1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Anxiety Disorders

Beta blockers and citalopram

Posted , 7 users are following.

Rox1992
Rox1992

Hi guys. I am currently taking 10mg of citalopram and yesterday I went to the docs because my anxiety was sky high. He prescribed me beta blockers. They are only 10mg.

And of course because I am so anxious I've been researching them. 

I've read a lot of negative posts about how beta blockers can make you even more depressed. But if I'm taking theses  and antidepressant alongside it will this happen? I've been extremely low all day today. Now I'm freaking out. 

Need reassurance please. Xx

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Anonymous111
    Anonymous111 Rox1992

    Posted

    So yes Beta-Blockers can lower mood.

    They are used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety (tremors) and panic attacks (Palpitations, SOB, Chest tightness).

    Is it Propranolol you've been prescribed?

     

    • Rox1992
      Rox1992 Anonymous111

      Posted

      Yes but only 10mg. So why would a doctor prescribe you something that would make you feel low if you're already feeling low? Does this last long if you get this side effect?  

    • Anonymous111
      Anonymous111 Rox1992

      Posted

      That side effect doesn't effect everyone, but yes it can last for as long as your on the drug.

       

    • Rox1992
      Rox1992 Anonymous111

      Posted

      I don't understand why it would be prescribed alongside an anti depressant. So strange! Have you taken them? 

    • pamela51740
      pamela51740 Rox1992

      Posted

      I've been on beta blockers 2 months 40mg x 3 and it hasn't lowered my mood, I find it does nothing for my anxiety!

  • sylwia30346
    sylwia30346 Rox1992

    Posted

    Hi Rox, I've been on propranolol for the last 3 months, initially 2 x 10mg for the first month and 10 mg in the morning for the last 2 months. I personally didn't find them lowering my mood at all, in fact itreallybhas helped me with my anxiety and it has helped me come out of that deepest and darkest place. I am trying to come off them now as I don't think I need them anymore, butmy mood is a bit lower now comparing to how I was when I was on them. It's prob all psychological tho. I would give it a try if I was you. I had zero side effect while on it.

    • sylwia30346
      sylwia30346 Rox1992

      Posted

      I am only on beta blockers as I didn't want antidepressants. They didn't agree with me anyway so I stopped after 1 tablet of sertraline.

  • alison88042
    alison88042 Rox1992

    Posted

    Hi there, I took both for a long while. I still take the beta blocker now (10mg per day). It’s such a low dose it’s probably more of a placebo than anything else. I’ve had no side effects from the beta blockers but had awful side effects with citalipram for a while. 
    • Rox1992
      Rox1992 alison88042

      Posted

      I have been on the citalopram for 22 days now and I took the beta blocker at the same time this morning. But by the time it hit the afternoon I felt so very low. I'm scared to feel like this again tomorrow 😔  Did you have times where you felt really depressed before you felt better?

    • alison88042
      alison88042 Rox1992

      Posted

      Hi Rox. I still have times when I feel really low but I’m not convinced it’s anything to do with the beta blockers. I think that’s just my anxiety. The beta blockers are best taken when you’re feeling really anxious and need to calm down. Sometimes I take them twice a day when I’m feeling particularly crappy. 
    • Rox1992
      Rox1992 alison88042

      Posted

      That's good to know. When you say crappy.. do you mean when you feel low? Does the beta blocker pick you up a little? Xx

  • alison88042
    alison88042 Rox1992

    Posted

    Hi Rox, I take them when I feel anxious not low, and they bring my heart rate down a bit. That’s all they do. 
  • toby71217
    toby71217 Rox1992

    Posted

    Hi Rox, I've been on Citlopram, and propanalol for almost two years 20mg both. Three months ago my doctor gave me zanex as well. For anxiety. I also take enelapril. My upper heart is enlarged due to stress. I haven't had any problems with them, but it was a long road with a lot of medications tried with a lot of falures. Keep working with your doctor, and unless your having major side effects give them a chance. My doctor told me with both the citlopram and propanalol that the way they work you wouldn't notice a big change but a gradual change in the depression and she was right. Thats under control now. My health issues and Family issues keep my anxiety through the roof, hence the zanax. Good luck and God bless.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.