weight gain by eating a diet high in healthy lean proteins such as chicken and fish. Eat food which are grilled or broiled instead of fried. Add fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Limit driving when first taking Coreg. Dizziness and feeling like you are going to faint may be a side effect for some people. Until you determine if this will be a problem for you, avoid driving.
3. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine. Since insomnia may be a side effect, developing good sleep habits is essential. Limit caffeinated beverages and do relaxing activities before bed such as taking a warm bath, reading or listening to music. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
4. Pace yourself throughout the day. Some people experience fatigue when taking Coreg. Cope with fatigue by taking periodic breaks throughout the day. Consider taking a nap if it does not prevent you from sleeping at night. Moderate exercise if approved by your doctor may help decrease fatigue.
5. Monitor your blood sugar often if you are a diabetic. Coreg may increase blood sugar levels. Talk with your doctor about ways to maintain a steady blood sugar level.
6. Be aware of serious side effects. Serious side effects are rare but if they occur you need to seek immediate medical assistance. Serious side effects include extreme shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, confusion and chest pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Only take Coreg as prescribed by your doctor.
• Don't drink alcohol two or three hours before or after taking Coreg. It can interfere with how the drug is released into your bloodstream.
• Avoid breaking the pill in half. Swallow it whole. It is an extended release medication. Breaking it can interfere with how much of the drug is released initially.