Name a commonly used beta-blocker for migraine prevention and one key side effect to monitor.

Name a commonly used beta-blocker for migraine prevention and one key side effect to monitor.

• A. Atenolol; monitor for bronchospasm
• B. Propranolol; monitor for bradycardia
• C. Nadolol; monitor for hyperglycemia
• D. Metoprolol; monitor for fatigue

Answer: (B)

Beta-blockers are used to prevent migraines by dampening sympathetic influences on vascular and neural activity, helping reduce attack frequency. Propranolol is a classic, widely used option for migraine prophylaxis, valued for its nonselective beta-blockade which contributes to its effectiveness. A key safety focus with this medication is bradycardia. Blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart lowers the heart rate, which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, or fainting and may contribute to low blood pressure. This makes monitoring heart rate (and symptoms suggestive of low cardiac output) essential after starting therapy or adjusting dose. In patients with asthma or COPD, the nonselective nature can increase airway reactivity, so watch respiratory status as well, but the primary monitoring point for most patients is heart rate.

Beta-blockers are used to prevent migraines by dampening sympathetic influences on vascular and neural activity, helping reduce attack frequency. Propranolol is a classic, widely used option for migraine prophylaxis, valued for its nonselective beta-blockade which contributes to its effectiveness.

A key safety focus with this medication is bradycardia. Blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart lowers the heart rate, which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, or fainting and may contribute to low blood pressure. This makes monitoring heart rate (and symptoms suggestive of low cardiac output) essential after starting therapy or adjusting dose. In patients with asthma or COPD, the nonselective nature can increase airway reactivity, so watch respiratory status as well, but the primary monitoring point for most patients is heart rate.