I was prescribed Stablon for anxiety but stopped taking it because it raised my blood pressure to 150/95. Now my blood pressure has normalized to 125/85, but my anxiety has returned. What alternative anxiety medications should I discuss with my psychiatrist?
It is reassuring to hear that your blood pressure has returned to normal. Since your previous medication impacted your readings, you can discuss several blood-pressure-friendly alternatives with your psychiatrist. First-line options include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as escitalopram or sertraline, which are highly effective for anxiety and generally do not increase blood pressure. Another suitable daily option is buspirone, which specifically targets anxiety with minimal cardiovascular side effects. For situational physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart, your doctor might also consider a beta-blocker like propranolol, which safely manages anxiety symptoms while maintaining stable blood pressure. Your psychiatrist will help select the safest option for you.