Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant like sertraline to treat these imbalances. For heart conditions or high blood pressure, treatment is usually long term and may be for the rest of your life. The most common side effects of beta-blockers are slow heart rate and low blood pressure. Alcohol’s impact on beta-blockers ranges based on the type of beta-blocker. Alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of beta-blockers by changing how they are released into the body or the speed at which the body metabolizes them. Mixing metoprolol and alcohol, for https://ecosoberhouse.com/ example, can speed up the release of the drug into our body and decrease its effectiveness.

Reporting side effects

beta blockers for anxiety and alcohol

If you’re not sure what’s behind your anxiety, speaking to a doctor, therapist or healthcare professional could help. It’s normal to feel anxious about certain things, such as drug addiction treatment a driving test, job interview, presentation or stressful work situation. However, people react differently to treatment, so exploring various options is essential.

What Kind of Anxiety Does Propranolol Help?

Discuss taking propranolol with your doctor or midwife as you may need extra scans to check your baby’s growth. Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine. The amount of propranolol that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person. If you’re taking propranolol as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you’re:

beta blockers for anxiety and alcohol

Please note this isn’t an exhaustive list of common side effects. Be sure to read through the manufacturer’s pamphlet included with your prescription and the treatment plan from your medical provider for more information. I was more nervous than usual the week beforehand, to the point where I was dreading the wedding. I took 40mg an hour before the speech as my anxiety was unbearable. Then when it came to my turn to deliver the speech (in front of 70 people) I felt amazing. I felt confident and was able to just focus on the material and delivering a great speech.

What Does a Typical Treatment Regimen Look Like?

Studies show exercise decreases overall anxiety by stabilizing your mood, improving your sleep, and boosting self-esteem. It only takes about five minutes of aerobic exercise to start the anti-anxiety effect on your body. Some of these are helpful changes (alertness, rapid breathing, tense muscles) if you’re about to fight a bear.

Alternative Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Anxiety

  • They might suggest counseling, support groups, or lifestyle modifications that work alongside your beta blocker treatment.
  • If you or someone you know is struggling with untreated anxiety, you’re not alone.

For heart conditions or high blood pressure, propranolol can take up to a week to reach its full effect. You may not feel any different but that does not mean it is not working. When you are anxious, your brain makes chemical messengers called adrenaline and noradrenaline. Propranolol helps block the effects does alcohol give you anxiety of these chemical messengers. If you drink alcohol while taking a beta-blocker, your blood pressure could potentially drop too low. This can cause symptoms including dizziness, nausea, and fainting.