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Can Metoprolol Effect My Pulse Rate At Rest?
Question: i have panic disorder! i dont take meds for it! i have xanax but dont want to be dependant on pills! however i was also perscribed metoprolol for my bp! now when im relaxed my pulse rate is 50 without meds! if i start taking the metoprolol will it effect my pulse rate even more when im relaxed? 25 mg
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Metoprolol does decrease heart rate as part of it's mechanism of action. It is hard to say how much it will decrease your heart rate.
I generally don't recommend beta blockers for addressing anxiety and panic disorders because we have much better medications now specifically for that, without the cardiac side effects. In particular I would recommend an SSRI such as Lexapro (escitalopram). I know you don't want to take meds on a daily basis, but taking an SSRI daily can do much to prevent having panic attacks so that possibly you won't need the Xanax eventually. I agree that Xanax is not a good choice except for very occasional use, because it does have dependency potential, and is sedating.
Escitalopram can take a few weeks to really kick in, but it generally has fewer side effects and earlier onset of action than most of the other SSRIs. If you are very sensitive to medications, I'd start with a pediatric dose (5 mg) per day until your body is used to it, and then go up to 10 mg. So consider talking with your doctor about this option.
I also recommend learning mindfulness meditation and breathing techniques. These should be practiced daily so that you are able to employ them during stressful situations when they arise.
In addition, talking with a psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to help with anxiety disorders too.
I hope this information helps.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Metoprolol does decrease heart rate as part of it's mechanism of action. It is hard to say how much it will decrease your heart rate.
I generally don't recommend beta blockers for addressing anxiety and panic disorders because we have much better medications now specifically for that, without the cardiac side effects. In particular I would recommend an SSRI such as Lexapro (escitalopram). I know you don't want to take meds on a daily basis, but taking an SSRI daily can do much to prevent having panic attacks so that possibly you won't need the Xanax eventually. I agree that Xanax is not a good choice except for very occasional use, because it does have dependency potential, and is sedating.
Escitalopram can take a few weeks to really kick in, but it generally has fewer side effects and earlier onset of action than most of the other SSRIs. If you are very sensitive to medications, I'd start with a pediatric dose (5 mg) per day until your body is used to it, and then go up to 10 mg. So consider talking with your doctor about this option.
I also recommend learning mindfulness meditation and breathing techniques. These should be practiced daily so that you are able to employ them during stressful situations when they arise.
In addition, talking with a psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to help with anxiety disorders too.
I hope this information helps.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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