Beta blockers as doping | Beta blocker

Beta blockers as doping

Beta-blockers slow down the performance functions of the body by inhibiting the action of the stress hormones adrenaline or noradrenaline. At first glance, therefore, misuse of the drugs as doping agents does not appear to make much sense. However, a beta-blocker can have a positive effect on performance in sports that require high concentration and possibly physical rest.

These include sports such as car racing, billiards or shooting sports. For this reason, beta blockers have been banned in these disciplines since 2009. Beta-blockers are also considered doping substances in other sports, including archery, various winter sports and golf.

Athletes can reduce their nervousness before competitions and may therefore have a calmer hand. In sports where the main focus is on high endurance or strength performance, such as cycling, swimming or running, beta-blockers are not considered to be doping substances because they do not support these performances. However, if the beta-blockers have been prescribed for a condition such as high blood pressure, they can also be used in sports competitions. A medical certificate is required for this.

Beta blockers and alcohol – is that compatible?

Anyone taking beta blockers regularly should avoid the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol has a vasodilating effect. This reduces the resistance in the blood vessels, so that the blood pressure drops.

Together with the blood pressure-lowering effect of the beta-blockers, this can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure. This can result in dizziness, loss of balance or circulatory failure (fainting). If a fall occurs, serious injuries, for example to the head, can result.

In addition to these effects on blood pressure, the use of beta-blockers and the consumption of alcohol are not compatible in the sense that special possible side effects of beta-blockers can occur or be intensified by the consumption of alcohol. Especially if the drug is not yet being taken for a long time, alcohol should be avoided completely in this initial phase. In the course of time, the occasional consumption of a glass of wine or beer is usually well tolerated and is therefore harmless.

Moderation in the consumption of alcohol is crucial. Patients who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol and who cannot or do not want to do without it should not be treated with beta blockers in the first place.