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Anxiety
21 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: Nov 16, 2022
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
Anxiety symptoms can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve tried medication after medication, and nothing seems to be working. Plus, many first-line anxiety medications like Xanax or other benzodiazepines have sedative effects and can be habit-forming, making them not ideal for everyone.
While beta-blockers like Lopressor and Inderal are primarily used to treat circulatory or cardiovascular problems, beta blockers can also effectively manage anxiety by helping reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety—such as a racing heart, sweating, and panic.
In this article, we’ll discuss each beta blocker’s benefits and side effects so that you’re prepared to have an informed discussion with a healthcare provider about your treatment options. We’ll discuss—
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Inderal | Lopressor | |
Drug Class | Beta blocker | Beta blocker |
Brand / Generic Status | Brand name for propranolol | Brand name for metoprolol |
Form(s) of the Drug | • Extended-release capsule • Immediate-release tablet • Clear, tangerine-flavored liquid suspension | • Extended-release capsules • Immediate-release tablets • Injectable solution |
Standard Dosage | Extended-release capsule: • 60mg • 80mg Immediate-release tablet: • 10 mg • 20 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg Liquid suspension: • 40mg | Extended-release capsules: • 25mg • 50mg • 100mg • 200mg Immediate-release tablets: • 25mg • 50mg • 100mg Injectable solution: • 1mg per mL |
Conditions Treated | FDA-approved uses: • Hypertension • Heart attacks Off-label uses: • Anxiety disorder | FDA-approved: • Hypertension Off-label: • Supraventricular tachycardia (fast heartbeat) • Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) • Thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) • Managing the physical symptoms of anxiety |
Cost | Brand name: • Not available for Rx Generic (propranolol): • $3.68 to $26.55 for a 30-day supply | Brand name: • $153 to $171 for a 30-day supply Generic (metoprolol): • $3.50 to $15 for a 30-day supply |
Side-Effects | 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 | Common side effects: • Shortness of breath • Tiredness • Skin Rash • Depression • Shortness of Breath/Wheezing • Slowed Heart Rate • Tiredness • Dizziness • Diarrhea • Itchiness |
Warnings For Use | Drug interactions: • Clonazepam • Cymbalta • Flexeril • Klonopin • Prozac • Seroquel • Trazodone • Xanax • Zoloft | Contraindicated conditions: • COPD • Asthma • Hypoglycemia • Hypothyroidism Drug interactions: • Other blood pressure medications • Other heart medications • Other beta blockers • Calcium channel blockers • Certain antidepressants |
Inderal and Lopressor are in the same class of drugs known as beta-blockers, which are primarily used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Beta-Blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, stop the activity of hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline). While beta-blockers can have other uses, they are often second-line prescriptions for lowering blood pressure and increasing circulation to avoid irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, chest pain, cardiac arrest, migraines, and certain tremors.
When your body goes into fight or flight mode, you experience a spike in adrenaline that elevates your heart rate and breathing and activates your muscles. Beta-blockers work by slowing down this process and blocking the release of epinephrine into your system—hence “beta-adrenergic blocking agents.”
Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the body, which can help control rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, and shaky voice. By reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, beta-blockers may also help reduce the psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of apprehension, worry, or fear.
Beta-blockers are typically used when anxiety symptoms are situational or related to specific events, such as public speaking, performance anxiety, or test-taking anxiety. They are not typically used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or other types of anxiety disorders.
It’s important to note that beta-blockers are not a first-line treatment for anxiety and are not appropriate for everyone. You should always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your needs.
Inderal, also known as Propranolol in its generic form, is FDA-approved to treat heart conditions, circulatory problems, and migraine headaches. It has been used in an off-label capacity to treat certain anxiety symptoms.
If you experience performance anxiety, you may be prescribed Inderal off-label to treat your physical symptoms. Inderal can help reduce performance anxiety symptoms, including dry mouth, rapid pulse, nausea, dizziness, and shaking or sweating hands.
Known as the brand name form of the generic Metoprolol Tartrate, Lopressor is prescribed to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, acute myocardial infarction, and heart failure. It can also be used off-label to treat symptoms of short-term anxiety.
Beta-blockers can’t directly treat psychological anxiety symptoms, but they can work in the short term to alleviate symptoms like social anxiety. Lopressor is one such beta blocker that can be prescribed to reduce heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and shakiness related to stress before a social event or performance.
You should always take Lopressor exactly as your healthcare provider instructs to minimize adverse side effects and get the most benefits from the medication.
Lopressor comes in two forms: an injectable intravenous (IV) solution and a tablet. The IV is typically only used when the patient has already had a heart attack, whereas the tablet form is more commonly prescribed to manage symptoms outside of an emergency. Your healthcare provider can prescribe 50 to 100 mg tablets per day with food, depending on your symptoms and history.
When taking Lopressor, you may experience the following common side effects:
If you experience the following serious side effects, contact emergency medical services immediately:
Lopressor can interact with other drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements, which can affect how Inderal works in the body.
The cost of Lopressor will vary based on whether you have insurance and your healthcare provider’s recommended dose. That said, beta-blockers are often more affordable, and you can pay anywhere from $3 to $10 a month, depending on your pharmacy.
Inderal, or Propranolol, is prescribed in varying doses depending on your symptoms and the intended treatment. Like Lopressor, Inderal isn’t FDA-approved for anxiety and can have many side effects.
Inderal comes as an oral solution, injectable solution, tablet, and extended-release capsule. Because this medication can treat various conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend a dosage of anywhere between 40 mg and 320 mg per day as an off-label treatment for anxiety.
Inderal has several common side effects, including dizziness, tiredness, and lightheadedness as your body acclimates to the medication.
You may also experience:
If you have any of these serious side effects, contact emergency medical care immediately:
Like Lopressor, there are potential drug interactions you need to be aware of when taking Inderal.
If you mix alcohol with Inderal, you could dangerously lower your blood pressure. Additionally, some multivitamins and minerals can decrease Inderal’s intended effects. Inderal should be taken with food exactly as prescribed to avoid adverse results.
Like Lopressor, the amount you’ll pay for your Inderal prescription will depend on your dosage and pharmacy. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $13 a month for a 40 mg daily dose and $10 to $33 a month for 320 mg per day.
Yes, Inderal, Lopressor, and other beta blockers require prescriptions and cannot be purchased without one. You should always source your beta blockers from a trusted pharmacy to ensure that your medicine is safe and works effectively.
Selling beta-blockers without requiring a prescription is illegal and can jeopardize your health.
Some drug warnings for taking Inderal, Lopressor, and other beta-blockers include:
You must discuss these drug warnings with your healthcare provider before taking Inderal, Lopressor, or other beta blockers to ensure that these medications are safe and appropriate for your specific medical needs.
Lopressor is one of several beta-blockers (beta-selective 1) typically prescribed to treat cardiovascular issues like angina, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. This medication is also off-label to treat physical anxiety symptoms (racing heart rate, sweating, shaking, and dizziness).
Inderal is another of several beta blockers primarily used to treat migraine headaches, hypertension, chest pain, heart rhythm disorders, and other circulatory conditions. Additionally, this medication is prescribed off-label to treat physical symptoms of anxiety.
While they may belong to the same class of drugs (beta-blockers), they are not the same medications. Each one has its own side effects, forms, and doses, and you should only take them exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes.
Lopressor is FDA-approved to treat cardiovascular issues, helping to slow your heart rate and widen your blood vessels to improve circulation. While it may not be approved to treat anxiety specifically, healthcare providers can use it off-label to treat the physical symptoms that anxiety creates.
Both medications have a similar impact on anxiety. Inderal may be the more popular choice as it works well for short-term relief and can have fewer serious side effects than Lopressor. If, however, Inderal makes you drowsy, Lopressor might be the better option for you, depending on the advice of your healthcare provider.
Alcohol (ethanol) interacts with Lopressor, Inderal, and other beta blockers and can reduce the intended impact of both medications. Because alcohol affects your blood pressure, you should not drink while taking beta-blockers. You should always consult your care provider before mixing alcohol with your medication.
Inderal can make you tired, so it’s best to take your first dose with food before bedtime. After you’ve acclimated to the medication, you can take it morning or night, depending on what works best for you. Similarly, Lopressor should be taken with food in the morning or at night.
At Klarity, we know that waiting weeks for anxiety treatment doesn’t help your anxiety symptoms in the here and now. That’s why we make it easy to connect with a board-certified, anxiety, trained mental health provider who can diagnose and prescribe anxiety medication online if necessary.
How do you get started?
Schedule an appointment on Klarity today, and we’ll connect you with an anxiety-trained specialist within 48 hours.
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