Taking a beta-blocker "Metropolol" for anxiety and hypertension

[dantescritic]

 I have been taking this medication for 3 days. Ive finally found a medication that somewhat tackles my anxiety. I essentially am getting panic attacks without any symptoms at all, so easy to handle I laugh them away. Is there any idea why this might be happening?

 Also I am scared now that if I end up being able to get off the beta-blockers there is a risk of death if I quit them all of a sudden? Is this true?

[Irishmanwrites]

Hi,


Quite simply, you've been on this med three days, so you don't know if it's working or not realistically and secondly you don't need to worry about cessation.

I was on a high dose beta blocker before and dropped it. I really thought it was working, but after brutal honest analysis I acknowledged it was a placebo type effect. Reflection confirms this.

A beta blocker is a sticky plaster. CBT etc is the answer.

[Ginger Tea]

I can't help you with the symptom relief answers, but my mom takes Metoprolol for a heart condition, and there is a warning to not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor. Since it affects blood pressure, that makes sense.

[Irishmanwrites]

The warning doesn't apply after 3 days use though!

Realistically, it's not really a solution, as it doesn't have a cumulative effect.

Have you considered SSRI's. These represent your best chance of becoming well and overcoming anxiety(in addition to CBT and exercise)

[mrmanic]

Are you saying the metropolol is the medication that is helping you Dante? If it's helping with your panic and hypertension at the same time that's great. The less meds the better. If you stay on the beta blocker for an extended period of time you will have to taper off gradually with your Dr.s consent. However, if you've found a med that you didn't list as the one that is helping you, you should be able to stop the beta blocker now if you've only been on it for 3 days, as Irishman has said. Though I would suggest you speak to your prescribing Dr. about stopping/starting meds to allay any concerns.

[Caseman]

Beta-blockers can be very, very effective for combating the physical effects of anxiety, but, as Irishman said, they don't really have long-term cumulative effects on mood like other medication options, such as antidepressants. Their main benefit is to mitigate some of the short-term symptoms of anxiety such as trembling, palpitations, sweating, etc.

However, they are pretty effective in this regard, and I feel that they do have the potential to help manage anxiety in the long-term when combined with other options such as CBT, education, SSRI's and exercise.

I take a very low dose beta-blocker (Propranolol - 20 mg) along with an SSRI (Citalopram). I feel it has been a very helpful combo for me, as the Propranolol helps with the nasty physical effects of anxiety, and Citalopram helps restore positive mood. My doc told me I could take the Propranolol every day if I wanted to, but if I feel I don't need it, I don't have to take it.

You should be sure to tell your doctor how you feel the beta-blocker has affected your anxiety. If it is really helpful for you, they can help you decide if it can be part of a long-term approach to managing the anxiety.