In this article, we will discuss if propranolol and Sertraline can be taken together. We will also talk about these medicines individually, how they work, and their side effects.

CAN YOU TAKE SERTRALINE AND PROPRANOLOL TOGETHER

The dose of Propranolol should be reduced when you are taking Sertraline. Propranolol and Sertraline can be taken together but the dose of each medicine needs to be monitored. Propranolol can only be taken in small amounts if being taken along with sertraline because if both medicines are taken together, it results in increased effects or higher levels of Propranolol in the body which in turn can put you at risk of hypotension, heart block, and other complications. Propranolol should be tapered off under the supervision of a doctor.

WHAT IS PROPRANOLOL?

Propranolol is placed in a group of medications known as beta-blockers (medicines that primarily work with managing irregular heart rhythms). It is used in the treatment of issues related to the heart, anxiety, and the prevention of migraines.

Propranolol can be taken for problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, prevention of heart attacks, and chest pain. These mentioned problems can be a result of serious health problems such as atrial fibrillation, Angina, etc. propranolol is also used in the treatment of overactive thyroid along with other medications to reduce the symptoms in the body

Propranolol controls and slows the pulse and makes it simpler for the heart to pump blood around the body. It is generally recommended for hypertension and other heart issues, yet it can likewise help with the actual indications of anxiety, such as perspiration and shaking.

Your absolute first intake of propranolol may cause you to feel unsteady, so it is suggested to take it at bedtime. After this, if one stops feeling dizzy, it can be taken towards the beginning of the day.

The primary side effects include feeling dizzy, drained, cold hands or feet, trouble sleeping, and bad dreams. These effects are generally mild and go away within a short period of time.

An overdose of propranolol can slow down your heart rate and make it difficult to breathe. It can also cause dizziness and trembling. When taking propranolol one should avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, and spicy food.

WHAT IS SERTRALINE?

Sertraline is a form of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which is a type of antidepressant that increases the level of serotonin (often referred to as the “feel-good hormone”) and restoring its balance in the brain. It can be used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Sertraline works to better the symptoms of these disorders by improving sleep, mood, energy, appetite, by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. It helps in controlling anxiety, panic attacks, unwanted thoughts and urges, and tasks that make everyday life difficult.

Some side effects of sertraline include trouble sleeping, sweating, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or upset stomach, dry mouth. It may cause a fast/ irregular heartbeat or severe dizziness. The risk of such complications is increased only if there are other medications being taken that may also add to said biological reactions such as heart problems, low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood, or nausea and diarrhea.

Ingestion of alcohol or cannabis along with the drug and make symptoms of dizziness or drowsiness more prominent.

HOW SERTRALINE AND PROPRANOLOL WORK TOGETHER

Propranolol and Sertraline can be taken together but the dose of each medicine needs to be monitored. Propranolol can only be taken in small amounts if being taken along with sertraline because if both medicines are taken together, it results in higher levels of Propranolol in the body which in turn can put you at risk of hypotension, heart block, and other complications. Propranolol should be tapered off under the supervision of a doctor.

If the doctor decides to prescribe both of the medicines together, there is a chance that the dose of these medications will need adjustment. It is possible that you might experience uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness or fainting.

It is of great importance that the ingestion of these medicines is closely monitored by a doctor who needs to have a full history of the symptoms of any previous issues or diseases.

WHAT ARE BETA BLOCKERS AND SSRIs?

Beta-blockers are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They block norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on the nerves.

Both of the hormones play an important role in the fight or flight response to stressful or threatening situations. Adrenaline i.e. epinephrine makes the heart beat faster to result in faster pumping of blood for increased blood flow to the brain and muscles.

Norepinephrine like epinephrine also works like adrenaline to increase heart rate and blood pressure during stressful times.

As these hormones get produced when the body feels danger, they cause physical symptoms of anxiety. We use the medicines with propranolol to block the nerves from receiving these neurotransmitters to reduce the said effects and control these symptoms of anxiety resulting in lower blood pressure and heart rate.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a type of antidepressants that work by balancing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin’s role is to facilitate messages between brain cells. It works for the proper functioning of the body’s sleep-wake cycle, good mood, appetite etc.

Sertraline is used for depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

CONCLUSION

In this article, we discussed if propranolol and Sertraline can be taken together. We also talked about these medicines individually, how they work, and their side effects.

The dose of Propranolol should be reduced when you are taking Sertraline. If both medicines are taken together, it results in increased effects or higher levels of Propranolol in the body which in turn can put you at risk of hypotension, heart block, and other complications.

FAQ

Can beta-blockers be taken with antidepressants?

Beta-blockers prevent adrenaline, which is released in stress-related situations from making contact with the neurotransmitters of the heart. This blocking prevents the effects of adrenaline to take over, such as faster pumping of the heart. These beta-blockers, in turn, relax the heart and blood vessels which aids in lower blood pressure.

When taking beta-blockers with SSRIs, the dose of beta-blockers needs to be regulated and managed by the doctor who is aware of all the persisting conditions.

Can you take propranolol with antidepressants?

Beta-blockers are best if one is looking to manage short-term anxiety being felt due to a specific situation (situational anxiety) such as an exam, public speaking, or any events that can cause anxiety. This can differ from person to person. Beta-blockers are not a long term solution for persisting anxiety. Beta-blockers also react and interact with other medications which can cause certain side effects and affect the functioning of the medicines being taken. It is important to consult a doctor who is aware of all persisting conditions.

Can you eat bananas with beta-blockers?

If you have been prescribed beta-blockers, your doctor may recommend that you limit your intake or consumption of bananas or other foods such as tomatoes, avocado, papaya and kale. This is because these are high in potassium and beta-blockers also contain potassium. A combination of this can lead to too much potassium in the body which can lead to erratic heart rhythm or kidney failure. Beta-blockers are primarily prescribed to treat heart-related problems and high blood pressure.

Can you take propranolol daily for anxiety?

One can take propranolol for a quick fix for specific or situational anxiety but it is not recommended as a permanent solution to persistent anxiety.

Situational anxiety is specific anxiety that arises during important events or threatening or fearful situations.

Propranolol, a beta-blocker, blocks the physical symptoms of anxiety such as fast heartbeat, perspiration, shaking hands, or being fidgety and dry mouth.

Which anti-depressants are SSRIs?

Citalopram (cipramil)
Dapoxetine (priligy)
Escitalopram (cipralex)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine( seroxat)
Sertraline (lustral)
Vortioxetine (Brintellix)

How do SSRIs help anxiety?

SSRIs affect serotonin which is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain primarily associated with good mood and the body clock regulation of an individual.

SSRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin by the nerve cells thereby maintaining and balancing the serotonin levels in the brain. When these levels are stabilized they help in reducing the feelings of anxiety and regulate the mood for the better. SSRIs also reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

How long do SSRIs take to work?

This can be different for every individual but SSRIs essential start showing positive symptoms within 4-6 weeks from the beginning of the treatment. It can take longer for some people but if one does not feel the effects within 6-8 weeks of taking the medication they should consult their doctor.

It can take several months to see or feel the full effects of the medicine.