Bystolic (Nebivolol) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Nebivolol is in a class of medications called beta-blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation. Nebivolol (Generic) is also available for purchase. 

Nebivolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. To help you remember to take nebivolol, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nebivolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of nebivolol and gradually increase your dose not more than once every 2 weeks. Nebivolol controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. It may take 2 weeks before the full benefit of nebivolol is seen in blood pressure readings. Continue to take nebivolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking nebivolol without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking nebivolol it may cause angina (chest pain), heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually over 1 to 2 weeks.

Before taking nebivolol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nebivolol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in nebivolol tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Especially, amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); beta-blockers such as acebutolol (Sectral), bupropion (Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin, Zyban); calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, others); duloxetine (Cymbalta); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra, in Symbyax); haloperidol (Haldol); insulin; oral medications for diabetes; methadone (Dolophine, Methadose); paroxetine (Paxil); and sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra). This is not a complete list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have a slow heart rate, heart or liver disease, or heart failure. Your doctor may tell you not to take nebivolol.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung diseases, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), problems with blood circulation, kidney disease, severe allergies, or pheochromocytoma (a tumor that develops on a gland near the kidneys and may cause high blood pressure and fast heart rate).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking nebivolol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking nebivolol.
• you should know that nebivolol may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are using nebivolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.

Nebivolol may cause side effects including:

• headache
• tiredness or weakness
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach pain
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• numbness, burning or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. 

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• chest pain
• slow heart rate
• difficulty breathing
• unusual weight gain
• signs of an allergic reaction including rash and/or swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Nebivolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Q: Why is Bystolic prescribed?

A: Nebivolol is used to control high blood pressure.

Q: What kind of lifestyle changes should I make while taking Bystolic?

A: Bystolic may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert until you get used to the medication. 

Q: Does Bystolic have a generic alternative?

A: Yes, Nebivolol (Generic) is available for purchase at a lower price than the brand name.

Q: How long until I see the effects of Bystolic?

A: It may take 2 weeks before the full benefit of nebivolol is seen in blood pressure readings. 

Q: Are there any known drugs that interact with Bystolic?

A: Another beta-blocker such as atenolol, an antibiotic such as terbinafine (Lamisil); an antidepressant such as clomipramine (Anafranil), heart rhythm medicine such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), HIV or AIDS medicine such as delavirdine (Rescriptor), and any other medications not mentioned here. This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Bystolic. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. 

Q: What if I miss a dose of Bystolic?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).