Beta Blockers and fluoxetine?

Question

Is it safe to take beta blockers whilst taking fluoxetine for depression?

Answer 1

It really depends on  what beta-blocker you are taking. Certain beta-blockers like metoprolol, propranolol, carviadiol and timolol when taken with fluoxetine can cause low blood pressure and other heart problems. This happens because fluoxetine inhibits an enzyme that is responsible for eliminating the beta-blockers from your body. The beta-blockers then build up to very high levels and has  unwanted affects on the heart. So if you are taking one of those beta-blockers there are a couple of things you may want to consider along with your doctor.

First you may want to switch to a different beta-blocker like atenolol or nadol. The elimination of these are not affected by fluoxetine and therefore will not build up to high levels.  Secondly, you can switch fluoxetine to another anti-depressant that does not affect the elimination of beta-blockers such as sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) or escitalopram (Lexapro) Discuss this with your doctor.

Answer 2

Consult the doctor or pharmacologist.

Answer 3

Simple answer is " NO " .

The reason why is simply because Beta Blockers are muscle relaxants and Fluoxetine hydrochloride is a psycho-therapeutic medication. These two agents never go along together well and has high risk of side effects and harm to the body.

I am sure your family physician and specialists are aware of this and apparently You are in need of both medications. In that case do as following when You are taking both medications.



MANAGEMENT of taking beta blockers along with fluoxetine hydrochloride: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for hypotension and excessive or prolonged CNS depression. Ambulatory patients should be made aware of the possibility of additive effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, orthostasis, fainting) and be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks, and to arise slowly from a sitting or lying position. Patients should also be advised to notify their doctor if they experience excessive side effects that interfere with their normal activities, or dizziness and fainting.

Finally, I advice that, You should speak to your neurologist or psychologist to reduce the amount of fluoxetine which You are currently taking.

Wishing You A Good Health !

Answer 4

yes. it's perfectly safe. one is for your heart and the other depression. it would be worse to not take them than take them.

Answer 5

"The concomitant administration of agents with hypotensive effects and psychotherapeutic agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics), narcotic analgesics, alcohol, or muscle relaxants may additively increase hypotensive and/or central nervous system depressant effects."

Patients should be monitored for hypotension and excessive or prolonged CNS depression. Ambulatory patients should be made aware of the possibility of additive effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, orthostasis, fainting) and be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks, and to arise slowly from a sitting or lying position. Patients should also be advised to notify their doctor if they experience excessive side effects that interfere with their normal activities, or dizziness and fainting.

Answer 6

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