Can beta-blockers make you more depressed?

Can beta-blockers make you more depressed?

How they can cause depression: While scientists don’t know exactly how beta-blockers cause depression, the three most commonly adverse effects reported with their use are fatigue, sexual dysfunction and depression.

Can beta-blockers affect your mood?

Depression has also been associated with drugs known as beta blockers. But beta blockers (which work in part by slowing the heart rate) can also make you feel tired and listless, which may dampen your mood, Dr. Zusman explains.

Do beta-blockers make you crazy?

They are a common treatment for cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, arrhythmias, chest pains and high blood pressure. Researchers have suspected beta-blockers of having negative psychological side effects, including depression, anxiety, drowsiness, insomnia, hallucinations and nightmares.

How does metoprolol cause depression?

Cardiovascular researchers believe that peripheral effects of β blockers on the heart and kidneys lead to decreased chronotropy and inotropy, as well as lower blood pressure, all of which cause fatigue, decreased energy, and sexual dysfunction that may be interpreted as symptoms of new-onset depression.

Do beta blockers change your personality?

The use of β-blockers to treat hypertensive men can actually change type A personality behavior—itself a risk factor for coronary heart disease—toward type B, according to a group of West German physicians.

What happens when you come off beta-blockers?

While stopping any beta-blocker may cause a mild response, abruptly stopping propranolol may lead to a withdrawal syndrome. Beta-blocker withdrawal can result in a rise in blood pressure, and in patients with heart disease, chest pain, heart attack, and even sudden death.

How long can you stay on beta blockers?

Guidelines recommend beta blocker therapy for three years, but that may not be necessary. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also called adrenaline. Taking beta blockers reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

How do you feel on beta blockers?

Side effects commonly reported by people taking beta blockers include:

1. feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded (these can be signs of a slow heart rate)
2. cold fingers or toes (beta blockers may affect the blood supply to your hands and feet)
3. difficulties sleeping or nightmares.
4. feeling sick.