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Is switching from SSRI/SNRI to beta blocker okay?

Posted , 3 users are following.

krmx0
krmx0

I have been on SNRI/SSRI for a few years. The last few months, I've been changing my medicine due to certain side effects. On the last visit, I switched to a beta blocker. I take Propranolol 20mg 1x a day in the morning. All throughout the night and early morning, I am having severe side effects (heart palpitations, brain zaps/shocks or stingers). My NP said it was okay to just stop the SNRI that i was on and start the BB, but everything I read says to not just abruptly stop your SNRI/SSRI. Does anyone have any insight on this?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mauiblue
    mauiblue krmx0

    Posted

    Hi

    who is tellilng you to just d/c ssri without tapering? I can only say that you are better suited to taper off any med vs. abruptly discontinuing.

    I know that propanolol can help for anxiety in people, and basically lowers the whole cardiac conduction so your heart is slowed, and heartbear slower. 

    so in my opinion

    i would get the orders exactly from your provider NP as to how to add one and remove the other. Both can certainly be taken together, but it sounds like the side effects are not tolerable.

    Ask your provider, its their job to make sure your meds are being managed safely and not erratic like it sounds.

    Let us know

    xoxoxo

     

  • mauiblue
    mauiblue krmx0

    Posted

    I wanted to add

    you dont know what is reacting to what if you are taking both meds.

    Just make sure the doc knows your symptoms, and you might not be tolerant of the beta blocker even though its a mild dose.

    x0x0

  • borderriever
    borderriever krmx0

    Posted

    Krmx

    You follow any professional advice given, that is all I can suggest. Beta Blockers do have some side effects and you need to ask yourself can these side effects introduce me to a good treatment pathway.

    Sometimes with many AD medications side effects in the early stages, possibly up to five weeks so you need to give them time to work. If you keep changing medications because of minimal side effects the number of medications reduce and they may need to scratch their heads to find a suitable drug for you.to take.

    I have been introduced to a new medication to reduce pain, and I have to allow time for the drug to work, even though the dose I am taking seems not to work, they will be trying different doses so I need to understand and allow enough time for this drug to work

    BOB

  • borderriever
    borderriever krmx0

    Posted

    If you are changing medications your GP will explain the best way to introduce the new medication.

    You need to follow their instructions.

    Taking full doses of both medications can be problematic, you need to balance coming off one drug and going onto another. Sometimes both medications can be very much the same, the balance between the two may be the same.

    Personally I am no GP so as said earlier you need to chat to your GP especially if you are taking other medications

    You can also look at the instruction sheet in the boxes of your tablets, you may gain information on those.

    BOB

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