Can beta blockers lose their effectiveness?
By
Question: After a few years of suffering with disabling anxiety/panic disorder and almost constant tachycardia, I decided to start taking atenolol to help, and it did–a lot. My anxiety level dropped tremendously, along with my heart rate and the number of palpitations I had, and I was able to go back to work last year. About a month ago I started having panic attacks again. I had 8 in one week which was probably more than I’ve had in the 2 years I’ve taken atenolol combined. My anxiety is near constant again and I am experiencing a lot of tachycardia. Can beta blockers lose their effectiveness over time? My doctor doesn’t want to increase my dosage because my blood pressure is fairly low on the drug. I am also taking ativan and it seems as if both drugs have just stopped working for me. I also wonder if this could have anything to do with aspartame consumption. I’ve been drinking a lot of diest soda in the past few months.
I do not drink caffeine
6 Comments
December 5th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I doubt the aspartame could have re-ignited the tachycardia…..My guess is it was the caffeine in the diet coke.
While I’m not an M.D, and don’t have significant experience in this area, I would probably ask my doctor for a depressant or very mild barbiturate, which wouldn’t put you into a state of bradycardia, but it would be able to slow down your heart.
Another thought is that it may be psychological…..you might want to see a psychiatrist…..he may prescribe a better drug.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
The caffiene is probably your culpret. Try to lay off the caffiene for a few days and see if you have improvement. Yes, your atenolol may not be working as well as is did initially, your Dr. may have to increase your dosage or change your medication, this happens frequently. Call your doc and inform him/her of what is going on. Hope you start feeling better! Diet soda is still loaded with caffiene, unless you are drinking decaffinated.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
No drug(s) that you take are going to magicallt make your panic attacks go away forever. I also suffer from panic disorder, and the medications make the symptoms much better, but not nonexistent. The only way to do that is through hard work, preferably with a good therapist if you can find one. You have to find the root of your anxiety, understand it, and learn how to control it with your own mind. I am working my way there now, and it’s not easy, but I know it’s possible.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Ummm….not totally sure here. Diet soda still has alot of sugar in it, just less than regular. I think your body can become immune to anything after awhile. My hubby’s one blood pressure med suddenly quit working and actually made him sick. Changed the medicine and he’s fine now. Maybe your under more stress than your realizing. In today’s life, it’s not hard! Try to relax and feel better. I know that’s easier said than done. Just try. Good luck to you.
December 5th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of your recent experiences.
Anxiety disorders are difficult but can be managed as you have experienced. There is hope.
Regarding your question about beta blocker therapy and effectiveness. A physician who has examined you and is familiar with your history can accurately answer this question. The perception maybe the prescribed beta blocker therapy has lost its effectiveness but it might be the medical disorder and prescribed therapy have reached a plateau. Many meds are prescribed and can max out on dosage limits based on physiological symptoms such as your low BP. So is it the medication or is it the body’s response to the medicine? Hard to answer since every person is different and unique in the reactions to medications.
You mention beta blocker therapy in the control of palpitations but you don’t mention what other medicines you are taking (if any). There are many other treatment options available to you as compared to 5 years ago to treat Anxiety. As a RN, I would ask you to sit down with your physician and talk to your doctor about other treatment options. Medications, relaxation techniques, meditation, are just some to name a few. I’m sure you are familiar with some of these options now….
December 5th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Stop drinking diet soda.
That stuff has tons of sodium in it along with lots of other so called “salts” Those raise the levels of fluids around the cells. Even the salts that are not sodium can have an effect on the medication you take. Remember, not every kind of situtiation has been studied for medication you are taking.
The second bad thing diet sodas contain is caffeine.
I have High BP and dont ever even think of drinking any diet sodas or coffee or tea. Those things can offset the benefits of medication. I found that out after my Avalide failed to work well when I got free diet sodas and coffee drinks at work. Had to quit them