HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Increased Anxiety after Weaning off of Beta Blocker

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/21/2017 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,I am new to this Forum.I had a massive panic attack eight weeks ago which landed me in the ER and an overnight stay in the hospital.I was given Metoprolol Tartrate 25 mg twice daily. I titrated off of it over the course of three weeks,ending this past Sunday.The last few days I have had awful anxieties,inner trembling and myriad strange sensations. The only reason I haven't gone into full panic mode is I realize these are anxiety driven. I have Ativan0.5 mg whichnI take only 1/2dose sparingly.I am so afraid of becoming dependent on this drug.
Wondering if the anxieties are a result of going of the Metroprolol and if they will subside eventually?
I first had anxiety attacks in my late twenties am now in my mid sixties.Wondering why after almost forty years these attacks are back!

Post Edited (GiGi2 five) : 11/21/2017 7:31:36 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/21/2017 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi GiGi and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your recent experience with anxiety again. It is frustrating to have this happening after years of no issues, I know. :/

Sometimes we really don't know what triggers recurring anxiety. It could be a combination of factors...but whatever the reason, being proactive in management is always a good plan.

I am sure that the physical symptoms of the anxiety are back due to the fact that your 'tool', the Metoprolol has been discontinued. Beta blockers are excellent at relieving the physical sensations that you are now having once more.

Your rescue med (Ativan) can be used as needed for the most acute anxiety and challenging days. The dose you are on is low...and since you'll only take when needed...you've little reason to worry about dependency.

However, if you would like to be as med free as possible, then coping skills are going to be your best defense against A/P. Check out our Resources at the top of the main forum pages here for great self help material to get started on right away! Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a big difference!

Post with us anytime as well. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/22/2017 7:56 AM (GMT 0)
sc is right. used sparingly no chance of dependency.(way too low of a dose) i think u are just getting the wash out of the beta blocker. keep strong and posting.
Posted 11/24/2017 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
If the beta blocker was helping you, why did you go off it? (I am sure there is a good reason, but just wondering....)

If you feel better when you are taking the beta blocker -- and worse when you are not taking it -- and assuming that the beta blocker is not contraindicated for some other reason -- why not just continue to take it?
Posted 11/25/2017 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Outside of suppressing my anxieties to a degree,I felt very low energy ,insomnia was increased and just really didn't care for it overall.It was Rx'd by the hospital dr. For hypertension,which I don't have other than with a panic attack! I am going to try 25 mg of Zoloft starting tomorrow hoping that it,along with talk therapy and exercise will help me mange my anxieties.
Posted 11/25/2017 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
G.G.2,

Wishing you the best on your start up, therapy and self help regimen...great work on being proactive with your recovery!

Keep us updated so we can keep you in support.😊

Hugs and high fives!

S.C.
Posted 11/25/2017 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
sc and i agree on everything!! being proactive will help you immensly. err spelling.
Posted 11/25/2017 7:41 AM (GMT 0)
^^^😁😁😁
Posted 11/25/2017 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Taking matters into my own hands re my Zoloft start up.I have decided to sort with 12.5 mg for a week or so and slowly titrated up to what I assume will be 50mg. I know it will prolong the time frame of this med actually kicking in but I also hope it will mitigate some of the side effects as well by doing this.I know my body well and it is sensitive to medication and after my experience with the Metorprlol I want to go slowly.Thoughts.
Posted 11/25/2017 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Self advocating is alaways a good plan...like you said, you know your body best!

Peace and progress!

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply