Side-effects of beta-blockers assessed using visual analogue scales.

Visual analogue scales were used in a pilot study to compare side-effects in patients receiving antihypertensive drugs either including or excluding beta-blockers. Compared with symptom scores for patients receiving antihypertensive medication other than a beta-blocker, symptom scores (when combined) for patients receiving a beta-blocker were significantly higher for tired legs (p less than 0.001), cold digits (p less than 0.005), and vivid dreams (p less than 0.01). These methods were also applied in a postal survey which was designed to compare the incidence of symptoms in patients receiving different beta-blockers with symptoms in subjects receiving no drugs. When compared with symptom scores for subjects receiving no drugs, symptom scores (when combined) for patients receiving beta-blockers were significantly higher for tired legs (p less than 0.001), cold digits (p less than 0.01), insomnia (p less than 0.01), and lack of well-being (p less than 0.01). These two studies were consistent in showing higher symptom scores for tired legs and cold digits in patients receiving beta-blockers. However, there were inconsistencies regarding sleep disturbance. Increased dreaming was apparent in the pilot study whereas increased insomnia was apparent from the postal survey. These inconsistencies cannot be explained. No significant differences in side-effects were apparent between different beta-blockers.