Beta Blocker and SSRIs

[lfoll]

New to the forum.

Last December (2011) I decided it was time to go off of Zoloft. I was on 200mg a day and feeling very tense all the time, like it was too much. So I weaned myself off of it.

I had a big panic attack at the end of March and had another yesterday. My HR wouldn't go down below 120 either time. The first time an ear infection was discovered, and inner ear infections can cause anxiety (apparently). Yesterday I was diagnosed as healthy and given a prescription for a beta blocker (metoprolol succinate ER, 25mg).

This new script has greatly helped my physical symptoms, but the mental symptoms still persist. I've looked online and I can only find a poorly sourced interaction between Zoloft and Metoprolol ER. I went to my pharmacist today and she said it's okay to take them together, but of course the internet information still freaks me out a bit, so I took 12.5mg of Zoloft and am about to take my daily dose of Metoprolol ER.

Anyone else have any experience with beta blockers and ssri's?

Thanks!

[Buttercup]

Hi, I take both- an SSRI called Citalopram (40mg daily) and a beta blocker called Propranonol (80mg daily) and have had no adverse reactions. Both my doctor and my pharmacist reassured me it was fine to take them together. It's best to go with what the doctor says and not the internet. You will be fine taking the two and you will notice such a difference on the beta blockers- it's so nice not having a racing heart!
Do you also see a counsellor/psych? The beta blockers will help with your heart but will not get rid of anxiety itself so seeing someone and getting to the root of the problems and learning how to cope is really important to do as well.
B x

[alankay]

They are separate. No relation between them. You are fine. Alankay

[russells]

I'm on 20mg citalopram and 80mg beta blockers and it's fine to take them both together. Although I am experiencing enhanced dreaming and hallucination at night since being on the betas but it's only day 3 for me on those.