How do beta blocker medicines help with anxiety? What makes them such a good go to medicine for anxiety? Beta blockers are medications that are commonly used to treat a range of conditions, particularly those related to the heart and blood vessels. They are adrenaline blockers for anxiety, specifically, they work by blocking the effects of adrenaline (also called epinephrine) and other stress hormones on beta receptors in the body. I’m going to pinpoint seven such beta blockers, the therapeutic dosage range and side effects (if any) in this post.

Atenolol Used For Anxiety

While atenolol is primarily used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure, it may also be prescribed off-label to help manage symptoms of anxiety. This is because beta-blockers can reduce some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, tremors, and sweating. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe a low dose of atenolol (such as 25 mg per day) to help manage physical symptoms of anxiety such as tremors or rapid heartbeat.

Side Effects From Atenolol

Some potential side effects of atenolol use include:

• Weakness and fatigue: Atenolol can cause tiredness, weakness, or fatigue in some people, which can impact daily activities.
• Dizziness: Atenolol can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly or getting out of bed.
• Depression: Some people may experience depression or other mood changes while taking atenolol.
• Cold hands and feet

Reduced blood flow to the hands and feet, which can cause these areas to feel cold and/or tingly. This happens because the medication can reduce the heart rate and reduce the force of heart’s contractions, which can decrease the volume of blood being pumped through the body. The usual starting dose of atenolol is 25 mg per day, taken orally. The dose may be increased gradually up to 100 mg per day, depending on individual response to treatment. The total daily dose may be split into multiple doses per day, taken with or without food.

Side Effects From Atenolol cont’d

It’s important to note that the use of atenolol to treat anxiety is still somewhat controversial. In addition, beta-blockers can have potential side effects such as depression, and sexual dysfunction. I was put on atenolol when I was first diagnosed with anxiety. It worked really good until all of a sudden, I was taken off of it, then the anxiety came back ten fold. I swear, nowadays you have no say so about the medicines you’re taking at least with some doctors, anyway!

Metoprolol Used For Anxiety

By reducing the workload on the heart, metoprolol can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events in people with heart disease. In addition to its use in treating heart-related conditions, metoprolol can also be used off-label to help manage symptoms of anxiety, migraine headaches, and certain types of tremors. Metoprolol is available in several different formulations, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and injectable formulations. The specific form and dosage of metoprolol prescribed will depend on the condition being treated, the patient’s individual response to treatment, and other factors such as age, weight, and medical history.

Side Effects From Metoprolol

Here are some of the side effects with metoprolol.

• Fatigue and weakness: Metoprolol can cause tiredness, weakness, or fatigue in some people, which can impact daily activities.
• Cold hands and feet: Metoprolol can cause poor circulation, which can lead to cold hands and feet.
• Dizziness: Metoprolol can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly or getting out of bed.
• Low blood pressure: Metoprolol can lower blood pressure, which can be a problem for people who are already prone to low blood pressure.

In rare cases, metoprolol can cause more serious side effects such as allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and liver problems. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any severe or unusual symptoms while taking metoprolol. It may start to work within an hour or two of taking the first dose. However, the full effects of metoprolol on anxiety may take several weeks or even months to manifest fully.

Bisoprolol Used For Anxiety

Bisoprolol is available in tablet form, typically taken once daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. The specific dosage and duration of treatment will depend on several factors, including the condition being treated, the patient’s age and medical history, and their individual response to treatment. Some of the common side effects of bisoprolol include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, and cold hands and feet. It’s important to take bisoprolol only as directed by your healthcare provider and to report any side effects or concerns. Here are some possible digestive side effects that may occur while taking bisoprolol:

Side Effects From Bisoprolol

• Nausea: Some people report feeling nausea and an upset stomach while taking bisoprolol.
• Abdominal pain: Bisoprolol can cause abdominal pain or discomfort in some people.
• Diarrhea: Bisoprolol can cause diarrhea or loose stools in some people.
• Constipation: Some people can develop constipation while taking bisoprolol.
• Heartburn: Bisoprolol can cause heartburn or acid reflux in some people.
• Loss of appetite: In some cases, bisoprolol can cause a loss of appetite.

In rare cases, bisoprolol can cause more serious digestive side effects, such as liver problems, that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of liver problems can include dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and upper abdominal pain. Keep in mind that each person’s experience with bisoprolol may be different, and some people may not experience any side effects at all.

Inderal Used For Anxiety

While the brand name Inderal (generic name, propranolol) is used to treat heart problems, there is a potential for this medication to cause other heart problems in rare cases. Specifically, Inderal can cause a slow heart rate, which can be dangerous in people with pre-existing heart conditions. In some cases, Inderal can also exacerbate heart failure in individuals with underlying cardiac problems.

Side Effects From Inderal

Additionally, Inderal can cause an increase in blood pressure in people with pre-existing hypertension when suddenly discontinued, which can also lead to serious cardiac problems.
Inderal is available in several different forms, including tablets and capsules, and is typically taken once or twice a day, or as directed by a healthcare provider. The specific dosage and duration of treatment will depend on several factors, including the condition being treated, the patient’s age and medical history, and their individual response to treatment. If you have any pre-existing heart condition, it is essential to inform your doctor before taking Inderal.

Carvedilol Used For Anxiety

Carvedilol is a newer beta blocker used for anxiety medicine. It is available in extended-release capsules or tablets that are taken once or twice a day, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the individual’s medical history, response to treatment, and other factors.

Side Effects From carvedilol

Some of the common side effects of carvedilol include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Some people may also experience sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, or depression while taking carvedilol. In rare cases, carvedilol may cause more severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, or sudden drops in blood pressure, which could be life-threatening.

Nebivolol Used For Anxiety

Nebivolol is also a newer beta blocker used for anxiety. It helps to improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart. Nebivolol is available in tablet form, typically taken once a day, and the dosage for this medication will be determined by a healthcare provider based on factors such as your medical history, response to treatment, and other factors.

Side Effects From Nebivololl

Common side effects of nebivolol may include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, insomnia, and impotence or decreased libido. In rare cases, nebivolol may cause more serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, or depression.
However, some rare but severe side effects of nebivolol include chest pain/discomfort, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing and swelling of the hand, ankles, or feet.

It is essential to report any side effects or concerns to your healthcare provider. The detrimental effect of nebivolol on sexual function is relatively rare. Many studies have shown that beta-blockers, including nebivolol, have a small but significant negative impact on sexual function in both men and women, although the severity of this effect varies from person to person. However, the incidence of sexual side effects is generally lower for nebivolol than for other beta-blockers. While the side effects are relatively common, they are typically not severe and do not require medical attention.

Severe Side Effects From Nebivolol

However, some rare but severe side effects of nebivolol include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
• Severe allergic reaction, including rash or hives

Labetalol Used For Anxiety

Labetalol is available in tablet or injectable form and is taken several times a day, depending on the condition and individual response to treatment. The dose of labetalol may be adjusted by a healthcare provider or doctor based on factors such as age, weight, medical history, and other factors. Like other beta-blockers, labetalol can cause potential side effects, ranging from mild to severe, including low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and other similar symptoms.

Side Effects From Labetalol

In rare cases, labetalol may cause serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or extremities, or signs of an allergic reaction. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking labetalol, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Beta-blockers are medications used to treat various conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, and migraine headaches.
Some commonly prescribed beta blockers include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, carvedilol, labetalol, nebivolol, bisoprolol and Inderal (propranolol). Beta-blockers are medications used to treat various conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, and migraine headaches. The main side effects caused by beta-blockers are as such fatigue, dizziness, slow heartbeat, cold hands and feet, impotence, depression/anxiety, insomnia, nausea and diarrhea. If you find any of these symptoms while you’re taking beta-blockers, please report it to your doctor.

Articles

-“Large Study Shows 60% Increase In Anxiety/Depression After COVID-19”

https://psychcentral.com/news/study-shows-increased-risk-of-mental-health-disorders-after-covid-19

-“What Are Anxiety Disorders?”

https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/anxiety-disorders

-“Social Anxiety Disorder”

https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder

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Cindee, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re not alone!”