Propranolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat hypertension, as well as performance anxiety and panic attacks.
Common side effects of propranolol include fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, and dizziness. It may also interact with other medications.
Because there are potential interactions between xanax and propranolol, you should consult your doctor before taking the two medications at the same time.
Both these drugs have risks when combined with other drugs.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two medications work together and if they are safe to use together.
Table of Contents
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for a drug called alprazolam, which is used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and even insomnia. It is a benzodiazepine, which is a type of drug that acts on your brain to produce a calming effect.
Xanax is also available in an immediate-release form called Halcion. It is important to note that Halcion is intended for short-term use only.
Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance because it has a moderate potential for abuse and dependence.
How does Xanax work?
Xanax works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain and slowing down brain activity. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating anxiety.
Because of this, xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders and can also be used to treat seizures and sleep disorders. Xanax helps people relax and deal with anxiety by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain and reduces anxiety. To achieve this, xanax works by slowly being released in the bloodstream and binding to GABA receptors in the brain.
What is Propranolol?
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that is commonly used to treat hypertension and heart disease, as well as performance anxiety and a variety of other conditions.
Beta-blockers are also sometimes prescribed for anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, which is also known as adrenaline.
Adrenaline is responsible for speeding up your heartbeat, increasing your blood pressure, and causing your pupils to dilate when you are excited or stressed.
Beta-blockers help patients with certain medical conditions by slowing down the heart rate and blood pressure, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body.
Propranolol and xanax together
A study has shown that taking xanax and propranolol together can cause an imbalance in your blood pressure.
Both medications cause your blood pressure to drop, so taking them together will exacerbate this. Beta-blockers and xanax may also affect the way your body metabolizes alcohol.
When you drink alcohol while you are taking xanax, you may experience a rapid increase in your blood pressure compared to when you drink alcohol without taking xanax.
Propranolol may also interact with other medications, including muscle relaxants and diuretics.
Why is it Dangerous to Take Xanax and Propranolol Together?
There is the potential for xanax and propranolol to interact when taken together. The most serious side effect may be a drop in your blood pressure.
This can be dangerous, especially if you are taking other medications that can affect your blood pressure. Taking xanax and propranolol together may also lead to a more intense sedative effect than taking xanax alone.
Taking both drugs together may also lead to more severe side effects like dizziness, confusion, and headaches compared to when taking xanax alone.
In addition, taking xanax and propranolol together may increase the chance of developing a serotonin syndrome. This is a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by excess serotonin in your brain.
Final words: Is it safe to take propranolol with xanax?
It is best to avoid taking xanax and propranolol together, especially if you have certain medical conditions like heart disease or hypertension.
Taking xanax and propranolol together could cause your blood pressure to drop too low and lead to dizziness and fainting. In some cases, it could also lead to seizures and even death.
You should also avoid taking xanax and propranolol together if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
