Metoprolol panic attacks


Metoprolol for Anxiety: What You Need to Know

  1. Metoprolol for anxiety
  2. Side effects and drug interactions
  3. Who should avoid metoprolol?
  4. Cost and coverage
  5. Working with your healthcare provider

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In a world of public health emergencies, political tension, societal pressure, and 24/7 access to social media, it’s no wonder that anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, nearly 40 million people in the U.S.—or 18% of the population—live with an anxiety disorder in any given year (NIMH, 2017). 

A little bit of stress can be healthy, but when the feeling becomes so overwhelming that it’s a barrier to living a fulfilling life, it may be time to explore treatment options.  

Beta-blockers are a class of medication that controls the body’s fight-or-flight response and temporarily block the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Since the 1960s, they’ve been considered a safe and effective way to treat and prevent high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease, and chest pain. 

Beta-blockers like metoprolol tartrate (brand name Lopressor) tend to be utilized for conditions related to the heart, but healthcare providers also prescribe them for “off-label” reasons like managing anxiety symptoms. Off-label means that the FDA did not specifically approve a drug for that particular purpose. Propranolol (brand name Inderal) and atenolol (brand name Tenormin) are two other commonly prescribed beta-blockers for anxiety. Generally speaking, any beta-blocker that contains the “-lol” suffix is a viable option for treating performance anxiety and social phobias (Dooley, 2015).

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Research shows that beta-blockers can help manage some of the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. Although they cannot treat the actual psychological causes of the condition, they can be used to manage sweating, dizziness, rapid heart rate (palpitations), and shaky voice and hands—all common reactions to stress.

Beta-blockers work well for social anxiety and other short-term stressors. For example, a healthcare provider might prescribe a beta-blocker before public speaking to help with performance anxiety and stage fright. However, metoprolol tartrate (brand name Lopressor), propranolol (brand name Inderal), atenolol (brand name Tenormin), and other beta-blockers are not used for long-term treatment.

Also important to note is that beta-blockers are most effective for managing anxiety when prescribed in conjunction with treatments such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and other medications.

FDA has issued a black box warning for metoprolol: Do not abruptly stop taking metoprolol as stopping metoprolol suddenly may cause chest pain or heart attack. Your healthcare provider will help you decrease the dose gradually if you need to stop metoprolol.

Overall, beta-blockers are a relatively safe, non-habit-forming solution for short-term anxiety. One of the reasons that healthcare providers tend to prescribe beta-blockers is because most people will experience minimal side effects.

Common side effects of beta-blockers, in general, include fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty sleeping, and cold fingers or toes (Farzam, 2020).

Metoprolol side effects include tiredness, dizziness, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and wheezing (FDA, 2008). More serious, yet less common, adverse effects are irregular heartbeat and weight gain.

Potential drug interactions can occur with metoprolol. An interaction between two medications doesn’t always mean that you need to stop taking one of the medicines. Still, it does require a conversation with your healthcare provider about how to manage your medications used.

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Below are some commonly prescribed drugs that may have a drug interaction—meaning a change in the action or side effect—when taken along with beta-blockers (DailyMed, 2018).

  • Sildenafil (brand name Viagra; see Important Safety Information) is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. When taken with metoprolol (Lopressor), it may add to metoprolol’s blood-pressure-lowering effects. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, flushing, headache, and rapid heart rate (Jackson, 2006). 
  • Thioridazine (brand name Mellaril) and chlorpromazine (brand name Thorazine) are both antipsychotic medications used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. When combined with metoprolol, people may experience low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (brand names Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) may decrease the ability of metoprolol to lower blood pressure.
  • Clonidine (brand name Catapres) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and drug withdrawal. When combined with a beta-blocker, monitor blood pressure for dangerous increases, especially after starting or stopping either medication after using them together.
  • Drugs that slow the heart rate can lead to a very slow heart rate (bradycardia) if combined with metoprolol. Examples include digoxin, clonidine, diltiazem, and verapamil.
  • Drugs that block the CYP2D6 enzyme in the liver (responsible for the breakdown of metoprolol) can lead to higher than normal levels of metoprolol in your system, which increases your risk of side effects. Examples of these medications include quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and propafenone.

This does not include all side effects or potential drug interactions, and you should seek medical advice from your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more drug information.

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Before starting metoprolol, let your healthcare provider know if you’ve experienced a previous allergic reaction to it or any other medicine.

Let them know if you have a history of low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart failure, heart problems, or problems with blood circulation. You should also consult your provider if you’re considering metoprolol while pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Metoprolol is pregnancy Category C, meaning that we don’t know whether it may cause harm to the fetus (DailyMed, 2018).

Metoprolol tartrate is a nonselective beta-blocker, affecting both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors (beta receptors on the heart and the lungs, respectively). Nonselective beta-blockers should be used with caution in people who smoke, have asthma, or live with other lung conditions. Metoprolol may make it more challenging to recognize the warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) among people with diabetes who are taking insulin or other diabetic medications to manage their condition (DailyMed, 2018). 

Metoprolol is considered an inexpensive solution for managing anxiety related to social phobias.  

Most insurance plans cover metoprolol tartrate (brand name Lopressor), and the price for the generic drug ranges from $4 to $9 for a 30-day supply (GoodRx, 2020).

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Before starting metoprolol for anxiety, review all treatment options with your healthcare provider. As a reminder, metoprolol and other beta-blockers are a useful tool for managing some of the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress—such as sweating, dizziness, and rapid heart rate—but cannot treat the actual psychological causes of the condition.

In conclusion, metoprolol is considered a safe and effective solution for social phobia and performance anxiety, especially when prescribed with therapy, lifestyle changes, and other medications (Dooley, 2015).

  1. DailyMed. (2018). Metoprolol tartrate tablet, film coated. Retrieved on Aug. 10, 2020 from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=809c6386-0039-42ff-a03e-e42733e229b8
  2. Dooley, T. P. (2015). Treating Anxiety with either Beta Blockers or Antiemetic Antimuscarinic Drugs: A Review. Mental Health in Family Medicine, 11: 89-99. Retrieved from http://www.mhfmjournal.com/old/open-access/treating-anxiety-with-either-beta-blockers-or-antiemetic-antimuscarinic-drugs-a-review.pdf
  3. Farzam, K. & Jan, A. (2020). Beta Blockers. StatPearls. Retrieved Aug. 10, 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532906/
  4. GoodRx. (2020). Metoprolol Generic Lopressor. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/lopressor
  5. Jackson, G., Montorsi, P., & Cheitlin, M. D. (2006). Cardiovascular safety of sildenafil citrate (Viagra): an updated perspective. Urology, 68(3 Suppl), 47–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2006.05. 047. Retrieved from https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0090429506008910 
  6. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2017). Any Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved Aug. 10, 2020 from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.shtml
  7. United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS). (2019). Beta blockers. Retrieved Aug. 10, 2020 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/beta-blockers/
  8. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (n.d.). LOPRESSOR (metoprolol tartrate) tablet. Retrieved Aug. 10, 2020 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/017963s062,018704s021lbl.pdf

    Metoprolol for Anxiety - can Lopressor help with Performance Anxiety?

    If you’re someone that regularly experiences the butterflies before going on stage, you may suffer from performance anxiety, which is also known as stage fright.

    Stage fright is a common condition that affects performers like public speakers, musicians, dancers, actors, or anyone else that has to perform in front of an audience. It can also affect anyone that has to perform under pressure, like someone taking a critical exam, or a nervous person before a first date.

    They might experience symptoms like excessive sweating, heart palpitations, or elevated blood pressure right before they walk on stage, as they’re getting ready to start the test, or as they’re walking up to meet their date.

    If you’re someone that experiences performance anxiety, you may have come across the drug Metoprolol during your research for potential remedies, and you’re wondering if it is an effective remedy for stage fright. You may also have questions about any side effects or long-term health consequences of Metoprolol.

    Here, we’ll discuss what Metoprolol is, how it works, and how it may help you overcome performance anxiety. We’ll also list some pros and cons, and talk about some natural remedies that could work as an alternative to Metoprolol.

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    What is Metoprolol?

    Metoprolol is a type of drug known as a beta-blocker. Doctors typically prescribe Metoprolol and other beta-blocker medications to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and chest pain (angina).

    Metoprolol is the generic name of the brand-name drug known as Lopressor. The FDA approved the use of Metoprolol under the name Lopressor back in 1978.

    Although frequently used to treat high blood pressure, beta-blockers typically aren’t the first medications doctors would prescribe. They might start with other drugs, like diuretics, and only move on to beta-blockers if other treatments are ineffective. Beta-blockers are also often used in combination with other medications to treat hypertension.

    Doctors may also prescribe Metoprolol to treat irregular heartbeats and to increase someone’s chances of survival after a heart attack or heart failure.

    Lopressor and other beta-blockers have also been shown to be useful when it comes to migraines, and for certain types of tremors caused by drugs used to treat mental disorders.

    Metoprolol is a widely used drug with around 27 million prescriptions each year in the United States.

    How do Metoprolol and other beta-blockers work?

    Metoprolol and other beta-blockers work by reducing the stress on your cardiovascular system. They lower the force with which your heart has to pump blood, causing a relaxing effect.

    Beta-blockers are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They block the effects of adrenaline, a hormone that binds to adrenergic receptors in your body [1].

    There are adrenergic receptors in the heart known as beta receptors [2]. Adrenaline, which is a stress-related hormone, binds to these beta receptors in the heart to make it pump harder and faster.

    When you experience a fight-or-flight response, also known as a stress response, your adrenaline levels are elevated, which results in symptoms like racing heartbeat and higher blood pressure.

    By blocking the effects of adrenaline, beta-blockers prevent them from binding with the beta-receptors in the heart. As a result, the heart can pump blood with less force, which has an overall relaxing effect on your cardiovascular system, including the blood vessels.

    Elevated blood pressure is often a result of tightened blood vessels. Relaxing the blood vessels can have a lowering effect on your blood pressure.

    What is the recommended dosage of Lopressor?

    Lopressor is a prescription medication. Your doctor will recommend your dosage based on your specific needs.

    Typically, your dosage may start around 100 mg per day. It may be taken at once or divided up in different doses [4]. Depending on how you respond to the initial dosage, your physician may recommend that you increase your daily intake. The maximum dosage is 450 mg per day.

    You should be careful not to go over your recommended dosage of Lopressor. Taking too much can slow down your heart rate too much and cause breathing difficulties, dizziness, and tremors.

    You may also be prescribed other medications, like diuretics, together with Lopressor to treat high blood pressure.

    What are the potential side effects of Lopressor?

    Lopressor, and beta-blockers, in general, are considered safe. But depending on the individual, there may be some side effects.

    Here are some of the most common side effects of Metoprolol [3]:

    • Fatigue
    • Mood disorders
    • Digestive issues like gas, bloating, and constipation
    • Nausea, and in some cases, vomiting
    • Heartburn
    • Dry mouth

    In some rare, but severe cases, one might also experience the following side effects:

    • Wheezing and/or shortness of breath
    • Swelling of extremities like hands, feet, or ankles
    • Fainting
    • Pounding heartbeat

    If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, you should immediately notify your doctor.

    Who shouldn’t take Lopressor (Metoprolol)?

    Although Metoprolol is generally considered safe, some people should avoid Lopressor and other beta-blockers. Since Lopressor is a prescription medication, your doctor can decide if it’s right for you based on your medical history, underlying conditions, and any other medicines that you’re currently taking.

    That being said, you should generally avoid beta-blockers if you have any of the following [3]:

    • History of severe asthma or another lung disease
    • Low blood pressure
    • Slow heart rate
    • If you’ve had an allergic reaction to beta-blockers in the past
    • Metabolic acidosis (if you have too much acid in your blood)
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Blood circulation problems
    • A liver condition

    If you’re currently on any other medications, your doctor might also take that into account when prescribing Lopressor, to avoid any potential adverse interactions between the drugs.

    Now that we know a little more about Metoprolol and beta-blockers, let’s discuss how they are connected to performance anxiety.

    How is Metoprolol connected with performance anxiety?

    To understand how Metoprolol or other beta-blockers may help someone combat stage fright, let’s first take a look at what stage fright is, and why it causes someone to experience symptoms.

    What is performance anxiety?

    As we explained above, performance anxiety is a set of symptoms some people experience before they have to perform in front of an audience, or under pressure. It happens due to an underlying fear of adverse outcomes. You might fear that you will fail, feel humiliated, or judged negatively for your performance.

    The reasons why someone may suffer from stage fright are complex. It could be a combination of physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors.

    But when it’s time to perform, it’s the physical symptoms that take front and center and prevent you from performing at an optimal level. Here are some of the symptoms you might experience if you suffer from stage fright [5]:

    • Rapid heartbeats (palpitations)
    • Excessive sweating
    • Trembling of the hands, lips, knees, and voice
    • Sweaty and cold palms

    In more severe cases, people may experience blurred vision, nausea, or even vomiting.

    You experience these physical symptoms of stage fright because of your stress response.

    When you perceive to be in a stressful situation, your fight-or-flight response mode takes over and causes a spike in the adrenaline hormone [6].

    For most people, the boost in adrenaline is entirely normal, and it might even enhance their performance due to the added intensity.

    But for some people, the spike in adrenaline is too much, and the stress response goes too far. To the point where it becomes difficult, or even impossible, to perform [7]. If severe enough, stage fright can impact your confidence levels and keep you from pursuing a career and life that you love.

    And that is why many performers turn to drugs like Metoprolol and other beta-blockers like Propranolol. They might find that these medications allow them to keep performing and pursuing their dreams.

    Let’s take a look at why Metoprolol may work when it comes to preventing stage fright symptoms.

    Why do some performers take Metoprolol to fight performance anxiety?

    If you noticed in the previous section, we explained that the reason you might experience the symptoms of performance anxiety is due to the effects of the adrenaline hormone.

    When your fight-or-flight response gets activated in a stressful situation (for example, before a speaking engagement), your adrenaline level spikes, causing you to get the jitters.

    And as we also mentioned earlier, Metoprolol works by blocking the effects of the adrenaline hormone [1]. It prevents adrenaline from binding with beta-receptors in your heart [2], which reduces the force with which your heart has to pump blood. Overall, this has a relaxing effect on your cardiovascular system.

    So, when you take Metoprolol before a performance, exam, or a date, you’re effectively blocking the physical symptoms of stage fright from showing up. In the absence of the physical symptoms, you might find yourself in a more relaxed state, which then allows you to get through the speech, audition, or interview.

    Beta-blockers like Metoprolol can make the difference

    A quick search on the Internet will reveal countless stories of speakers, musicians, and other performers who claim that using beta-blockers have helped them in their careers.

    For example, according to a story in the New York Times [8], Ruth Ann McCann, a flutist from Memphis, used to suffer debilitating on-stage jitters. Her heart would thump loudly, and her hands would get cold and wet. At times, she would drop her flute.

    But ever since the first time she tried beta-blockers, her life changed. She went back to performing at a high level without any anxiety symptoms.

    And she’s not alone. A 1987 survey by the International Conference of Symphony Orchestra Musicians, representing some of the largest orchestras in the U.S., found that 27 percent of their musicians were using beta-blockers for performance anxiety [9]. Experts estimate that number is much higher today.

    Needless to say, beta-blockers can be a powerful tool for someone who suffers from stage fright. But are there any downsides to these medications?

    Are there any downsides to taking Metoprolol for performance anxiety?

    Most of the anecdotal stories on performers and beta-blockers suggest that the benefits of drugs like Lopressor outweigh any potential downsides. The vast majority of performers seem to find that beta-blockers positively affect their careers and lives. And they’re considered to be generally safe for most people.

    But beta-blockers do have certain limitations when it comes to dealing with stage fright.

    1. Metoprolol will always be a temporary solution for stage fright

    When you take beta-blockers, you’re not doing anything to address the root causes of your performance anxiety. You’re applying a quick-fix to stop the physical symptoms.

    That’s not to say beta-blockers don’t work, because they can. But if you’re only relying on beta-blockers, you’ll most likely have to keep taking them every time you need to perform under pressure.

    2.
    You will need a prescription for Lopressor

    In the United States, you need a prescription for Lopressor. So, you may need to go visit your doctor every time you run out, which can become an inconvenience if you use the drug frequently.

    3. In rare cases, beta-blockers may cause dependency

    This is most likely not a concern for most people who only take beta-blockers occasionally for performance anxiety. But if you make it a habit of taking Metoprolol frequently, then you shouldn’t stop it all of a sudden.

    When you take beta-blockers frequently, your body becomes dependent on it to some extent. So, stopping abruptly might cause your blood pressure to spike. If you’ve been taking Metoprolol regularly, talk to your doctor if you want to stop the medication.

    Is Metoprolol right for me?

    Whether Metoprolol is right for you will depend on a few different factors.

    The most critical thing to consider is your health, and if Metoprolol is a good fit with your medical history. This is something you can talk to your doctor about if you’re interested in Metoprolol for performance anxiety.

    Assuming your health allows you to take Metoprolol, then you have to consider how severe your performance anxiety symptoms are.

    If you get a bad case of the jitters every time you have to perform, and you feel like it is holding you back, then there may be a good reason for you to give beta-blockers a try.

    Even if you start taking beta-blockers, you may also want to consider more long-term solutions for your stage fright. For that, you’d have to address the root causes of your anxiety with tools like meditation or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

    In conjunction with a long-term solution like CBT, you can use Metoprolol as a quick-fix when you need to get through a performance.

    Is there a natural alternative to Metoprolol?

    If you’re not too excited about becoming dependent on a prescription beta-blocker every time you want to perform, or having to get a prescription whenever you run out, you may want to consider a natural alternative to Lopressor.

    A natural supplement would achieve the same end-result as a beta-blocker, which is to provide relief from symptoms of performance anxiety. But it would do so by supporting your brain in a way that promotes overall relaxation, calmness, and improved cognitive function.

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    PerformZen for performance anxiety

    PerformZen is a supplement designed to help performers reduce anxiety so they can perform at their highest level.

    PerformZen works by promoting GABA levels in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that relaxes the body, slows down the thoughts, and increases calmness.

    Whether you’re a speaker, musician, professional athlete, or a university student, you could most likely benefit from a higher level of calmness and mental focus when you have to perform under pressure.

    Here are the ingredients in PerformZen that promote calmness, focus, and even better cognitive function:

    GABA

    GABA, or Gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an amino acid that has been shown to reduce activity levels of neurons in the nervous system. As a result, GABA promotes relaxation and calmness [10]. Studies show that GABA works as a natural relaxant in stressful situations.

    GABA also promotes alpha wave activity in the brain, which is a brain frequency that is linked to a state of wakeful alertness and creativity [11]. This state is often referred to as the “flow state”, which is where performers like musicians and athletes perform at their best.

    L-theanine

    L-theanine is another amino acid that boosts GABA levels in the body to promote relaxation and calmness [12]. It works as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps balance mood and reduces stress. Additionally, L-theanine also increases alpha waves in the brain to improve alertness and creativity.

    Magnesium

    Magnesium can be beneficial to those with performance anxiety in a couple of different ways.

    Magnesium makes GABA more bioavailable to your body.

    PerformZen boosts GABA through its ingredients like GABA and L-theanine. Then, magnesium facilitates better absorption of GABA by stimulating receptors in your body to absorb GABA better [13]. As a result, you may experience a more potent effect of GABA.

    Magnesium also works synergistically with vitamin B6, which is another ingredient in PerformZen.

    Vitamin B6

    Vitamin B6 combines with magnesium to improve focus and attention. One study also showed that magnesium, when combined with vitamin B6, improved behavioral disorder in children with ADHD syndrome (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) [14].

    Although the study was focused on kids with ADHD, the findings suggest that the combination of magnesium and B6 would benefit those with performance anxiety. When you’re focused on the task at hand (performing, writing, playing a sport), your attention will shift away from the negative thought patterns responsible for your anxiety.

    Additionally, vitamin B6 also helps naturally synthesize GABA within your body, and low levels of B6 has been linked with increased stress levels [15].

    Ginkgo Biloba

    Ginkgo Biloba has been traditionally used for healing purposes in Chinese medicine. It is a herb rich in antioxidants that has various benefits for brain health.

    One of the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba is that it reduces stress hormone levels [16]. Since stress response is what causes the physical symptoms of performance anxiety, managing stress hormones will prevent stage fright symptoms from manifesting.

    Theacrine

    Theacrine is a natural substance that is similar to caffeine. It is often described as caffeine without the fluctuations in energy levels [17]. Theacrine will enhance mental clarity and elevate your mood just like caffeine, and provide a steady boost in energy. It’s the perfect “pick-me-up” before a performance, exam, or a date.

    Should I take Metoprolol or PerformZen?

    Both supplements and beta-blockers can help you with performance anxiety, but they work in different ways.

    What makes PerformZen a powerful natural alternative to Metoprolol is that all of it’s ingredients work synergistically to boost your brain’s capacity to reduce stress and promote a feeling of calm confidence, so you can go out there and perform at an optimal level.

    When you consistently support your brain with ingredients like GABA, L-theanine, vitamin B6, and magnesium, over time it becomes more resilient, and better equipped to help you in your fight against anxiety.

    PerformZen also doesn’t come with any side effects, and it doesn’t require a prescription, since it’s a dietary supplement.

    Beta-blockers, on the other hand, work by blocking the effects of adrenaline within your body. Like all medications, they may address and block the symptoms at the moment, but they’re not able to provide you with any long-term health benefits.

    Final thoughts on Metoprolol for performance anxiety

    For many performers, stage fright can be debilitating to the point where it becomes impossible to perform. For others, it prevents them from performing at their highest level.

    And for a countless number of people, performance anxiety might hold them back from landing their dream job, closing a sale, or getting a second date.

    If you’re someone that suffers from a severe case of the jitters, beta-blockers like Metoprolol can provide a much-needed relief from the physical symptoms so you can get through what you need to do.

    If you’re considering Metoprolol, be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure it is right for you. Otherwise, if you’d rather go with a natural supplement, consider giving PerformZen a try.

    Metoprolol Frequently Asked Questions

    We have recently received a (digital) sack full of questions about Metoprolol. Rather then keep our responses solely in emails, we figured it’s a good idea to share the questions and their answers here so that we can refer anyone with questions to this section in future:

    • Q: Does metoprolol help with depression and anxiety?
    • A: Metoprolol is beta-blocker drug, typically prescribed to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and chest pain (angina). Metoprolol works by reducing the stress on your cardiovascular system. It lowers the force with which your heart has to pump blood, causing a relaxing effect. This is why Metoprolol is used ‘off-script’ by many to help reduce anxiety symptoms. There are minimal studies regarding metoprolol usage for depression, unfortunately.
    • Q: How long does it take for metoprolol to work for anxiety?
    • A: Metoprolol is available in immediate-release tablets, generically known as ‘metoprolol tartrate’, that is very fast-acting (under 1 hour). The extended-release form of Metoprolol, known as ‘metoprolol succinate’, is a little-slower to interact with the body, as the name suggests. The half-life of metoprolol tartrate is about three hours, and the half-life of metoprolol succinate is about seven hours. This means that the extended-release formulation does not have to be dosed as often.
    • Q: Is there a natural alternative to Metoprolol for anxiety?
    • A: With the potential risks of beta-blockers like Metoprolol, as well as the risk of dependence when you take any prescription drug habitually, it may be best to consider which natural alternatives can provide the same benefits for performance anxiety & stage fright. There’s lots of foods and dietary supplements that have similar properties to Metoprolol, in terms of lowering the negative effects of stress and anxiety. And ‘Natural beta-blockers‘ are less likely to have detrimental side-effects, and carry a lower risk of dependence or addiction. They’re also more widely available, as you do not need a prescription, and almost all are beneficial to your health in more areas than one. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1280/theacrine
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      Metoprolol customer reviews and experience

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      Thinks bad

      from 42 ₽

      Metoprolol did not suit me. Although I started taking it as prescribed by the doctor. At first everything was fine. But after a few days of taking it, my pulse dropped dramatically. There was nausea, dizziness. Everything returned to normal only after I stopped drinking it. Here is such a strange medicine that does not cure, but only makes it worse. Be careful.

      Thinks the product is excellent

      from 42 ₽

      Metoprolol is a widely known drug. Now many people appoint him. But it doesn't help everyone. My mother has been suffering from hypertension for many years. Metoprolol had no effect on her. On the contrary, the drug helped me. I've never had a problem with pressure. But lately it's gotten a little frisky. So Metoprolol did an excellent job with this task. The pressure is now normal, I feel great. So, if your pressure problems are not serious, then Metoprolol will help you. If you are a hypertensive patient with experience, then more powerful means are already needed.

      Thinks the product is good

      from 42 ₽

      As I got older, I developed problems with blood pressure, and tachycardia began to torment me. For a long time I refused to take pills, but at one fine moment I simply had no choice. I started taking Metoporol. More than 3 years have passed since then. During this time, the doctor chose the most suitable dosage for me. I feel good now. The drug does not give any adverse reactions. The only negative is that I have already developed a dependence on Metoprolol. If you stop taking it, then all the problems will return again. I checked. Therefore, I feel that Metoprolol is now my faithful companion for many years.

      Thinks the product is good

      from 42 ₽

      I take metoprolol on the advice of a doctor when, due to stress, my blood pressure began to rise. This is a mild drug that copes well with pressure surges, reduces shortness of breath and palpitations. After taking, the effect appears after 20 minutes. It fits me perfectly, it lowers blood pressure well and for a long time, does not cause side effects.

      Thinks the product is excellent

      from 42 ₽

      Sometimes I get severe headaches. They are so strong that I can neither lie down, nor sit, nor speak. At such times I take Metoprolol. He alone saves me. This pain clicks like a nut. I have been using this product for over a year now. It always works flawlessly. And the price of the drug is affordable.

      Thinks the product is excellent

      from 42 ₽

      I have been taking metoprolol for over 10 years. The dosage was determined by my doctor. I am very satisfied with the drug. It's probably the only reason I'm still alive today. I feel great. It happens that the pressure still rises, but this happens extremely rarely. Whatever one may say, I already have such an age. A pill for youth has not yet been invented.

      Thinks the product is excellent

      from 42 ₽

      Metoprolol was prescribed to me by a therapist when I consulted him about high blood pressure. I take this medicine 1 tablet daily. The drug helps me control my condition, reduces my heartbeat. This is an excellent and inexpensive remedy, the price of which does not exceed 35 r, which gently reduces pressure. After 20 minutes, relief comes and I can continue to do my usual work.

      Thinks the product is good

      from 42 ₽

      I prescribe metoprolol to patients of all ages with increased pressure, as well as panic attacks, accompanied by rapid heartbeat and anxiety. The drug has proven itself as an effective antihypertensive agent at an affordable price, which does not exceed 35 r. Metoprolol, as a rule, does not cause negative reactions of the body, is well tolerated by patients.

      Thinks the product is excellent

      from 42 ₽

      My blood pressure often rises and the doctor prescribed me metoprolol, which I bought at the nearest pharmacy at a price of about 35 r per pack. Within 20 minutes after taking it, my heart rate decreased, my headache went away, it became easier to breathe. Half an hour later, the pressure dropped completely. I really like the mild effect of the drug. There were no side effects.

      Thinks the product is good

      from 42 ₽

      When my blood pressure rises, anxiety immediately appears, my pulse quickens. The doctor prescribed a sedative and advised me to buy Metoprolol. I liked the mild effect of this medicine. 30 minutes after taking, the pressure decreased, and with it, the heartbeat and anxiety disappeared. Great product, it suits me well.

      Questions from the Cardiology category on the site of the Preobrazhenskaya Clinic

      • Hello! I take ORDISS H (12. 5 mg 16 mg) -1t / d. The pressure is within 93-105, sometimes 113-120. Is this normal or low and the tablets do not fit? Prior to that, she took prestarium 5 mg, then lozap 50 mg, the pressure with them rose to 170.

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      • Hello. In 2015, I was examined by you because of high blood pressure, and you prescribed me drugs. I have a question . I have not taken them for 2 years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Is it possible to start taking the drug again without examination?

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      • Good afternoon, Igor Anatolyevich! My father drank metoprolol, daily, once, 50 mg per day. Currently, the pulse in the morning sometimes reaches 56 beats per minute. Lost some 20-30 kg. Tell me, please, is it possible for him to switch from 50 mg to 25 mg, and if possible, advise the scheme for a painless transition.

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      • Hello! I suffer from attacks of tachycardia at night, the pulse at rest is up to 145 beats per minute. For two months now she has had tachycardia, she was treated in a neurosis clinic for two weeks, she thought she had a panic attack, it hasn’t passed, now I’ve been talking with a psychotherapist for a month now and I’ve been drinking antidepressants, panangin, I go to the corners. it happens throughout the night under 100, and sometimes with an attack once a night with a pulse of more than 130. ECG shows sinus tachycardia, TSH tests are good. Pressing in the chest when excited or other strong emotions, often lack of air. Great weakness and impotence in the morning. Sometimes I feel interruptions in my heart and start coughing. What could it be, is it all nervous or is it worth further examining the heart? in 2014, she did an ultrasound of the heart and arteries of the neck, everything was fine. I forgot to say when I walk for the most part, there is blood quite a lot like during menstruation, the stool is normal at the same time.

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      • HELLO IGOR ANATOLYEVICH. My husband suffered a myocardial infarction, he was given walls on 04 04 18, after which he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. but now it seems that sugar is normal in September he turns 6o years old and he wants to meet him at sea can he fly by plane? And I would like to make an appointment with you if possible.

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      • Good afternoon. When lifting weights, the upper part of the left chest hurts. The body is not strong, not even pain, but not comfortable. Like a muscle hurts. What does this mean, who would you recommend contacting? Thank you for your attention.

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      • Good afternoon, Igor Anatolyevich. I am 51 years old, height 180, weight 70. There are no complaints about pressure and cardiac activity. Regular sports (swimming, tennis). Three months ago, a physical examination revealed a cholesterol level of 6.65. He sat on a sparing diet, drank Omega-3 (though not regularly). Recently did a detailed analysis. Analysis results: Triglycerides - 0.53, HDL - 2.03, LDL - 4.6, cholesterol - 7.33. What's next? A more rigid diet regularly Omega-3 or immediately connect STATS (doctors unanimously advise LIPRIMAR). Your opinion?

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      • Hello! I am 25. I have many diseases, and all of them seem to me to be related to blood. I would like to cure it or at least reduce the symptoms. I have had vegetative-vascular dystonia since birth (expressed by headaches, especially when the weather changes, excessive sweating, sometimes dizziness, fainted a couple of times in childhood, frequent fatigue), I notice that my brain works very slowly (maybe this is just a characteristic feature) , memory is very bad since childhood, varicose veins from the age of 16, stars on the legs, protruding vessels on the face and chest, she blew her nose with blood for a long time (recently very rarely), at one time she coughed up blood and in the hospital they found that part of the lung was not blood supply. I don't smoke, the problem is something else. At the hospital, the doctor said that the cause is most likely in the blood, but I don’t even know what type of analysis to take it for. Help me please!

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      • Hello! Can you please tell me why blood pressure rises at night? And it is accompanied by chills, cold feet and rapid circulation of blood in the legs? And also arrhythmia, sometimes tachycardia? Without indap, the liquid is not excreted why? Is it because of CHF or because of kidney failure? How can I sleep sitting up?

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      • Hello, my name is Daria, I'm 24 years old. Pregnancy 13 weeks (twins)) I passed an analysis for potassium and magnesium a week ago, potassium - 2.95 at a rate of 3.4-5.5, magnesium 0.72 at a rate of 0. 77 ... Only Panangin forte was prescribed and eat foods rich in potassium. I must say that a month ago I was in the hospital with pyelonephritis, after which I drank Canephron for a week. The doctor prompt whether the indicator of analyzes is strongly lowered? Is the prescribed treatment enough? How long does it take to retake potassium? Against the background of what could hoppokalemia develop?

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      • Hello. Passed or took place EKHOKG 2 times in a life. In 2014 and in 2017. In 2017, an additional chord was unexpectedly found in the left ventricle. They said it was innate. Unfortunately, there are no conclusions from 2014. But then absolutely nothing was said about the chord. Is it possible that at the first examination the doctor did not see her?

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      • Hello, I have such a problem, I'm a very hypochondriac person and very obsessed with my health lately. Here I have such a situation, the whole body is pulsating, or rather the arteries. Cervical on both sides, stomach, arms, collarbones. The pulsation is weakly visible, not strong, I don’t feel it at all, but it is visible to the eye. Especially on the stomach, the whole stomach beats in time with the heart in the prone position, I myself am not thin. Height 185 weight 94. I go in for sports, ultrasound of the heart and ECG are normal, pressure always jumps, sometimes 140 90, in general, I have a normal 120 80, can I have something serious? Like an aneurysm?

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      • Elena Grigorievna, hello. Please tell me, I am 28 years old, almost every day I have symptoms of angina pectoris, usually the pressure is 110/70-120/80, the pulse is from 70-90 beats per minute at rest, ecg, ultrasound of the vessels and the heart are normal, are they connected in this case my seizures with heart disease?

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      • Year took edarbi clo and concor cor (your appointment). Lately only concor cor. Depressive state. I tried to give up concor cor, feeling that the heart stops, the pulse quickens. How to be?

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      • I have a heart rhythm disorder. The therapist put a d / z arrhythmia. cardiologist-ventricular fibrillation. I take pills-betaloc-50 mg. Britomar-5 mg. lozarpan-o.25.

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      • Hello. I am 41 years old. I was diagnosed with unstable angina pectoris 3c (vasospastic). Tests and coronary angiography, including good ones. Periodic chest pain at rest. They are stopped by nitroglycerin. The treatment did not help. Is this form of angina pectoris treated? It is impossible to live and work ...

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      • Good afternoon. Tell me, please, can I combine: panangin omega 3 aevit?

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      • Hello, please tell me, my child has been ill with mononucleosis, now there was an allergy attack, almost edema of the quinca lies under the systems, hormones drip and at night snores, we were told we need a consultation with a cardiologist, she also has a high heartbeat. tell me what to do.

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      • I do cyclic sports at the amateur level (skiing, running). On the pulse meter, I see a sharp increase in heart rate with relatively small loads. A normal workout at an average pace (4.5-5 min / km) takes me with an average heart rate of 150-160 beats / min., The maximum on the rises is up to 173. After training, I “feel the heart”. For preventive purposes and to increase the effectiveness of training, I would like to pass a load test with the definition of the boundaries of heart rate zones. Please clarify, does the "treadmill test" service provided by you meet my needs?

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      • Elena Grigoryevna, you prescribed hofitol number 60 for me in tablets 2 times a day, 1 piece each, a course of a month, they are not now available in the pharmacies of the city, only liquid, can I take it and in what dosage? Thanks

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      • Good afternoon! I have hypertension for over 10 years! I take medicine, lodoz 5 mg., the third month, before that I took concor 5 mg for almost 8 years. There are pressure rises up to 169/95 and heartbeats up to 120 beats! I would like to ask you if there can be discomfort in the chest (heart), aching nature, such as pain, an increase in pressure due to oral contraceptives (I take it for the purpose of treatment after removal of a polyp in the uterus)? For a month now I have been feeling very bad (I have been taking OK for the first month, the gynecologist prescribed), that's it in the heart area, there is still nausea and dizziness. These appear to be side effects. Can I take them with my problems, or should I stop taking them? Mitral valve prolapse was also found on ultrasound of the heart. What it is! Thank you very much for the reply!

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      • Good evening Elena Grigoryevna, I am worried about shortness of breath during intensive walking, can I contact you for advice immediately without visiting a general practitioner?

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      • I was prescribed Concor. And I heard that an even newer drug, Concor Am, has appeared and it is better. Maybe it's better to take it?

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      • Hello! I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse of the 1st degree at the age of 17. At the age of 23, they did an ultrasound of the heart, they did not find the prolapse. The doctors said that it disappeared. My heart didn’t really bother me. For 29 years, we were at work at a corporate party in the forest in the summer. We played football. At first, everything was fine, I ran on an equal footing with everyone. .I had to stop the game. Then I sat watching the game, but my heart was burning strongly, the pulse was about 120 beats and my heart was pounding in my head and it was difficult to breathe. the end of the corporate party. Our therapist does not find anything serious. The last time she listened and said that I had an arrhythmia. What could it be? What should I do? Please advise.

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      • Conclusion The dimensions of the chambers of the hearts are normal. The contractility of the LV myocardium is preserved. Sclerosis of the aorta. The diastolic function of the left ventricle is not impaired. Tell me please, should I worry, the doctor told me that this is the norm and the aorta is already beginning to age-related changes. the rest is normal.

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      • The pressure has been holding for 3 days 160-84-52 What should I do? Is it possible to make an appointment with you, make an ultrasound of the heart and a cardiogram and immediately get to you for an appointment? I live in Polevskiy

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      • Good afternoon! Is it possible to find out how to replace the drug diroton? Was appointed 1.5 months ago. I also take Concor 2.5 mg. I have been drinking Concor for more than 8 years, as there is often tachycardia, more than 100 beats per minute. In the last six months, with concore, pressure and tachycardia were already three times (160/100 - 115-120 bpm). The doctor additionally prescribed diroton 2.5. But there was a side effect, a strong dry cough that torments at night! Please answer, is it possible to replace diroton with something? Thanks

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      • Hello! Concerns about palpitations, pulse keeps from 80 to 100, heavy breathing, dizziness, heart colitis before going to bed, chest discomfort, pressure is normal. Tell me, please, what to do? P.S. The father had coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction.

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      • Hello Elena Grigorievna. After a caesarean section, she began to feel a lack of oxygen, whether it was joy or stress, she took valoserdin, sometimes variana, as prescribed by the therapist for a long time. In October there was an asthma attack with blue cuticles of the fingers and a feeling of swelling of the lungs, while the pulse was 110 - 120.


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