Metoprolol for anxiety how long to work
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Metoprolol for Anxiety: How Long Does It Take to Work?
Introduction to Metoprolol for Anxiety
Metoprolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, is commonly used to manage cardiovascular conditions. However, its efficacy in treating anxiety disorders has also been explored. This article synthesizes research findings on how long it takes for metoprolol to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Initial Efficacy: First Two Weeks
Research indicates that metoprolol begins to show significant improvements in anxiety symptoms within the first two weeks of administration. In a study involving 15 patients with moderately severe anxiety, significant improvement was observed after just two weeks of treatment with metoprolol, as measured by the Covi Anxiety Scale.
Continued Improvement: Up to Six Weeks
The same study further demonstrated that the benefits of metoprolol continued to increase over a six-week period. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in anxiety symptoms between the two-week and six-week marks, particularly in terms of somatic symptoms. This suggests that while initial relief can be expected within two weeks, continued use may lead to further reductions in anxiety.
Short-Term Use: Pre-Operative Anxiety
In a different context, metoprolol has also been evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing pre-operative anxiety. A double-blind study involving 98 patients undergoing elective surgeries found that metoprolol, when administered 1-3 hours before surgery, significantly reduced anxiety levels as assessed by both anaesthetists and patients. This indicates that metoprolol can also be effective in short-term, situational anxiety relief.
Conclusion
Metoprolol appears to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, with initial improvements noticeable within two weeks and continued benefits observed up to six weeks. Additionally, it can be useful for short-term anxiety relief in specific situations such as pre-operative settings. These findings suggest that metoprolol could be a valuable option for managing anxiety, offering both short-term and sustained relief.
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