Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. Most of the time anxiety is mild and manageable, but anxiety may become severe, chronic and too much to handle. Beta blockers are a class of medication sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety. Some people take gamma-aminobutyric acid, also known as GABA, supplements in addition to beta blockers for an added boost in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, unease or apprehension, according to the American Psychological Association. Feeling anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, but too much anxiety may cause physical and psychological problems. Some people have mild anxiety in such situations as taking a test, giving a speech in front of others or getting a shot. Problems arise when the anxiety becomes too great and a person develops anxiety attacks, avoids situations to prevent anxiety or is unable to function appropriately at work or school.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are effective in treating anxiety in clinical trials, as noted in the January 1992 issue of “Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry.” Beta blockers seem to be most effective in treating acute stress and generalized anxiety. Some people take beta blockers to help prevent anxiety attacks. Beta blockers are also used to combat stage fright and to enhance performance among musicians and actors. Some stutterers also use beta blockers to reduce the tendency to stutter by reducing any anxiety when speaking. Beta blockers that are commonly prescribed for anxiety include propranolol and labetalol. Although beta blockers are prescribed for anxiety, they have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this purpose.
GABA
The GABA system controls the motivation for typical anxiety and fear, according to a 2003 issue of the “Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.” Although the exact physiological mechanism of how anxiety disorders develop is unknown, GABA is believed to be involved. GABA is an inhibitor neurotransmitter, which is a biochemical that helps to reduce the flow of nerve signals between neurons. Drugs that help GABA or increase the amount of GABA usually reduce anxiety and have a relaxing effect. These drugs include the benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Ativan and Klonopin. GABA is available as a supplement. Some people take GABA supplements to help relieve anxiety.
Beta Blockers and GABA Interaction
Some people take beta blockers and GABA supplements together in an attempt to reduce anxiety. According to the website Drugs.com, there are no adverse interactions between the beta blockers propranolol and labetalol and GABA supplements. Dr. Leo Galland of the Foundation of Integrated Medicine noted the nonexistence of scientific publications of studies investigating adverse interactions between beta blockers and dietary supplements.
References
- American Psychological Association; Anxiety
- Drugs.com; Labetalol
- Drugs.com; Propranolol
- Foundation of Integrated Medicine; Drug-Supplement Interactions: The Good, the Bad and the Undetermined; Leo Galland, M.D.
- “Journal of Clinical Psychiatry”; The Role of GABA in Anxiety Disorders; R. Bruce Lydiard, M.D., Ph.D.; 2003
- “Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry”; Anxiolytics not Acting at the Benzodiazepine Receptor: Beta Blockers; Peter Tyrer, MRCP FRCPsych; January 1992
