Bystolic is a drug that is often prescribed by doctors for treatment of high blood pressure. It is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents or beta-blockers. It comes in tablet form and usually is prescribed for once-a-day use.  The generic name of this drug is nebivolol and it is manufactured and distributed by Forest Pharmaceuticals.

Doctors usually prescribe a starting dosage of 5 mg once a day for patients with high blood pressure. But the dosage may be increased up to 40 mg daily if there is no significant improvement in the patient’s blood pressure levels. However, patients who have severe kidney troubles may have to start with a lower dosage like 2.5 mg daily.

Dosing of Bystolic may also vary depending on factors like the severity of the high blood pressure, the patient’s response to the drug, and other medications he is taking.  Bystolic price may from one drugstore to another.

Short-Term Side Effects

While the use of Bystolic is generally considered safe according to clinical trials, there is still a risk of side effects like any other drug. The most commonly reported side effect of the drug is headache which happens in nearly 1 out of every 10 people who used the drug. The next most common complaint about using Bystolic is dizziness, followed by diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia.

Long-Term Side Effects

The long-term use of Bystolic can also lead to serious side effects like fainting or light headedness, a sign of low blood pressure. Other serious side effects of the drug are difficulty in breathing, chest pain, slow heart rate, gout, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides. It can also cause the worsening of asthma and heart failure. Allergic reaction may also occur, the signs of which include itching, wheezing, rashes, hives and difficulty in breathing.