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Carvedilol appears to reduce mortality from heart failure. Carvedilol is a beta blocker that also affects alpha1 receptors. Of 1,094 people with chronic heart failure, 696 took approximately 45 milligrams of carvedilol every day and 398 took a placebo. Most of the participants were taking other heart medications. Treatment lasted up to 15 months. Three percent of the patients taking carvedilol died compared to 8% of those in the placebo group. Hospitalization rates were 27% less in the carvedilol group compared to the placebo group. Heart rate dropped significantly in those taking carvedilol but blood pressure remained the same in both groups. Dizziness was the most common side effect of carvedilol followed by fatigue and shortness of breath. Only 6% of those taking carvedilol had to stop taking the drug because of side effects. Other beta blockers may not have the same effect on mortality as carvedilol.