{"id":12368,"date":"2023-05-05T11:21:46","date_gmt":"2023-05-05T18:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=12368"},"modified":"2023-12-20T11:52:07","modified_gmt":"2023-12-20T19:52:07","slug":"carvedilol-vs-propranolol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/carvedilol-vs-propranolol\/","title":{"rendered":"Carvedilol vs. Propranolol: Which Should I Take?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Living with anxiety is challenging, but finding the right medication shouldn\u2019t be. Many different medications are used to treat anxiety, and each class of medications is used to target specific symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will compare two commonly prescribed medications, Carvedilol and Propranolol, which are primarily used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety. We will take a deeper look into the similarities and differences between these two medications so that you can be better informed when discussing anxiety treatment<\/a> options with your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are struggling with anxiety, let Klarity help. We offer a unique telehealth platform that allows you to receive quality care for your mental health, all from the comfort of your own home. Schedule an appointment today, and we\u2019ll connect you with a licensed healthcare provider in your state who can discuss Carvedilol vs. Propranolol and determine if one is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Propranolol and Carvedilol are the Same Class of Drugs (Beta Blockers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Propranolol and Carvedilol belong to the same class of medications called beta-blockers and are used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety. These two drugs similarly act on the body but have key differences we will discuss below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Beta Blockers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beta-blockers are a large group of medications that are most commonly used for the treatment of cardiac conditions. These medications work on the cardiovascular system to lower heart rate and blood pressure, which is why these drugs are also useful in treating the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heart or tremors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Beta Blockers Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beta-blockers are named after their mechanism of action. This class of medication works by blocking the activity at beta receptors, which are found throughout the body. There are two types of beta-receptors, beta-1, and beta-2, which are most notably found in the heart and blood vessels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter released from beta-receptors and is involved in the \u201cfight or flight\u201d response when the body perceives danger. This system is overactive in those who suffer from anxiety, so beta blockers work to block the release of epinephrine at beta-receptors, which ultimately slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Propranolol and Carvedilol Can Help Treat Physical Symptoms of Anxiety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety can be defined as uncontrollable or unwanted thoughts or fears that are out of proportion to the given situation. Beta-blockers are used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, which may include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Increased or irregular heart rate <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Increased rate or work of breathing <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Tremor <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Restlessness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Headaches <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The uneasy feeling in your stomach <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    What Else Does Propranolol Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Propranolol is most commonly used to treat cardiovascular issues and is FDA-approved for the following conditions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • High blood pressure <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Migraine headaches <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Essential tremor <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Off-label Uses for Propranolol  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      When there is a condition that is considered an \u201coff-label\u201d use, this indicates that the medication has not been FDA-approved for that given health issue. This does not mean the medication is not effective for off-label use, but rather that the drug manufacturer has not undergone the FDA-approval process for the given indication. For a drug to be FDA-approved, there is an extensive process that requires a great deal of time and resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Off-label uses for Propranolol include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Physical symptoms associated with anxiety <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Performance anxiety <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Portal hypertension <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Thyroid storm <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        What Else Does Carvedilol Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Carvedilol is also primarily used to treat various cardiovascular conditions and is FDA-approved for the following conditions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • High blood pressure <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Mild to severe chronic heart failure <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Off-label Uses for Carvedilol <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          The term \u201coff-label\u201d simply refers to any indication for a medication that has not been approved by the FDA. Below are some common off-label uses for Carvedilol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Off-label uses for Carvedilol include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Heart rate control in those with atrial fibrillation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Chest pain <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Portal hypertension in those with cirrhosis or liver damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Prevention of bleeding in those with esophageal varices or abnormal vein formation due to liver damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Doses, Dosage Form, and Side Effects of Carvedilol <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Common Carvedilol Doses and Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Carvedilol is the generic formulary for the name-brand medication, Coreg. It is available in both tablets and extended-release 24-hour tablets.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The dose of Coreg varies from person to person, but the dose is usually split into multiple doses throughout the day. The medication is typically started at a low dose and then titrated weekly until the desired dosage is reached. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Extended-release 24-hour capsules are available in the following dosages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • 10 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • 20 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • 40 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • 80 mg <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Tablets are available in the following dosages: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • 3.125 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 6.25 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 12.5 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • 25 mg <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Common Carvedilol Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                There are a few side effects associated with Carvedilol that should be taken into consideration before starting the medication. Most are mild, but you should contact your healthcare provider if you begin to experience severe or bothersome adverse effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Some of the most common side effects of Carvedilol include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Fatigue <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Drowsiness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Headache <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Dry cough <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Dry eyes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Sexual dysfunction, including impotence or reduced libido <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Serious side effects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Dangerous drop in blood pressure <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Chest pain <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Irregular heartbeat <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Difficulty breathing <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Signs of heart failure, such as swelling <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Fainting or loss of consciousness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Serious allergic reaction, which may present with hives, rash, and difficulty swallowing or breathing <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Common Carvedilol Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Some medications should be avoided when taking a beta-blocker like Carvedilol. It is important to disclose all medications you are currently taking with your healthcare provider before starting a new drug, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Common drug interactions with Carvedilol include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • MAO inhibitors <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Certain blood pressure and antiarrhythmic medications <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Asthma or COPD medications <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Some diabetes medications <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Antiviral medication used to treat HIV <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Opioids <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Antifungals, like Fluconazole <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Some anti-nausea medications  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      How Much Does Carvedilol Cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Coreg or generic Carvedilol is typically covered by most commercial health insurance plans and is affordable to those without insurance with the use of coupon codes and generic formularies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The cost of Coreg varies in price depending on generic vs. name-brand formularies, dosing, and which pharmacy you use. The average cost of a 30-day supply with the use of a coupon code is around $2-6. Coupon codes are available at most large name-brand pharmacies. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

                      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t