Timolol is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication helps relax blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Timolol may be prescribed alone or in conjunction with other medications as a treatment for hypertension. In addition to medication, you may be prescribed certain lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure (such as exercise and dietary adjustments).

Along with its use as a treatment for high blood pressure, timolol may be prescribed for the treatment of severe migraine headaches.

Timolol is primarily prescribed as a treatment for high blood pressure. This medication may be used alone or in conjunction with other medicines/ therapies to lower blood pressure and prevent further complications such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

High blood pressure is a dangerous – potentially fatal – condition in which the heart is met with too much resistance from blocked or narrowed arteries as it tries to pump blood and oxygen around your body. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to an array of serious health issues including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and many more complications. Nearly ½ of Americans have high blood pressure, and heart disease is the leading cause of death of people in the United States.

A migraine is a headache disorder that generally affects one side of the head and causes intense pain. These throbbing, severe headaches are usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. They may also cause acute sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headache episodes can last anywhere from hours to days, and the pain might be severe enough to prevent you from going about your normal activities.

There is no singular cause of migraines. Neurology researchers continue to study the role that various brain chemicals and hormones play in causing migraines.

Some triggers that may cause a migraine episode include:

• Hormone changes in women
  
• Daily use of pain management medication or headache medication
  
• Stress
  
• Caffeine use
  
• Sensitivity to light or loud sounds
  
• Sensitivity to food additives or ingredients (such as aged cheese, nitrates, or alcohol)
  
• Changes in weather conditions
  
• Exhaustion or physical overexertion
  
• Dieting or missing meals
  
• Dehydration
  

Timolol is classified as a beta-blocker, a common form of heart pressure medication. These medications work by blocking the transmission of certain nerve impulses. When stimulated, nerves release a chemical called epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). Adrenaline can cause blood vessels to tighten and narrow. Narrowed blood vessels make it more difficult for blood to be pumped through the body, leading to an increase in blood pressure.

By preventing epinephrine’s effect on blood vessels, timolol keeps blood vessels relaxed and open which reduces blood pressure and minimizes the risk of cardiac conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

It’s important to note that timolol can help manage high blood pressure and migraines, but will not cure these conditions. Because of this, timolol is commonly prescribed with other forms of medication or therapy (such as dietary and lifestyle adjustments).

Timolol has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported while taking timolol include:

• Headache
  
• Dizziness/ lightheadedness
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Cold hands/ feet
  
• Heartburn
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, weight gain, or chest pain while taking timolol.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before taking timolol. Timolol can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with timolol. If you become pregnant while taking timolol, inform your health care provider immediately.

For adults managing high blood pressure, timolol is prescribed as a 10 mg tablet to be taken twice a day. This dosage may increase depending on your need and how well you tolerate the medication.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of timolol without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Timolol is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not timolol is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for timolol to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.