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High bp and pulse
I quit SSRI last month, and my bp, sugar and pulse was normal too, today I checked BP with a doctor it was 145/95, no heart related symptoms he said to maintain life style, but pulse reached 105, can I take propranolol or atenolol to lower heart rate?
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Your BP 145/95 and pulse 105 can be due to SSRI withdrawal, anxiety, caffeine, or temporary autonomic imbalance. I wouldn’t advise starting propranolol and atenolol on your own. First monitor BP and pulse for a few days, reduce caffeine, hydrate, and ensure good sleep.
If values persist or symptoms develop, get evaluated ECG, thyroid, electrolytes and then medication can be decided appropriately. You can book a consultation.
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Hello. I understand your concern regarding the sudden rise in your heart rate and blood pressure.
It is important to note that stopping an SSRI medication can sometimes lead to "discontinuation syndrome," which may manifest as physical symptoms including a temporary increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and blood pressure due to changes in autonomic nervous system balance.
Regarding your question about Propranolol or Atenolol:
While these medications are used to lower heart rate and blood pressure, they are prescription-only for a reason. Before starting a beta-blocker, a doctor must ensure you do not have underlying conditions like asthma, certain heart rhythm blocks, or specific lung issues, as these drugs can worsen those conditions.
Immediate Recommendations
Rule out Triggers: Are you experiencing any anxiety, tremors, or "brain zaps" since stopping the SSRI? Also, ensure you are limiting caffeine and nicotine, as these can spike both BP and pulse.
Monitor & Record: A single reading of 145/95 mmHg at a clinic can sometimes be "White Coat Hypertension." Record your BP and pulse at home while resting for 10 minutes, twice a day for the next 3 days.
Physical Assessment: Since your pulse is 105 bpm at rest, you should have an ECG (Electrocardiogram) done to rule out any rhythm abnormalities before starting any heart-rate-lowering medication.
Next Steps
Do not self-medicate with Atenolol or Propranolol without a formal prescription and a physical check-up.
Consult your psychiatrist or a general physician to determine if your symptoms are related to the SSRI withdrawal or if you are developing primary hypertension. If it is withdrawal-related, the symptoms often subside, but the taper may need to be adjusted.
If you feel any chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or palpitations, please seek emergency medical care immediately.
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Tab cipla 10mg daily to lower pulse rate.
Get thyroid profile done and share results.
Cut salt and fried items in your diet, exercise regularly, quit alcohol and cigarettes, if using, sleep well.
Get blood.p checked after a month.
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"It is quite common to experience fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) after discontinuing an SSRI medication, especially within the first 2–4 weeks. A single reading of 145/95 mmHg and a pulse of 105 bpm is considered borderline high but does not immediately confirm chronic hypertension. These spikes are often linked to 'discontinuation syndrome' or a temporary rebound of anxiety. Starting beta-blockers like Propranolol or Atenolol without a proper cardiovascular evaluation and at least a week of monitoring is not recommended as a first step."
Next Steps
SSRIs and the Autonomic Nervous System: When you stop an SSRI, your body’s regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine can temporarily fluctuate, leading to a 'fight or flight' response that increases BP and heart rate.
Anxiety Rebound: The pulse reaching 105 is a classic sign of anxiety-related tachycardia. If you feel fine otherwise, this is likely situational rather than a permanent heart issue.
White Coat Effect: BP readings taken in a clinic can often be higher due to the stress of the appointment.
Home Monitoring: Monitor your BP and pulse at home twice daily (morning and evening) for the next 5–7 days. Ensure you are sitting and relaxed for at least 5 minutes before taking the reading.
Avoid Self-Medication: Do not start Propranolol or Atenolol yet. These drugs lower the heart rate but require professional supervision to ensure they don't mask other underlying issues.
Health Tips
For a detailed clinical evaluation, personalized medicine prescription, and direct follow-up, you can consult me directly through my profile.
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BP 145/95 aur pulse 105 ek baar ka reading hai, isko immediately disease nahi bolte. SSRI stop karne ke baad 2–4 weeks tak aisa HR/BP fluctuation common hota hai, especially anxiety component ho to pulse aur badh jata hai.
Seedha propranolol ya atenolol start karna abhi zaroori nahi hai. Ye drugs HR kam kar dete hain, lekin bina proper evaluation start karna sahi approach nahi hai. Agar sirf anxiety-related tachycardia hai to lifestyle + reassurance se settle ho jata hai.
Abhi kya karo:
• BP aur pulse ghar pe 5–7 din monitor karo (morning + evening, rest me)
• Caffeine, nicotine, pre-workout, strong chai/coffee avoid karo
• Sleep proper lo, hydration maintain rakho
• Deep breathing / relaxation exercises try karo (ye HR ko kaafi control karta hai)
Kab medicine consider karte hain:
• Pulse persistently >100 rahe rest me
• Palpitations bothersome ho
• BP repeatedly high aaye (multiple readings me >140/90)
Us case me doctor short-term low dose beta blocker de sakte hain (usually propranolol SOS ya low dose regular), but after basic check like ECG, thyroid etc.
Agar chest pain, dizziness, breathlessness ya irregular heartbeat feel ho to delay mat karo, turant consult karo.
Abhi ke liye panic lene ki zarurat nahi hai, most likely temporary withdrawal/anxiety effect hai jo gradually settle ho jata hai.
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Your BP (145/95) is mildly elevated and pulse (105) is on the higher side, but given your history of recent SSRI withdrawal, this is very likely due to temporary autonomic overactivity/anxiety rebound rather than a primary heart problem.
After stopping SSRIs, it’s quite common to experience increased heart rate, palpitations, and BP fluctuations for a few weeks. Since you don’t have chest pain, breathlessness, or other cardiac symptoms, this looks functional rather than structural.
Regarding propranolol/atenolol:
These medicines can reduce heart rate, but they should not be started casually without proper evaluation. In your case, they are not immediately required unless symptoms are persistent or troubling.
Next Steps
• Monitor BP and pulse at home (twice daily for 5–7 days)
• Ensure proper rest, hydration, and sleep
• Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and screen-time stress
• Start light physical activity (walking, breathing exercises)
• Practice relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation)
• If pulse persistently stays >100 or BP remains >140/90 → consult physician for evaluation
If needed, a doctor may prescribe a low-dose beta blocker short-term, but only after assessment.
Health Tips
• Do not self-start propranolol/atenolol
• SSRI withdrawal symptoms can last a few weeks and then settle
• Seek urgent care if you develop chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or severe palpitations
This situation is usually temporary and improves as your body readjusts.
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