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What Causes Emotional Numbness While On Propranolol?

Posted on Tue, 9 Aug 2016

Question: Hello I was prescribed propranolol 10mg 3 days ago iv been taking one 3 times a day, i can have upto 3 a day. I was prescribed these for severe anxiety and low mood but when I am taking these they are stopping the physical effects of anxiety but emotionally im numb, I dnt feel happy,sad,angry or anything and I cannot eat a thing even if im hungry as soon as I put something to my mouth to eat I feel physically sick. I find when the tablet is wearing off towrds the night I feel better and my emotiond kind of come back. Im thinking of not taking the medicayion as I do not like feelong like this as im concerned im becoming depressed which is my fear as I had depression when I was 19. What would you suggest I have arranged for a councilling seasion aswell.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
propranolol can cause depressive symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

Propranolol can be used in mild anxiety particularly when physical symptoms are prominent. However when symptoms of depression are there it can worsen the same or can cause such features as side effects. You are feeling the same. You had history of depression. I suggest stopping the propranolol or at least take only morning dose.

Treatment of anxiety-depression includes both medicines and psychotherapy.

In psychotherapy I prefer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually.

In medicines SSRI group of drugs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment. There are other group of drugs as well with different mechanisms and excellent results.
Benzodiazepines group of drugs (clonazeapm, lorazepam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief.

One can stop medicines gradually after 100% recovery according to doctor's guidance.

Consulting a psychiatrist personally will surely help you to live better life.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (8 minutes later)

Thank you this all started over a week ago when I was on citalopram for 3 days an I was prescribed antibiotics on the 3Rd day of taking citalopram and I had a reaction and since then this as all happened

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
which antibiotic was used?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for clarification.

It can be due to antibiotic. There can be interaction between citalopram, antibiotic and propranolol. Let me know details of antibiotic so I can check for the same. In any case propranolol should be stopped.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (5 minutes later)

I wasn taking propranolol at the same time as citalopram and the antibiotics, the antibiotica that were used wer amoxcillin 500mg. So after today should I stop taking the propranolol.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Amoxicilin is not responsible

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for information.

Amoxicilin is not likely responsible for your current symptoms.

Citalopram can cause increase in level of propranolol by preventing its metabolism. After 3 days of Citalopram this has likely happened and propranolol is responsible for your current symptoms. If I were your treating doctor, I would like to stop propranolol.

Take care dear.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar