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Anxiety
21 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: Dec 2, 2022
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
Not everyone is able to take first-line anxiety medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines to manage anxiety symptoms. However, there are other treatment options for managing physical anxiety symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and hyperventilating.
In this article, we’ll discuss two beta-blockers—Inderal and Tenormin—which can help treat the physical symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders. Though beta-blockers do not address the psychological causes of anxiety, they help mute the body’s fight-or-flight response, making anxiety physically feel less severe.
We’ll discuss—
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Tenormin | Inderal | |
Drug Class | Beta blocker | Beta blocker |
Brand / Generic Status | Brand name for atenolol | Brand name for propranolol |
Form(s) of the Drug | • Immediate-release tablet | • Extended-release capsule • Immediate-release tablet • Clear, tangerine-flavored liquid suspension |
Standard Dosage | Immediate-release tablet: • 25 mg • 50 mg • 100 mg | Extended-release capsule: • 60mg • 80mg Immediate-release tablet: • 10 mg • 20 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg Liquid suspension: • 40mg |
Conditions Treated | FDA-approved uses: • High blood pressure • Chest pain (angina) • Post-heart attack Off-label uses: • Anxiety disorder • Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter • Ventricular arrhythmias • Supraventricular tachycardia • Thyrotoxicosis • Marfan syndrome with aortic aneurysm • Migraine headache prevention | FDA-approved uses: • Hypertension • Heart attacks Off-label uses: • Anxiety disorder |
Cost | Brand name: • $392 to $432 for a 30-day supply Generic (atenolol): • $1 to $10 for a 30-day supply | Brand name: • Not available for Rx Generic (propranolol): • $3.68 to $26.55 for a 30-day supply |
Side-Effects | Common side effects: • Fatigue or increased drowsiness • Vertigo • Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing • GI upset • Dry mouth • Difficulty sleeping • Dry mouth • Weakness • Runny nose • Tinnitus • Increased anxiety • Muscle or joint pain • Sexual dysfunction Serious side effects: • Chest pain • Severe shortness of breath • Irregular heartbeat • Drops in blood pressure or heart rate | Common side effects: • Dizziness or lightheadedness • Nausea or vomiting • Diarrhea or constipation • Stomach cramping • Insomnia • Sore throat • Runny nose or congestion Serious side effects: • Slow or uneven heartbeats • Difficulty breathing • Weakness or loss of coordination • Vision problems • Coldness in your hands or feet • Depression • Confusion or hallucinations • Swelling • Rapid weight gain • Low blood sugar |
Warnings For Use | Contraindicated conditions: • AV block • Any heart condition • Liver or kidney disease • Diabetes • Overactive thyroid • Raynaud’s syndrome Drug interactions: • Other hypertensive medications • Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors • Stimulants • Certain diabetic medications • Antipsychotics • Some antibiotics • Duloxetine or Cymbalta • NSAIDs | Drug interactions: • Clonazepam • Cymbalta • Flexeril • Klonopin • Prozac • Seroquel • Trazodone • Xanax • Zoloft |
Tenormin and Inderal are both a part of the class of drugs called beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents.
Beta-blockers are a class of medications that work by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the body’s beta receptors. These hormones, which are also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine, are released by the adrenal glands in response to stress or other stimuli, and they can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological responses.
By blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on beta receptors, beta blockers can slow down the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the force of the heart’s contractions. This can help to reduce the workload on the heart, which can be beneficial for people with conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain), and certain heart conditions.
Beta-blockers can also help to reduce anxiety and tremors by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the body’s beta receptors. This is why they are sometimes used to treat conditions such as social anxiety disorder, performance anxiety, and other anxiety-related conditions.
While Tenormin (Atenolol) and Inderal (Propranolol) don’t treat the psychological symptoms of anxiety, they can be effective off-label treatments for physical anxiety symptoms.
Tenormin treats several different conditions, including:
Inderal is commonly used to treat several different conditions, including:
Everyone may experience beta-blockers differently, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication.
Inderal comes in a tablet or liquid form. Your dosage may vary depending on whether you take the extended-release tablet or the liquid. That said, your care provider may initially prescribe 40 mg to 120 mg of Inderal per day to treat your physical anxiety symptoms.
Common side effects of Inderal include the following.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
If you stop taking Inderal abruptly, it can increase your blood pressure. Consult your healthcare provider before you stop taking Inderal in order to avoid adverse side effects and safely taper off the medication.
The cost of Inderal depends on your prescribed dose, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5.93 to $13.09 for 30 tablets of 40 mg.
As Tenormin comes in various doses and forms, you must consult your healthcare provider before taking it to avoid any adverse side effects.
Tenormin is typically prescribed as a tablet, although it can be administered intravenously as a solution. Your dose will vary depending on your symptoms and the recommendation of your care provider. That said, you can expect to take between 50 mg to 100 mg per day.
You may experience the following common side effects when taking Tenormin.
If you experience the following serious side effects, contact emergency services immediately.
Do not stop taking Tenormin without consulting your care provider. If you suddenly stop taking Tenormin, it can result in high blood pressure, heart attack, or other complications.
How much you’ll pay for Tenormin depends on your prescribed dose, insurance coverage, and the specific pharmacy you use. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $3.71 to $10.86 for 30 tablets at 50 mg.
Tenormin (atenolol), Inderal (propranolol), and other beta-blockers can interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements, and cause adverse effects.
Here are some examples of drugs that may interact with beta-blockers:
Yes, you need a prescription for Tenormin and Inderal. It’s illegal in the US to sell either beta blocker without a prescription, so source your medications from trusted pharmacies to ensure your safety. Pharmacies must adhere to certain health standards, which helps you avoid ingesting anything that will have adverse effects.
Here are some of the most important drug warnings for taking beta blockers:
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential risks and side effects associated with beta-blockers, as well as any other medications you are taking.
Inderal is a beta blocker most commonly used to treat shaking, angina, high blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, and other circulatory problems. This medication is also prescribed for physical anxiety symptoms.
Tenormin is a beta blocker that’s typically prescribed for high blood pressure. This medication is also used off-label for certain symptoms of anxiety disorders like racing heartbeat, sweating, and shaking.
While Inderal and Tenormin are part of the same drug class, they are not the same medication. Each has different doses and side effects associated with its use and should only be taken exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes.
While both can be effective in treating physical symptoms of anxiety, Inderal is generally the preferred beta blocker for anxiety symptoms over Tenormin.
Can I drink alcohol on Inderal or Tenormin?
Alcohol interacts with Inderal and Tenormin and can increase the risk of negative side effects. Talk with your care provider before mixing alcohol and beta-blockers.
Both medications can make you drowsy, so your healthcare provider may recommend taking your initial dose before bed until you understand how your body reacts. You may also be prescribed a beta blocker to take on an “as needed” basis, like before a social situation or presentation, where you are expected to have physical symptoms of anxiety. It’s not always prescribed to be taken every day.
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Klarity has a solution that bypasses all the waiting and hassle.Book an appointment on Klarity. We’ll connect you with an anxiety-trained medical provider who can diagnose and prescribe treatment in 48 hours or less.
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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22318-beta-blockers
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https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/off-label-treatments-for-anxiety-disorders#options
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https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684031.html
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https://www.healthline.com/health/beta-blockers-for-anxiety#benefits
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https://www.drugs.com/inderal.html
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