How fast do beta blockers work

Beta-blockers are some of the most effective medications for treating chronic heart failure. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Beta-blockers are drugs that can slow your heart rate and keep it from overworking. They also can stop your heart from responding to stress hormones, such as adrenaline. Over time, beta-blockers may help your heart pump better. Wilson Tang, MD.

Your doctor might prescribe other medicines along with beta blockers to improve your heart failure symptoms, such as:. These drugs are pillars of heart failure treatment and lower your risk of a cardiovascular event. When you start taking beta-blockers, your symptoms may become slightly worse for about two to three weeks as your heart adjusts to them. Kroll says.

These physical symptoms of anxiety include:. As it turns out, anxiety reduction after taking a beta blocker is actually a side effect of the drug. So, instead my PCP went with a beta blocker. Officially, the half-life of propranolol is three to six hours, but in terms of how you feel, go ahead and plan for a couple of hours of relief. Beta blockers are usually prescribed in pill form to be taken orally. The medication works relatively quickly, reaching peak levels in as quickly as one hour.

The standard dose of a beta blocker varies based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and other medical conditions. For anxiety, alone, healthcare providers usually start propranolol at a low dose, slowly increasing if necessary. There is also an extended-release version of propranolol, but for anxiety, usually the non-extended version is used. Beta blockers can help people who experience anxiety feel calmer and more in control of their emotions without making them feel under the influence.

The goal of anxiety treatment is for you to be able to live your life without symptoms standing in your way. Unlike SSRIs—which manage anxiety and depression long-term and take several weeks to begin working—beta blockers are effective on the first use and can be used intermittently with no side effects. They alleviate short-term anxiety symptoms, but do not cure anxiety. If you are experiencing anxiety symptoms around the clock, you may need a different medication, or to use a beta blocker to supplement another prescription.

Beta blockers can be effective treatment for stage fright before events or public speaking engagements—and for sleep anxiety. Just be sure to try it at home first to see how the medication affects you before using it for a high-stress event. They may be effective for social anxiety if taken before parties or dates—a safe option for whenever anxiety emerges.

If worries about the past day or concerns about the next day increase heart rate, preventing a natural transition into sleep, this beta blocker prevents that interference. If you are worried that a beta blocker might impact your coronavirus risk, ask your healthcare provider before starting the medication. There is potential for other adverse events from this type of medication. As with all medications, there are potential side effects :.

Unlike traditional anxiety medications , beta blockers are not addictive. Propranolol and the like do not cause drug dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them and are safe to take occasionally over a long period of time. Track your heart rate by taking your pulse daily. Write down your blood pressure numbers every time you take your blood pressure. It could be from your healthcare provider, the automated blood pressure machine at the drugstore, or your home blood pressure monitor.

How do I take it? Take your beta-blocker exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time s every day. If you take it more than once each day, space it out through the day. Never double-up your dose or take extra medication to make up for the missed dose. Do not stop taking it unless directed by your healthcare provider. Are there any interactions?

These include: Prescriptions Non-prescription drugs Inhalers Creams or ointments Over-the-counter or natural health products Alternative therapies Vitamins, minerals or supplements Herbal remedies Homeopathic medicines Traditional remedies, such as Chinese medicines Are there any side effects?

Beta-blockers can cause some side effects. Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint. Beta-blockers will slow your heart rate pulse and lower your blood pressure.

If you are dizzy or feel like you might faint, sit or lie down right away. Get up slowly to give your blood vessels time to adjust.