Beta Blockers vs. Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Which is Better?

Many people struggling with anxiety, particularly those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are familiar with beta blockers like propranolol. While these medications can be helpful, the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) offers a more targeted approach to managing anxiety symptoms, especially when combined with IV Ketamine therapy.  

Understanding Beta Blockers for Anxiety

Beta blockers get their name because they "block" beta adrenergic receptors in your nervous system. These beta receptors are activated by adrenaline to activate your nervous system for fight-flight mode. Traditionally, beta blockers are used to reduce blood pressure and stimulation of the heart. Not surprisingly, blocking these receptors can also help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety such as:  

• Rapid heartbeat
• Trembling
• Sweating

We believe lipophilic beta blockers (propranolol and metoprolol) can better cross the blood-brain barrier to reduce anxiety symptoms. Unfortunately, these medications also affect the whole body beyond the brain and heart, leading to potentially troubling side effects.

Beta Blockers Can Have Far Reaching Side Effects

Beta receptors are distributed throughout the entire body and control many functions beyond fight-flight activation. Beta blockers are a "sledgehammer" that block all these receptors indiscriminately, which can lead to side effects throughout the entire body, including:

• Fatigue: decreasing heart activity is believed to lead to fatigue
• Weight gain: likely because of slowing down metabolism
• Insomnia, dreams, and sleep disorders
• Depression: long considered an adverse effect of beta blocker therapy, but should not discourage use for important blood pressure control
• Withdrawal: the body "pushes" back against the effects of blocking beta receptors, leading to potentially dangerous heart problems in withdrawal
• Sexual dysfunction
• Dizziness: decreasing heart activity can lead to dizziness if blood pressure drops too low
• Exacerbation of asthma

Furthermore, beta blockers mask physical symptoms of anxiety without addressing the underlying causes.

Beta blockers can mask physical symptoms of anxiety by blocking the entire body's nervous system, but this "sledgehammer approach" has side effects and doesn't help address the underlying causes of anxiety

Stellate Ganglion Block: The Targeted Approach to Reducing PTSD Symptoms and Anxiety

The stellate ganglion is the cluster of nerves in the neck that plays a key role in the "fight-or-flight" response. "Blocking" the stellate ganglion (SGB) involves numbing these nerves with local anesthetic to "reset" the nervous system. This can lead to a significant reduction in "fight-flight" related symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, and other PTSD-related symptoms.  

Advantages of SGB for Targeted Anxiety Reduction

• Targeted action: SGB selectively resets dysregulated nerves without blocking the whole body's receptors (reducing side effects).
• Potential for long-lasting relief:  Unlike beta blockers that must be taken frequently, SGB can disrupt the cycle of PTSD triggers and anxiety for sustained benefits.
• Fewer side effects: Compared to beta blockers, SGB generally has fewer and less severe side effects.

Unlike beta blockers (which block receptors everywhere in your body) the SGB selectively blocks the dysregulated nerves contributing to troubling PTSD and anxiety symptoms.

Furthermore, since beta blockers are not "resetting" the nervous system, they must be taken regularly. SGB, on the other hand, provides prolonged symptom relief that typically lasts months because it can "reset" the maladaptive triggering cycles caused by PTSD.

SGB and IV Ketamine: A Powerful Combination

When combined with IV Ketamine therapy, SGB can be even more effective in reducing anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Ketamine helps to "rewire" the brain, promoting new neural connections to reduce negative thought patterns. SGB can further enhance these effects by calming the nervous system and reducing hyperarousal.  

Start Healing Today: Are You a Candidate for SGB or IV Ketamine?

You deserve to learn your treatment options for safe and rapid results. You should always speak with your doctors to learn about the risks and benefits of SGB and IV Ketamine therapy so you can make an informed decision. Learn more about the right therapy for your PTSD and anxiety by contacting Clarus Health today.