this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2023
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They basically suppress the flight or fight response in you. Not like a SSRI or a NDRI. Works on your body's lymphatic system. Also good for heart issues, as that's what it was originally used for AFAIK. Not a psychiatrist, just know a lot about psych meds, went to school for psych and soc.
Beta blockers work on the adrenergic system, not the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is used to transport immune cells as well as fluid that has absorbed into the intercellular space from the circulatory system.
But yeah, they essentially block the function of adrenaline/epinephrine on the heart primarily, slowing heart rate and potentially helping with anxiety through action in the central nervous system.
Ah I see, interesting. I never put two and two together with the name. I know SNRIs/SSRIs are alpha antagonists, so I guess it's similar but they're like beta antagonists? Is that correct?
SSRIs and SNRIs aren’t necessarily alpha blockers (although some similar drugs like mirtazipine (Remeron) have some action there).
SSRIs get their name because they are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, meaning the prevent reuptake of serotonin at the neuron junction, and that increases action of serotonin in that junction. And that is what causes the anti-anxiety or anti-depressive effects. SNRIs do the same thing, but with both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Many drugs have effects at other receptors (like histamine) that may cause adverse effects like sleepiness.
Beta blockers block the action of adrenaline/epinephrine at beta-adrenergic receptors, primarily found on the heart (beta-1) or lungs (beta-2). Beta blockers are primarily used in heart failure, heart arrhythmias, hypertension, and performance anxiety.
Alpha blocker also block adrenaline, but primarily in the vascular system (alpha-1). Alpha blockers are often used for enlarged prostate, hypertension, and some uses related to anxiety or PTSD.
Certain alpha and beta blockers can get into the brain and may have effects in anxiety have other effects like fatigue or weight gain.
I'm not sure. I'm a little rusty on my Neuro psych. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00571
Seems to have a lot of good info.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2571433/#:~:text=Beta%20blockers%20may%20be%20cardioprotective,postural%20hypotension%20remains%20a%20problem.
Looks like pretty much yes