Can you take atenolol and Xanax together? (3+ benefits)
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
In this article, we will discuss whether you can take atenolol and Xanax together, what research suggests, the benefits of taking atenolol and Xanax together, the risks and potential side effects of taking atenolol and Xanax together, and how to ensure safe and effective use of atenolol and Xanax.
Can you take atenolol and Xanax together?
Yes, you can take atenolol and Xanax together, but only if prescribed by your healthcare provider. atenolol and Xanax are two commonly prescribed medications for different health concerns. atenolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, while Xanax is a benzodiazepine primarily used to manage anxiety disorders.
Limited research specifically addresses the combination of atenolol and Xanax, and there is a potential for side effects when taken together. So, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your unique medical history and medication requirements.
What does research suggest?
A study was conducted to find out the effects of atenolol when given in combination with Xanax. The results of this study concluded that this combination is significantly efficacious in treating anxiety and depressive disorders. (1)
Another study suggested that atenolol can have an antidepressant effect, and when used in combination with Xanax, it can also potentiate its antidepressant effect. (2)
There is minimal research on using atenolol and Xanax together. So, talk to your healthcare provider before taking them together because individual responses may differ from this combination.
What are the benefits of taking atenolol and Xanax together?
Combining atenolol and Xanax may have certain benefits for individuals suffering from hypertension, anxiety, and other depressive disorders. Some potential benefits include:
- Blood pressure control: Atenolol can help manage high blood pressure, reducing the physical strain on the heart, while Xanax may alleviate the anxiety that can contribute to controlled blood pressure.
- Synergistic effect: Atenolol and Xanax can complement each other’s effects. Atenolol can mitigate some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, while Xanax can provide relief from excessive anxiety and stress, potentially enhancing overall well-being.
- Enhanced quality of life: For those with conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder who also have hypertension, this combination might lead to an improved quality of life by addressing both issues simultaneously.
What are the potential side effects of taking atenolol with Xanax?
While there may be benefits to taking atenolol and Xanax together, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and side effects, including:
- Drowsiness: Both atenolol and Xanax can cause drowsiness, and when combined, this effect may be more pronounced, potentially impairing your ability to drive or perform tasks that require focus. (3)
- Respiratory depression: Xanax can slow down the respiratory system, and when combined with atenolol, there is a risk of respiratory depression, especially at higher doses. (4)
- Low blood pressure: Atenolol lowers blood pressure, and as a side effect, Xanax may lower blood pressure, so in combination, they may cause significantly low blood pressure, which may result in dizziness, fainting, or even cardiovascular complications.
- Interactions with other medications: Theis combination may interact with other drugs you are taking, leading to potentially harmful effects. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are using.
How to ensure safe and effective use of atenolol and Xanax?
To ensure safe and effective use of atenolol and Xanax together, follow these guidelines:
- Consult your healthcare provider: Always consult your healthcare provider before combining atenolol and Xanax. They can assess your individual health condition and help you make an informed decision.
- Accurate medical history: Provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive medical history, including any previous reactions to medications or any substance use disorders.
- Follow prescribed dosages: Take both medications at the recommended dosages and frequency, and strictly follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
- Monitor side effects: Be vigilant about side effects and report any unusual symptoms or reactions to your healthcare provider immediately.
- Regular check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Conclusion
My knowledge emphasizes the importance of open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this combination. Individual responses to these medications can vary, making it essential to rely on expert advice when considering their joint use.
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References
1.-
Shahzad N, Ahmad J, Khan W, Al-Ghamdi SS, Ain MR, Ibrahim IA, Akhtar M, Khanam R. Interactions of atenolol with alprazolam/escitalopram on anxiety, depression and oxidative stress. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2014 Feb;117:79-84. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.12.015. Epub 2013 Dec 18. PMID: 24361783. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24361783/
2.-
Al-Tubuly R, Aburawi S, Alghzewi E, Gorash Z, Errwami S. The effect of sympathetic antagonists on the antidepressant action of alprazolam. Libyan J Med. 2008 Jun 1;3(2):78-83. doi: 10.4176/080101. PMID: 21499463; PMCID: PMC3074285.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21499463/
3.-
George TT, Tripp J. Alprazolam. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
4.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. XANAX (alprazolam) tablets, for oral use, CIV. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/021434s022lbl.pdf
