Is Metoprolol for anxiety? You will find out the answer right in this blog. I’ve done in-depth research on whether Metoprolol can be used for anxiety reduction. Let’s dive in now!
Metoprolol for anxiety: How effective is it?
First, it’s essential to know that Metoprolol is a beta-blocker. Generally, beta-blockers help regulate the body's fight-or-flight response by blocking the effects of the adrenaline for a short period of time. They have been thought of as effective and safe drugs to prevent and treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, heart problems, and chest discomfort since the 1960s.
As a result, we can say that beta-blockers, such as Metoprolol, are commonly used for heart problems. However, they can also be used for "off-label" purposes such as controlling physical anxiety symptoms. The term "off-label" refers to the specific use of medicine that hasn’t been approved by the FDA but is backed by practice guidelines or expert agreement.
So, if you ask “Can I use Metoprolol for anxiety treatment?”, the answer is Yes. Metoprolol can be used off-label to deal with anxiety's physical symptoms, particularly in social anxiety disorder.
In stressful situations like going to a party or making a speech, your doctor might prescribe Metoprolol to assist minimize your anxiety symptoms.
Metoprolol for anxiety: How does it work?
If we’re nervous and anxious, our heart rate will rise, telling the brain that our body is panicking. This process just adds fuel to our worry. If you remove the ability to accelerate your heart rate, your brain will know that you aren’t worrying. When your heart & body are relaxing, your brain gets a calming feeling, helping to alleviate anxiousness.
Doctors can prescribe Metoprolol for anxiety as the drug helps interrupt this loop by reducing the body's ability to manifest physical symptoms. A restless person's brain feels more peaceful and in control when the physical response to stress is addressed.
When anxiety impacts you on a regular basis, this may make a tremendous difference in your quality of life. Several anxiety symptoms are so intense and disturbing that people who are experiencing them seek medical help.
Anxiety manifests itself physically such as irregular heartbeats, itching, shivering, breakouts on the skin, parched mouth, hypertension, swallowing problems, and stomach pain.
Metoprolol dosage for anxiety
For different physical anxiety symptoms, Metoprolol is prescribed in different dosages, ranging from 25 mg to 200 mg. The recommended Metoprolol dosage for anxiety is from 50mg to 100mg per day.
Small dosages of the medicine impact the heart’s beta-1 receptors solely and hence preserve the heart’s regular velocity. Higher dosages can influence beta-2 receptors, which can impair a person's breathing and create inhaling problems since they hit airway receptors and the lung directly.
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Metoprolol for anxiety how long to work
Metoprolol takes roughly 2 hours to start working, but it might take a week to be fully effective. Even if you don't notice a difference when you use metoprolol, it doesn't indicate it isn't working.
Beta-blockers are frequently prescribed as pills. Metoprolol acts quickly, with peak levels hitting in as fast as 1 hour. The soothing effects of a little dosage of Metoprolol continue for some hours once it lies in your system.
Metoprolol for anxiety forum
Maybe you've heard from a coworker as well as read it on forums about how Metoprolol rescued people who have performance anxiety or social anxiety.
That is why so many public speakers, singers, artists, and entertainers use them. Metoprolol helps you keep your cool by reducing physical symptoms, allowing you to focus on your performance.
Some Metoprolol for anxiety forums I have found on the Internet that you might be into:
Metoprolol for anxiety reviews
You can find useful comments on the use of Metoprolol via this link
On average, Metoprolol has a 5.8 out of 10 ratings based on 546 reviews. A good effect was recorded by 41% of reviewers, while a detrimental effect was reported by 32%.
Metoprolol succinate for anxiety
Metoprolol succinate is a longer-acting medication with a long duration. It won't take effect right away, but it will last longer than Metoprolol tartrate. Metoprolol succinate is often used to deal with hypertension and angina. It's also used to reduce your chances of dying or having to go to the hospital for heart failure.
Metoprolol tartrate for anxiety
Is a shorter-acting medicine that usually comes with a modest dose. It is effective right away and provides relief. This metoprolol type is used to raise a person's chances of surviving a heart attack.
Metoprolol vs Propranolol for anxiety
Generally, both of these drugs act similarly and be good enough to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, based on your medical condition, and any other drugs you're presently on, your physician would decide which one is best for you.
Below are some small distinctions between the two.
Propranolol for anxiety
Since propranolol works best for short-term relief, it is more popular among users. It aids in the normalization of heart rate as well as the reduction of shaking, perspiration, and other symptoms.
It returns you to a tranquil condition, at least physiologically, which has an influence on your mind and makes you feel more relaxed overall. And, the fact that Propranolol has few adverse effects is another reason why it is popular.
That said, Propranolol may be too much for certain people. It relaxes them to the point that they are sleepy and unable to function at their best. While being nervous isn't ideal, you also don't want to be tired and sluggish during a speaking engagement.
Metoprolol for anxiety
Metoprolol is less commonly prescribed for anxiety and is more commonly used to treat hypertension. And the negative effects can be more common than with Propranolol, albeit they are still minor and uncommon.
In case Propranolol makes you sleepy, or your doctor warns you that Propranolol may interfere with other drugs, Metoprolol may be a good alternative.
👉Read also: Does Adderall help with anxiety and depression: The truth!
Possible side effects of Metoprolol for anxiety
Beta-blockers can have some unpleasant side effects, particularly when first started.
The following are examples of possible negative effects: weariness, frigid fingers & feet, headache, dizziness, sadness, suffocation, vomiting, constipation, etc.
Talk to your doctor right away in case you have any other significant side effects. They could be an abnormal heartbeat, low blood sugar, weight gain, fluid retention, an asthma attack, etc.
Do not stop taking the medicine without first consulting your doctor. If you take Metoprolol for anxiety on a regular basis, stopping it suddenly might cause acute withdrawal symptoms.
The adverse effects of Metoprolol may actually produce anxiety symptoms in some people. If you believe that Metoprolol exacerbates your anxiety, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Metoprolol for anxiety: Final words
Metoprolol, much like most beta-blockers, is sometimes used off-label to treat anxiety, such as periodic performance anxiety as well as other anxiety disorders.
It won't, however, cure the root cause of your anxiety. Instead, it can undoubtedly help with the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Metoprolol can be taken for anxiety therapy in some cases, such as if you have a presentation coming up tomorrow and need it to aid with your stage fright. Nevertheless, Metoprolol is not suggested for long-term usage.
Please remember that before using Metoprolol or any other anxiety medication, consult your doctor.
