Sertraline is a prescription drug. It is used most frequently in treating panic and anxiety disorders. Propranolol, on the other hand, is a type of beta-blocker. So, it relaxes blood vessels and slows heartbeat rate.
Here, the question is: Can you take Sertraline and Propranolol together?
And the answer is YES, you can. Sertraline and Propranolol are commonly used to treat disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and panic disorder. They are frequently administered in conjunction with other medications to ensure that patients receive the most relief and healing possible from their diseases.
But before you jump in, let me discuss the possible side effects and drug interactions that exist. So you are totally prepared before taking them together.
Table of Content
Can You Take Sertraline and Propranolol Together?
Sertraline is an antidepressant drug, while propranolol is a beta-blocker drug. Sertraline is widely available in pharmacies under the brand name Zoloft.
Typically, Sertraline is used to treat depression-related diseases and panic attacks. On the other hand, Propranolol is used for blood pressure and irregular heart beating function.
The question “Can I Take Propranolol and Sertraline Together?” comes up from time to time.
You can take sertraline and Propranolol together safely. For people who experience depression or anxiety, these two drugs could significantly enhance their quality of life.
Technically, it is okay if you took them separately. But things can get complicated when you combine two prescriptions.
If you are taking Propranolol with Sertraline, it is best to take it in small doses.
In general, when these two medications are combined, the body’s Propranolol levels rise. This can lead to hypotension, heart block, and other issues. So, Propranolol should be tapered off under the supervision of a doctor.
However, it is critical that you check the dose of each drug and ensure that you are not increasing your risk of side effects by taking the two medications at the same time.
Sertraline and Propranolol Interaction
A popular drug plan for treating panic disorder is a combination of Sertraline (Zoloft) and Propranolol.
As long as the patient takes the meds prescribed by their doctor, the combination will give excellent outcomes.
In fact, when you take the drug combination on the doctor’s prescription, you are less likely to experience any interaction. However, overdosage may result in drug interaction.
They can interact in some way to create severe side effects.
Depending on your doctor’s prescription, you may need to make dose adjustments. Or undergo specific testing to use both medications properly. Consult your health expert before you begin or stop taking any drug.
Sertraline And Propranolol Side Effects
Sertraline usually doesn’t have significant side effects, but if you take Sertraline and Propranolol together, the side effects of Propranolol can be increased. Actually, Sertraline may increase the effect of Propranolol.
If you experience any symptoms from the below list, you should visit a doctor instantly:
- Increased heartbeat
- Change of Nails color (bluish)
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Weakness
- Seizure
Besides these, the following are some other very common side effects of taking beta-blockers and SSRIs:
- Drug toxicity
- Abnormal heart rate
- Diarrhea
- Hypotension
- Weight gain or loss
- Sexual dysfunction
- Agitation
Propranolol And Sertraline Weight Gain
Propranolol and Sertraline are linked with weight gain.
Sertraline increases your appetite, resulting in eating more, eventually gaining weight.
Similarly, Propranolol reduces the ability of the body to burn fat, which results in the fat buildup. Therefore, if you take Propranolol and Sertraline together, you are more likely to gain weight.
Sertraline and Propranolol Overdose
Taking antidepressants and beta-blockers in moderation is beneficial. However, if you take too much of them, you are more likely to experience pronounced side effects of drugs.
For instance, it can slow down your heart rate to a dangerous level or shorten your breath.
Besides these, it can also result in trembling and dizziness. Apart from these, you are more likely to experience the following effects:
- Mania
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Excessive tiredness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Sertraline And Propranolol And Diazepam
Sertraline, Propranolol, and Diazepam are used together to relieve anxiety in the short term.
Sertraline (SSRI) is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The drug works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
While Propranolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and blood circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
On the other hand, Diazepam is a kind of benzodiazepine. It acts by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain.
People who take Sertraline, Propranolol, and Diazepam together have experienced drug interactions. Because of the possibility of adverse effects, it is not recommended to consume Diazepam with sertraline.
Can I combine Diazepam with Propranolol? Diazepam and Propranolol may have interaction. However, it does not imply that no interactions exist. You should always seek the advice of your physician.
FAQs
Question: Can you take antidepressants and beta-blockers together?
Answer: In some circumstances, you can safely combine antidepressants with beta-blockers. However, consult your doctor if you start suffering from beta-blocker side effects. He will almost certainly advise you to discontinue the beta-blocker. Beta-blockers significant side effects can cause you to breathe hard with slow heart activity. In severe cases, this drug interaction can be fatal.
Question: Does propranolol get you high?
Answer: Generally, Propranolol is not an addictive drug, nor does it contain any physically addictive composition. However, it gives a relaxing sensation to the body. This makes you take it when you feel stressed or have social anxiety. But, it is not a habit-forming drug.
Question: How can I avoid gaining weight on antidepressants?
Answer: After starting an antidepressant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the drug for body weight. Regular exercise and a low-calorie diet can help you to improve your weight management.
Question: Is it possible to overdose on beta-blockers?
Answer: You should never overdose on beta-blockers as the consequences can be fatal. If you do so, visit a doctor’s office immediately! As you can survive only if your doctor corrects your heartbeat as soon as possible. Otherwise, a lower heartbeat with breathing problems can make you die.
Conclusion
Finally, your best option is to consult with a medical practitioner about all your medical history. Also, whether you should take Sertraline and Propranolol together or not.
This is especially significant because taking the medicines together may result in more symptoms than taking them individually.
However, it’s possible that you won’t notice any problems. So proceed with caution while adopting this combined method.