Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium are a common treatment for many anxiety disorders. However, benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, and their side effects include drowsiness, sedation, confusion, unsteadiness, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For people with a history of substance abuse or who work a job that requires them to drive frequently, operate heavy machinery, or use fine motor skills, benzodiazepines are not always an appropriate choice for anxiety treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need an alternative anxiety treatment that specifically addresses the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as elevated blood pressure, a racing heart, and heavy sweating, then you\u2019ll want to learn more about beta blockers. In this article, we will discuss two commonly prescribed beta-blockers, Coreg and Lopressor<\/a> (generically known as carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate, respectively).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The healthcare providers on Klarity can prescribe beta blockers for anxiety, and we\u2019ll send them directly to your local pharmacy. We\u2019ve helped over 30,000 Americans find affordable and accessible anxiety medication online. Our unique telehealth service helps you get the treatment you need fast and at a low cost.
All you need to do to speak with a fully-licensed and trained medical provider is take a brief, 2-minute online mental health assessment<\/a>, and you can get seen within 48 hours!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
| <\/th> | Coreg<\/th> | Lopressor<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>| Beta blocker<\/td> | Beta blocker<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> | Brand name for carvedilol | \n \n<\/td> Brand name for metoprolol | \n \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> | \u2022 Extended-release capsules | \n\u2022 Immediate-release tablets \n<\/td> \u2022 Extended-release capsules | \n\u2022 Immediate-release \ntablets \n\u2022 Injectable solution \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> | Extended-release capsules: | \n\u2022 10mg \n\u2022 20mg \n\u2022 40mg \n\u2022 80mg \n \nImmediate-release tablets: \n\u2022 3.125mg \n\u2022 6.25mg \n\u2022 12.5mg \n<\/td> Extended-release capsules: | \n\u2022 25mg \n\u2022 50mg \n\u2022 100mg \n\u2022 200mg \n \nImmediate-release tablets: \n\u2022 25mg \n\u2022 50mg \n\u2022 100mg \n \nInjectable solution: \n\u2022 1mg per mL \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> | FDA-approved: | \n\u2022 Heart failure \n \nOff-label: \n\u2022 Supraventricular tachycardia (fast heartbeat) \n\u2022 Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) \n\u2022 Thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) \n\u2022 Managing the physical symptoms of anxiety \n<\/td> FDA-approved: | \n\u2022 Hypertension \n \nOff-label: \n\u2022 Supraventricular tachycardia (fast heartbeat) \n\u2022 Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) \n\u2022 Thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) \n\u2022 Managing the physical symptoms of anxiety \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Cost<\/strong><\/td> | Brand name: | \n\u2022 $355 to $427 for a 30-day supply* \n \nGeneric (carvedilol): \n\u2022 $80 to $203 for a 30-day supply* \n \n*May be less with insurance or discount cards \n<\/td> Brand name: | \n\u2022 $153 to $171 for a 30-day supply \n \nGeneric (metoprolol): \n\u2022 $3.50 to $15 for a 30-day supply \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> | Common side effects: | \n\u2022 Dizziness \n\u2022 Bradycardia (slow heart rate) \n\u2022 Postural hypotension \n\u2022 Insomnia \n\u2022 Diarrhea \n<\/td> Common side effects: | \n\u2022 Shortness of breath \n\u2022 Tiredness \n\u2022 Skin Rash \n\u2022 Depression \n\u2022 Shortness of Breath\/Wheezing \n\u2022 Slowed Heart Rate \n\u2022 Tiredness \n\u2022 Dizziness \n\u2022 Diarrhea \n\u2022 Itchiness \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> | Contraindicated conditions: | \n\u2022 COPD \n\u2022 Asthma \n\u2022 Hypoglycemia \n\u2022 Hypothyroidism \n \nDrug interactions: \n\u2022 Heart rhythm medication \n\u2022 Other beta blockers \n\u2022 Blood-pressure medications \n\u2022 Calcium-channel blockers \n\u2022 Diabetes medication \n\u2022 Transplant rejection drugs \n<\/td> Contraindicated conditions: | \n\u2022 COPD \n\u2022 Asthma \n\u2022 Hypoglycemia \n\u2022 Hypothyroidism \n \nDrug interactions: \n\u2022 Other blood pressure medications \n\u2022 Other heart medications \n\u2022 Other beta blockers \n\u2022 Calcium channel blockers \n\u2022 Certain antidepressants \n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n Lopressor and Coreg are the Same Class of Drugs (Beta Blockers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\nCoreg<\/strong> and Lopressor<\/strong> are two common beta blockers that work in a similar way, so they have similar effects on the body. However, there are subtle differences that this article will outline to help you choose the beta blocker that best suits your medical needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta-blockers are a class of medication that was originally developed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Since their initial pharmaceutical debut, they\u2019ve been prescribed to treat various cardiovascular issues as well as additional conditions unrelated to hypertension, like glaucoma and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta-blockers, as the name implies, block the beta receptors that line the cells in various systems of your body. Specifically, these beta adrenergic blocking agents block receptors<\/p>\n\n\n\n , which react to certain hormones such as adrenaline and epinephrine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adrenaline and epinephrine are hormones responsible for triggering the fight-or-flight response. When adrenaline or epinephrine enters a beta receptor, it triggers the heart to pump faster and harder, induces sweating, and increases alertness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beta receptors that these drugs are designed to block are Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta-1 receptors are found in the heart and kidneys. When activated, they cause blood pressure and heart rate to increase, and as a result the heart pumps with more force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta-2 receptors are found in smooth muscle systems like blood vessels, the nervous system, and the respiratory system. When activated, Beta-2 receptors increase heart rate and the amount of force the heart uses to pump blood. However, they also cause blood vessels and respiratory muscles to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, adrenaline gears your body up to react to physical and sometimes emotional danger, known as the fight-or-flight response. Beta-blockers block the receptors that trigger the fight-or-flight response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with anxiety disorders often experience physical symptoms associated with the fight-or-flight response\u2014racing heart, hyper-ventilating, increased blood pressure, sweating, and muscle tension, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because beta-blockers suppress the fight-or-flight response, they are often prescribed to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety in people with anxiety disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are interested in learning more about how beta-blockers could help your physical symptoms of anxiety, book an appointment with an experienced provider on Klarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most beta-blockers, Lopressor is primarily used to treat a variety of other cardiovascular conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coreg has a similar treatment profile to Lopressor. It treats the same cardiovascular symptoms as Lopressor and has a similar off-label treatment profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both Coreg and Lopressor are no longer the first choices to treat hypertension. This is because other beta blockers perform that specific cardiovascular function better than Coreg or Lopressor. However, Coreg and Lopressor are first-line treatments for heart attacks, congestive heart failure patients, and chest pains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Coreg comes in a variety of forms, each with a different target dose . The type and potency of Coreg doses depend on what condition it is treating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coreg extended-release capsules come in the following doses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coreg immediate-release tablets come in the following doses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Healthcare providers recommend taking Coreg with food twice a day. Patients who skip a dose can experience a dramatic blood pressure spike, increasing the chances of heart attack or stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common side effects of Coreg include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suddenly stopping Coreg can dramatically increase blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with severe COPD or Asthma should not take Coreg. However, patients with mild asthma or COPD can take Coreg if medically supervised and cleared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking Coreg will reduce high blood pressure and reduce how fast and hard the heart works. Certain symptoms of other diseases, like hyperthyroidism and diabetes, include high blood pressure and a racing heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, Coreg can mask the onset of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. If you have diabetes or hyperthyroidism, make sure to test\/monitor regularly in case Coreg is masking symptoms of those other conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you notice any changes that may indicate heart-related concerns while taking Coreg, reach out to your provider on Klarity. If you are experiencing life-threatening concerns, seek immediate medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking Coreg with medications that help with abnormal heart rhythms can cause adverse reactions, such as worsening a heart blockage or causing dangerously low blood pressure. Examples of heart rhythm medication include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coreg should not be used with other beta-blockers, as the effects of each drug will be more severe. Common beta-blockers (besides Lopressor and Coreg) include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n |