Beta Blockers & Depression

[Heartlight]

I had an ASD repair in 1995 with flutter beginning in 1997.  After many cardioversions and intolerance to antiarrythmics I travelled to Oklahoma City for an ablation.  The albation was, at first, successful then flutter returned after a week.  Again travelled to OKC for another ablation but, this time, the arrythmia could not be induced ~ therefore, no ablation.  I was then put on Acebutolol and my life returned to normal.  But last year I experienced extremely slow heart rate (40-45 bpm) so (at the suggestion of my Dr.) tried to discontinue the BB but experienced new and disturbing afib. Now, after six years on the beta blocker (100mg x 2 Acebutolol) I find myself extremely depressed and unable to pull out of it.  I'm wondering if long term use of this beta blocker may be causing my depression.  Thanks, Heartlight  

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

you can try to stop the beta blocker and switch to a calcium channel blocker.  It is possible the depression is unrelated to your medication, especially if you have been on it for a long time.

[Heartlight]

Thank you so much for your prompt response. I guess I wasn't clear in my posting, but I was unable to stop the acebutolol when I tried to - without experiencing quite severe afib, so I chose to go back on the beta blocker to relieve the symptoms. You say that the "older" beta blockers can cause depression.  My depression is really starting to impact my family, job, relationships and quality of life, so I'm curious if there other beta blockers (or other drugs) that could eliminate the flutter/afib and not cause depression?  

In sinus rhythm but miserable,
Heartlight  

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Taking older beta blockers is associated with depression (like propranolol).  I am not aware of any association of depression with stopping beta blockers.

Thanks for posting.