I have a question about depression medications. I have had major depression (and OCD) for over 15 years, and most Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors weren't helping me. Then my doctor prescribed me Venlafaxine, and it's been the most helpful drug I have ever taken. Venlafaxine is a Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. I can only assume the inclusion of helping my Norepinephrine levels is what has made the difference!
But I also suffer from chronic migraines. And it's gotten really horrible lately. My doctor prescribed me Propranolol, a beta-blocker, to help with migraine prophylaxis. It seemed to help, but when I ran out and forgot to get more for a few days I had a noticeable upturn in mood.
I read that beta-blockers block the affects of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Is the Propranolol negating the norepinephrine reuptake of my Venlafaxine? Is it possible that the Propranolol could be worsening my depression?
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6 Answers
CH
chuck1957
8 Oct 2017
YES, THIS IS A COMMON COMBINATION THE PROPRANOLOL ONCE IT GETS IN THE SYSTEM IT HELPS STOP THE SKIPPING HEART, FAST RUNNING HEART ALONG WITH OTHER ANXIETY PROBLEMS. AND I DO TAKE 225 VENLAFAXINE ALSO, I would rather take it then the panic attack I have had for 25 years and I have been on and off the Effexor, several times and always have to go back by the way I prefer the propranolol 60mg capsules tr. chuck1957
Votes: +1
RI
riles7189
8 Oct 2017
I have been prescribed Effexor since 2012 for anxiety and depression. Although it is effective, it’s a very difficult medication to stop taking. I experienced intense withdrawals during titration. In chat rooms and Effexor sites this is a universal problem. It’s just easier to very slowly titrate. I’ve gone from 450mg down to 225mg in a year. I’ll get there.
I read the comments about propranolol causing depression. I started taking this to slow my heart rate 4-weeks ago. My anxiety has increased dramatically since 2014. Beta blockers like propranolol will slow the heart rate. This in turn, especially in the beginning, causes you to become more mellow and lose energy. This is sometimes confused as depression. I felt that during the first 3-weeks of taking propranolol. Now I’m noticing an increase in energy as my body has adjusted. My heart rate was running as high as 130/beats per min. With propranolol it’s between 60 & 70.
Anxiety and depression is like the “chicken and the egg” question. Is your anxiety making you feel depressed or is the overwhelming depression causing anxiety? It’s so difficult for some to answer. It takes patience, a great prescriber, a solid clinician and a pharmacy who you are able to benefit from a long relationship. It takes time. I now know my issue is anxiety which is why I’m transitioning medications. When my anxiety is controlled I’m the guy I used to be before anxiety became apart of my life. When it is not controlled, my world becomes a dark place.
I’m sorry if this paragraph comes off as a lecture, but remember you’re not alone in this fight. It’s worth the time it takes to find out what program or medication works best. Once you do, don’t stop. Don’t allow anyone to tell you you’re wrong. You know what works after some time and work. Be assertive about your care. Find people who know how to help.
RR
Votes: +0
PN
pnc
9 April 2017
I have tried propranolol for social anxiety/stage fright, it's very effective, I can not deny, but I am quite sure that propranolol causes depression. Even it causes me a distorted perception of the sound, making, for example, that a tuned instrument sounds out of tune. I know it sounds crazy, but I've read that others have noticed the same thing. When I took it, the depression it lasted for up to a week, then I return to normal. Sorry for my english, it's not my first language.
Votes: +0
IN
Inactive
6 June 2012
Dear MariahGem:
I'm Abby, I understand what you're going through. I suffer from anxiety disorder, I think I suffer from the anxiety than the depression
I'm currently on (Propranolol) Inderal, for about 3-4 years, I started on 20 mg then increased for 40 mg, it is a good medication to treat migraine headaches. Before starting this particular meds I was tried on a numerous kinds of meds, nothing avail. I was on pain meds, all I got was rebound headaches, which was worse than the initial headache. Inderal (propranolol) is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Inderal is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. I really like Inderal I don't have as many migraines as I used to. Propranol is a godsend, cause with all the other meditation I have tried this is the one. I'll tell you...
Back in 2006, I went to a neurologist specialist dealt in migraine headaches, I was desparte to get relief some way of coping with the headaches. At my first visit, the started me on Lortab 10s, then the Topamax, Neurotinin. He sent me home with script meds then see him in 4 weeks. At my second appt., the doctor asked me if the meds are working, honestly if you look at the whole picture, my neurologist, prescribed me 3 different types of medication, he asked if the medication is working, answered, no. There was no way in telling. Common sense say, he should have just prescribe one meds instead, but add other meds if needed down the road.
I took the meds as prescribed, but I started on Topamax (I'm allergic to it, it causes stiffness in my joints.) Neurotinin was the same way some kind of reaction. The only meds that the neurologist had me on was Hydrocodone (Lortab) 10/500... is that right? The right dosages? I stayed on the painkillers for a couple months then decided to go back to my previous neurologist because the driving, it was about 45 minutes to get there and back. I saw the doctor once a month it was too much.
Venlafaxine (Effexor) medication is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). I really don't understand thee part that the chemical in the brain "may" cause depression then again it says, Venlafaxine used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder.
I took this meds before I would shake all over uncontrolled and have this mouth movement, I was stiff all over physically I had a hard time walking. I tremored. It had the same side effects as I did with Zoloft--- a horrible experience.
I look forward in hearing from you soon. -Abby
Votes: +0
MA
MariahGem
6 June 2012
Thanks so much for your in-depth reply! I want to see a neurologist so badly, but I can't afford to. My general doctor has been really good though! I also take Vicodin (hydrocodone) for my headaches once I have one. I can't take the Topamax either because I'm allergic as well.
Like I told the other commenter, I tried a few weeks without my Propranolol, and noticed that my mood worsened even while I was without it. So I don't think the Propranolol was affecting my mood. On the other hand, without it I DEFINITELY got the daily headaches again! So I am safely back on it, and loving it. It's nice to only have headaches a few times a week instead of every day! You know? :D
Anyway, thanks so much for your advice! I really appreciate hearing others' tales of dealing with the same things I struggle with! Good luck to you as well!
IN
Inactive
6 June 2012
Dear MariahGem:
I'm glad that I helped you out, because I have been there. I fought with the migraine headaches finding the right medication combination. Are you still on pain meds? The one thing about especially for the migraines and you take them regularly then you then you stop taking the painkillers you will get a rebound headaches. Those are horrible.
I told my doctor I would rather be on something else. Then I found Inderal oh my god it is a reat medication for migraines. I do at times, when the migraines are really painful and the Inderal isn't helping. I go after something stronger. I do have the headaches under control. I've found so explainmething that helps me cope with the pain... any kind of pain I use "distraction". I watch TV a movie. I don't think the Inderal is making depression worse... in my experience I'm on Lamitcal it is a drug for bipolar and depression, it doesn't interfere with the Inderal one bit.
It just might be the Effexor I was on it before the side effects were horrible, I quit taking it right away. It made me feel weird it didn't seentem to help. Um yeah, is Venlafaxine an SSRI? If it is that'll explain why I was shakines tremor all over. I would definitely call your doctor and tell them what you are experiencing.
Best of luck -Abby
EN
endlessPred
30 May 2012
Propranolol slows the heart rate in individuals who experience a racing pulse through anxiety or another method. I don't believe it affects mood as much as it effects the ability to handle things with a lessened feeling of stress. It is often used for performers who experience severe stage fright. It does not affect the ability to play an instrument, for example, do complex music or give a speech. It has many uses.
Votes: +0
MA
MariahGem
6 June 2012
Thanks! I'd read that it was a really popular stage fright drug! In fact, it steadies hands so well that it's outlawed in the olympics in events like archery and shooting! It doesn't change the mental effects of anxiety but it steadies your muscles!
IN
Inactive
29 May 2012
Hello MariahGem. Propranolol/Inderal is often perscribed for migraines. On its own, depression is if ever seldom a complaint to taking beta blockers. I could not find anything to outright confirm your theroy. Regards, pledge
Votes: +2
IN
Inactive
29 May 2012
To follow up, I did some more research. Depression has been reported to taking beta blockers but it is not a common one, and is more likely a rare one. Specifically the drug Propranolol, I found nothing to suggest as you explained that it is a cause of your depression being lifted/relieved. pledge
MA
MariahGem
29 May 2012
Thank you so much!
I went a week without my Propranolol just to see, and my mood stayed cheery for a few days. But who knows, it could be because the sun finally came out, or maybe I randomly went into depression remission. But my headaches did get worse so I'm going back to the Propranolol, and I'll watch my mood closely.
IN
Inactive
30 May 2012
Thank you for the update and I hope the migraines do abate. Best wishes, pledge
NE
Neurondoc
25 Aug 2015
Just coming across this now but for future readers must respectfully but strongly disagree. Depression, fatigue and insomnia are common side effects to propranolol, and I would expect the chances to be higher in someone with pre existing depression. Mechanism is independent of serotonin. It does work well for migraines, but each individual needs to be aware of potential side effects to see it they respond to it or any other drug. As a frequent prescriber it is very possible it did depress your mood; on the other hand having fewer migraines can be very uplifting.
