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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BGB on September 3, 2008, at 0:05:12
I have been taking 60mg of propranolol for tremors and anxiety caused by my medications (1800mg Trileptal, 250mg Lamictal, 400mg Wellbutrin SR). Since I found out that it can cause depression a few months ago, and I am already in a horrible depressive episode (I'm BP I), I now take it only 2 or 3 times a week.
Do you think that my somewhat infrequent use of propranolol could have any effect on my depression? I feel like I hit rock bottom every day and invariably the next day is even worse. I don't want to take anything that could possibly be contributing to this hell. But, it does give me self-confidence when I am in social situations because it helps so much with the very embarrassing (and occasionally debilitating) tremors. I have Valium and Xanax that I can take, but the propranolol really does work better for the tremors. I take the Valium or Xanax for anxiety, about once or twice a month. A bottle of 30 lasts me a year or two.
Thanks, everyone, for your responses! =)
Posted by yxibow on September 3, 2008, at 0:30:36
In reply to Can Occasional Propranolol Use Cause Depression?, posted by BGB on September 3, 2008, at 0:05:12
> I have been taking 60mg of propranolol for tremors and anxiety caused by my medications (1800mg Trileptal, 250mg Lamictal, 400mg Wellbutrin SR). Since I found out that it can cause depression a few months ago, and I am already in a horrible depressive episode (I'm BP I), I now take it only 2 or 3 times a week.
>
> Do you think that my somewhat infrequent use of propranolol could have any effect on my depression? I feel like I hit rock bottom every day and invariably the next day is even worse. I don't want to take anything that could possibly be contributing to this hell. But, it does give me self-confidence when I am in social situations because it helps so much with the very embarrassing (and occasionally debilitating) tremors. I have Valium and Xanax that I can take, but the propranolol really does work better for the tremors. I take the Valium or Xanax for anxiety, about once or twice a month. A bottle of 30 lasts me a year or two.
>
> Thanks, everyone, for your responses! =)Yes, for some people propranolol can cause depression, probably from its blood pressure and pulse lowering, as well as other factors being a CNS depressant somewhat.
But that doesn't mean everyone will, and an occasional use of it may give you a slight headache but I think with all those medications on board (Lamictal and Wellbutrin being anti-depressants) it is unlikely to do it in an occasional (PRN) use.I personally can't get much use out of it unless I take 40-80mg, but I have rather poundage and fast metabolism for some agents.
If you find you're sensitive, I think that taking one agent or another is best rather than both at the same time, which just stacks CNS depressants together.
-- tidings
Jay
Posted by Phillipa on September 3, 2008, at 10:56:56
In reply to Re: Can Occasional Propranolol Use Cause Depression? » BGB, posted by yxibow on September 3, 2008, at 0:30:36
Isn't inderol usually used on a prn basis unless you have heart disease? Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on September 4, 2008, at 0:57:15
In reply to Re: Can Occasional Propranolol Use Cause Depression?, posted by Phillipa on September 3, 2008, at 10:56:56
> Isn't inderol usually used on a prn basis unless you have heart disease? Phillipa
When it first came out probably -- it is an old line non-cardioselective agent. That's the important point in why psychiatrists select them because they actually weren't as efficient for the heart and propranolol especially was noted for its other effects on peripheral (limbic) muscle relaxation.
Using a cardioselective agent such as metoprolol (and even more agreessive -ols) is not the best use as it is geared towards heart patients.
But -- caveat, if you do use propranolol around the clock it still affects the heart so it should not be instantly discontinued (other than some sudden unbelievably rare side effect), but tapered off.
-- tidings
Posted by bleauberry on September 5, 2008, at 22:17:37
In reply to Can Occasional Propranolol Use Cause Depression?, posted by BGB on September 3, 2008, at 0:05:12
> I have been taking 60mg of propranolol for tremors and anxiety caused by my medications (1800mg Trileptal, 250mg Lamictal, 400mg Wellbutrin SR)....and I am already in a horrible depressive episode...
>Just a thought, but I would not personally continue taking meds that don't work, especially if they are causing side effects that require yet another med. If I'm going to stack another med onto my cocktail to control side effects of the other meds, well, my other meds better sure as heck be keeping me out of "horrible depressive episodes". Ya know? Maybe the focus should be on getting rid of the meds that aren't working rather than covering up side effects of them?
Like I said, just a thought. I would not for a second allow myself to stay where you are at this time. If I'm wicked depressed on whatever meds, I'm sorry, but I'm cross tapering onto to new ones, simple as that.
This is the end of the thread.
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