22nd March 2006
Hi there Jules! :wave:
I actually started out taking 25mg Toprol XL, which was a once a day time-released beta blocker. I was still having bothersome symptoms (heart pounding) so my doctor switched me to the Metoprolol 25mg twice a day. This is actually a pretty low dose itself. A lot of people take 100+mg once or twice a day. It may make you feel better to know that it does not have a drastic effect on my baseline pulse...it brought it down 10-15bpm. Its job is to kick in to keep my heart rate from spiking up in to the 100's and even 200's.
Xanax and beta blockers are totally fine to take together. I just took them both at the same time this morning! :) Xanax calms your nervous system, and the beta blockers effect the receptors on your heart ("sit in them" so adrenaline can't "sit in them" and make your heart race). Their effects are totally different...you might get a little sleepy though!
I have kept drinking to an absolute minimum since I started all the meds, just because I am paranoid at the effect it will have. I wouldnt go out for a night of heavy drinking, but I'm sure a glass of wine here and there wouldn't hurt, and DEFINITELY not while the Xanax is in your system...that one is pretty much a no-no with alcohol from what I hear.
Anyway, try the beta blocker. It might take awhile to get used to it and feel the full effect, it might make you a little sleepy at first. It definitely will not stop your heart, but if you notice it WAY slow, like 40's, I would call your doc and have him/her adjust your doseage.
Let me know if you have any more questions and let me know how it works out! I have found beta blockers to be a very tolerable med, side-effect wise. I can't even tell I am taking it.
I actually started out taking 25mg Toprol XL, which was a once a day time-released beta blocker. I was still having bothersome symptoms (heart pounding) so my doctor switched me to the Metoprolol 25mg twice a day. This is actually a pretty low dose itself. A lot of people take 100+mg once or twice a day. It may make you feel better to know that it does not have a drastic effect on my baseline pulse...it brought it down 10-15bpm. Its job is to kick in to keep my heart rate from spiking up in to the 100's and even 200's.
Xanax and beta blockers are totally fine to take together. I just took them both at the same time this morning! :) Xanax calms your nervous system, and the beta blockers effect the receptors on your heart ("sit in them" so adrenaline can't "sit in them" and make your heart race). Their effects are totally different...you might get a little sleepy though!
I have kept drinking to an absolute minimum since I started all the meds, just because I am paranoid at the effect it will have. I wouldnt go out for a night of heavy drinking, but I'm sure a glass of wine here and there wouldn't hurt, and DEFINITELY not while the Xanax is in your system...that one is pretty much a no-no with alcohol from what I hear.
Anyway, try the beta blocker. It might take awhile to get used to it and feel the full effect, it might make you a little sleepy at first. It definitely will not stop your heart, but if you notice it WAY slow, like 40's, I would call your doc and have him/her adjust your doseage.
Let me know if you have any more questions and let me know how it works out! I have found beta blockers to be a very tolerable med, side-effect wise. I can't even tell I am taking it.