If you want to minimize your anxiety, beta blockers can help ease your discomfort. Let’s discuss beta blockers and how long it takes them to kick in so that you can get the relief you need from your anxiousness.
What Are Beta Blockers?
Beta-blockers block certain hormones in your body associated with anxiety, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones are released during stress or anxiety, which can worsen your condition. By blocking these hormones, beta blockers can help reduce your feelings of anxiousness.
Some common beta-blockers include:
- acebutolol (Sectral)
- bisoprolol (Zebeta)
- carvedilol (Coreg)
- propranolol (Inderal)
- atenolol (Tenormin)
- metoprolol (Lopressor)
Beta-blockers prescribed to manage anxiety are generally off-label. Propranolol and atenolol are two such beta-blockers commonly prescribed for anxiety relief.
Beta Blockers For Anxiety
Beta-blockers are a medication typically prescribed to treat heart conditions, but they can also benefit people struggling with anxiety. By blocking the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol from binding to specific receptors in the body, beta-blockers can reduce physical symptoms related to anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, and even trembling. Beta-blockers can provide more immediate physical relief from symptoms related to stress, but it is also known that longer-term use can reduce overall stress levels.
When you feel less anxious in your day-to-day life, it becomes easy to manage the discomfort linked to the disorder.
According to a 2016 study that examined short-term propranolol usage for treating different anxiety disorders, the medication’s effects were similar to benzodiazepines.
Do Beta Blockers Help With Social Anxiety?
As per the same review, beta-blockers exhibited low effectiveness in treating social phobias.
How Long Do Beta Blockers Take To Work?
The good news is that most people who take beta blockers will start to feel their effects within an hour or two and find relief within the first day. However, this depends on many factors, including dosage and individual tolerance levels. Some people may experience relief more quickly, while others may take longer to see results. It’s best to talk with your doctor about what type of results you can expect when taking beta blockers for anxiety.
In What Way Should I Consume Beta-Blockers To Manage Anxiety?
Beta-blockers like atenolol and propranolol are available in tablet form, and the appropriate dosage varies depending on the beta-blocker type and your medical background. It’s critical to always stay within the amount prescribed by your physician.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Side effects linked with beta-blockers include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
While these side effects fade away after a few days or weeks of taking the medication, consult your physician if they persist or worsen. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise or relaxation techniques to further reduce anxiety symptoms.
Who Shouldn’t Take Beta-Blockers?
Beta-blockers are a medication used to lower blood pressure and treat heat-related illnesses. In some cases, however, beta-blockers should be avoided either completely or until particular conditions have improved.
- Patients with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, liver disease, and any heart conditions shouldn’t take beta-blockers without consulting their doctor first.
- Women that are pregnant or feed their babies should avoid using this medicine as it can be harmful for both mother and baby
- In addition, people sensitive to this drug’s ingredients or those suffering from depression shouldn’t take beta-blockers unless advised by a doctor.
It is always best to consult a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness before taking this medication.
Conclusion
Beta-blockers are an effective way for those suffering from anxiety to find relief and reduce their symptoms. While most people will begin feeling better within a few hours of taking their first dose, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently. Results may vary from person to person based on numerous factors, such as dosage and individual tolerance levels. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any new medications and follow their advice closely to get the best possible results while minimizing potential side effects.