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Does Intake Of Propranolol Help In Treating Anxiety?
Question: I have always had anxiety and to some extent been in denial for years. I believe my exact indication is adrenal fatigue. With that I also had slightly high blood pressure therefore I asked for atenolol.. Then propranolol, however they made my mind foggy and I was lethargic.. Since then I have tried lots of different SSRIs with the same effect, everything controls my anxiety but makes me lethargic. I now take Wellbutrin for a week and feel I don't feel as sleepy/tired as all the other meds I have tried but currently my anxiety is higher. I just stay on Wellbutrin as it's the only thing that's helps with my fatigue, hence I want to add something to reduce the current anxiety. Would propranolol, or atenolol help? At what dose? Is there a better alternative to these 2?
Brief Answer:
Propranolol is better option
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
I am glad to know that years of hit and trial with different medications finally paid in regard to fatigue and you are feeling better with wellbutrin. Unfortunately wellbutrin is good antidepressant but lacks anti anxiety properties and so there is definite need to control anxiety with another medication.
I feel there are two options in this regard.
1. Propranolol- It is good in this regard as it controls most peripheral symptoms of anxiety. The problem with this is that it does not help much in central symptoms such as dizziness, restlessness. If you do not have central symptoms you can go for 40 mg sustained release preparation once a day provided there are no health conditions.
2. Fluoxetine- This could be another medication for your disposal. This is SSRI but does not cause any sedation in majority of patients. It helps with all symptoms of anxiety and considered among the first line treatment option for anxiety.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Propranolol is better option
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
I am glad to know that years of hit and trial with different medications finally paid in regard to fatigue and you are feeling better with wellbutrin. Unfortunately wellbutrin is good antidepressant but lacks anti anxiety properties and so there is definite need to control anxiety with another medication.
I feel there are two options in this regard.
1. Propranolol- It is good in this regard as it controls most peripheral symptoms of anxiety. The problem with this is that it does not help much in central symptoms such as dizziness, restlessness. If you do not have central symptoms you can go for 40 mg sustained release preparation once a day provided there are no health conditions.
2. Fluoxetine- This could be another medication for your disposal. This is SSRI but does not cause any sedation in majority of patients. It helps with all symptoms of anxiety and considered among the first line treatment option for anxiety.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Would taking the propranolol with Wellbutrin not cause the same level of lethargy and the wanting to sleep? my other concern with SSRI's or propranolol is weight gain. Would taking them with Wellbutrin counteract these 2 issues? Or will I still risk the side effects? Any alternatives that wouldn't cause these side effects?
Brief Answer:
Very unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
Since Wellbutrin is stimulating medication there is little chance that you will develop any lethargy or sleepiness. In addition sustained release preparation of propranolol have less risk to cause sedation and lethargy in compare to immediate release.
Again Fluoxetine is almost weight neutral.There is enough evidence that fluoxetine causes weight gain in underweight and losses weight for those who are overweight in initial six months. Post six months the effect on weight is reversed thus indicating toward nil effect over weight in long turn. In regard to wellbutrin it is also a weight neutral and in some cases causes loss of weight. Considering above information the weight gain and lethargy will not be issue for you.
The alternatives have their own merits and demerits and I think should be tried only after above discussed two options.
I hope this clarifies.
Thanks and regards.
Very unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
Since Wellbutrin is stimulating medication there is little chance that you will develop any lethargy or sleepiness. In addition sustained release preparation of propranolol have less risk to cause sedation and lethargy in compare to immediate release.
Again Fluoxetine is almost weight neutral.There is enough evidence that fluoxetine causes weight gain in underweight and losses weight for those who are overweight in initial six months. Post six months the effect on weight is reversed thus indicating toward nil effect over weight in long turn. In regard to wellbutrin it is also a weight neutral and in some cases causes loss of weight. Considering above information the weight gain and lethargy will not be issue for you.
The alternatives have their own merits and demerits and I think should be tried only after above discussed two options.
I hope this clarifies.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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