Prozac + Atenolol: Is this okay?

[Leslie613]

I have neurocardiogenic syncope and I'm on atenolol 25 mg a day for that.  It's still been bad so my doctor wanted me to try SSRI therapy to see if that might rebalance things.  She's putting me on a LOW dose of Prozac (5 mg/day) to start.  However, I read somewhere that there can be interactions between beta-blockers and SSRIs, however, the only beta-blocker mentioned was propranolol.  I've been doing research and have found a few cases where people are successfully taking Prozac and atenolol (it sounded like it was for migraines or something) but I was wondering if anybody here is on the same cocktail and if so, if there is any risk associated.

[halbashes]

I am wondering...  Have either of you ever tried salt tablets, Florinef, or home IV hydration therapy through a PICC line?

[halbashes]

An unfortunate effect of Beta Blockers...  Well, unfortunate for us with dysautonomia at least.  I imagine people with high blood pressure rather liking this effect, since Beta Blockers are often prescribed to lower blood pressure.

I think Beta Blockers are sometimes prescribed for autonomic disorders because they tend to regulate autonomic functions.  Unfortunately, they regulate these functions too low for some individuals.  Even without the sudden drops, a stable blood pressure/heart rate that is too low is useless.  That's why I also take the stimulants (Ritalin/Theophylline).  Theophylline isn't technically a stimulant actually, but it's a derivative of caffeine.

I am sorry to hear the Beta Blockers are causing you more trouble.  Perhaps there is another Beta Blocker available that would work better for you?  I wish for you much luck in finding the appropriate treatment.

[dolfnlvr]

I'm taking the Metoprolol and Prozac for PVC's and occasional SVT that began after my first child was born.  The vasovagal syncope diagnosis occured 10 years earlier when I was 17.  At the time I was prescribed Norpace (dysopyramide) to keep my heart rate from dropping so low during an attack and that fairly well "cured" me.  But they recommend that once you go symptom free for about a year that you wean yourself off of drug therapy for vasovagal, and so I was taken off the Norpace (I was glad 'cause it's a nasty drug) and was "fine."  I generally pass out at least once per year, and I've gotten really good at warning those around me that it is coming.  It's usually because of a trauma/injury or from low BP (usually after not eating for awhile).  So, I've not gone back on a drug therapy for the fainting.  However, the PVC's and SVT got sort of bothersome/scary and I wound up on the Beta Blocker.  It actually makes me MORE prone to fainting spells because of the lower BP and HR, so I've passed out twice already THIS YEAR.  So, I'm not sure how effective I would consider that treatment in my situation.  However, everyone is different, and all variations of NCS are slightly different, so.............

[halbashes]

Vasovagal syncope is basically the same diagnosis as Neurocardiogenic Syncope.  Both fall into the category of Autonomic Dysfunction (also called dysautonomia).

Metoprolol is the same as Toprol XL, so I guess we are on a very similar cocktail.  Has this removed your symptoms entirely?

[halbashes]

Leslie613,

I am also on a Beta Blocker and an SSRI for a similar diagnosis.  I take Toprol XL, and Prozac (also 5mg).  It really helped to prevent the sudden drops in blood pressure, but my blood pressure was still very low.  I now use Ritalin to kind of balance that effect.

I was on Atenolol in the past as well, but not in combination with Prozac.  I am curious to know how this cocktail works out for you.  I wish you luck!

[dolfnlvr]

Oh yeah, by the way...I take 12.5 mg Metoprolol and 20 mg prozac daily for my "issues" and have had no problems at all.  So, while it's not an atenolol/prozac cocktail...it is similar.