Coreg vs Zebeta: Which Should I Take?

With so many drugs on the market for anxiety treatment, finding the right medication for you can seem like a daunting task. In this article, we offer a side-by-side comparison guide for two commonly prescribed medications, Coreg and Zebeta. 

We will discuss the major similarities and differences between the two medications so that you can be better informed when discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider. 

If you need compassionate, affordable mental health care, let Klarity Health help! We connect you with a licensed healthcare provider in your local area within 48 hours. Schedule your appointment today so that you can determine which medication, if any, is right for you. 

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Zebeta and Coreg are the Same Class of Drugs (Beta-Blockers)

Zebeta and Coreg are two medications that belong to the same class of drugs called beta-blockers. Although they share a similar mechanism of action, there are some key differences that we will discuss below. 

What Are Beta-Blockers?

Beta-blockers are a class of medications prescribed for a wide variety of conditions. They are most commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases due to their effects on the heart by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. The generic drug names for the majority of beta-blockers typically end with “-olol.” 

How Do Beta-Blockers Work?

Beta-blockers work on specific receptors in the body called beta receptors. These receptors are found throughout the body but are most notably in the heart, where they predominantly work. Each beta blocker acts on a different assortment of receptors, including alpha and beta receptors, making each medication unique.  

There are two different types of beta-receptors, beta-1 and beta-2, which are found throughout the body and in the heart and in blood vessels. 

Beta-1 receptors are primarily found within the heart and kidneys, which are responsible for maintaining our blood pressure and heart rate. When beta-1 receptors are activated, epinephrine is released and signals for the heart to pump faster and harder, causing an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. 

Beta-2 receptors are located in the smooth muscle of blood vessels, the nervous system and the respiratory system to also maintain cardiovascular and respiratory balance. When beta-2 receptors are activated, epinephrine signals for changes in vascular tone throughout the body, including the lungs, and increases the workload of the heart. 

Beta-blockers act by binding to the receptors to block the effects of a hormone called epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and therefore slow signaling down. In doing so, the medication primarily works to slow down the heart’s rate and reduce blood pressure, among other actions. 

Zebeta is a selective beta-1 receptor antagonist, while Coreg is a beta-1 and beta-2 receptor antagonist. The term antagonist is used to describe the blocking mechanism on the receptor, as described above. 

Zebeta and Coreg Can Both Treat the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric conditions known to cause both psychological and physical symptoms. Anxiety is defined as uncontrollable or unwanted thoughts or fears that are not proportional to the given situation. This can appear in many forms, such as panic attacks, social anxiety, PTSD, or generalized anxiety, to name a few. 

Some of the most common physical symptoms associated with anxiety include: 

• Increased or irregular heart rate 
• Increased rate of breathing 
• Sweating or hot flashes 
• Tremor 
• Feeling light-headed or dizzy 
• Feeling restless or unable to sit still 
• Headaches 
• Uneasy feeling in your stomach 

What Else Does Zebeta Treat?

Zebeta is most commonly prescribed for cardiovascular conditions but is only FDA-approved for the use of high blood pressure or hypertension. It can be used by itself or in combination with other antihypertensive medications. 

Off-label Uses for Zebeta  

The term “off-label” is used to describe a medication that has not been FDA-approved. FDA approval requires a large amount of time, funding and resources, which acts as a major barrier to receiving FDA approval. Although a medication is used off-label, this does not mean it is not effective at treating the specific condition. 

Some common off-label uses for Zebeta include: 

• Physical symptoms of anxiety disorders
• Chest pain
• Atrial fibrillation or flutter 
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
• Ventricular arrhythmias 
• Prevention of heart attacks or stroke 
• Migraine headache prevention 

What Else Does Coreg Treat?

Coreg is most commonly used to treat cardiovascular conditions and is FDA-approved to treat: 

• High blood pressure 
• Mild to severe chronic heart failure 
• Left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack

Off-label Uses for Coreg 

As previously mentioned, the term “off-label” simply means that the medication is not FDA-approved for the specific use, and this does not mean it is not effective at treating the given condition. 

Some common off-label uses for Coreg include: 

• Anxiety disorders 
• Heart rate control in those with atrial fibrillation
• Chest pain 
• Portal hypertension in people with cirrhosis or liver damage
• Prevention of bleeding in those with esophageal varices or abnormal vein formation due to liver damage

Doses, Dosage Form and Side Effects of Coreg 

Common Coreg Doses and Forms

Coreg is available in both name-brand and generic formulations. The generic name for Coreg is Carvedilol. Coreg is available in both tablets and extended-release 24-hour capsules. 

The average dose of Coreg varies from person to person, with the average dose around 6.25 mg twice daily. The medication is typically started at a low dose and then titrated up on a weekly basis based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation. 

Extended-release 24-hour capsules are available in the following dosages:

• 10 mg 
• 20 mg 
• 40 mg 
• 80 mg 

Tablets are available in the following dosages: 

• 3.125 mg 
• 6.25 mg 
• 12.5 mg 
• 25 mg 

Common Coreg Side Effects

As with most medications, there are associated risks and benefits. Some of those risks include potential side effects after starting Coreg. It is important to remember that everyone reacts to medication differently and to alert your healthcare provider if you experience severe adverse effects when starting a new medication. 

Common side effects of Coreg include: 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Fatigue or drowsiness 
• GI upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Weakness 
• Headache 
• Cough 
• Dry eyes 
• Sexual dysfunction, including impotence or decreased sex drive 

Common Coreg Drug Interactions

There are a few notable drug interactions that occur when taking Coreg. As always, it is important to discuss all current health conditions and current medications you are taking with your healthcare provider. 

Some common drug interactions with Coreg include: 

• MAO inhibitors 
• Certain diabetes medications 
• Cimetidine 
• Cyclosporine
• Fluconazole 
• Rifampin 
• Some blood pressure and antiarrhythmic medications 
• Antiviral medications that treat HIV 
• Certain anti-nausea medications 
• Most opioids 
• Asthma or other breathing medications 

How Much Does Coreg Cost? 

Coreg or Carvedilol is typically covered by most commercial health insurance plans and is often affordable to those without insurance with the use of coupon codes and generic formularies. Coupon codes are available at most large name-brand pharmacies. 

The cost of Coreg varies in price depending on generic vs name-brand formularies and dosing. The average cost of a 30-day supply with the use of a coupon code is around $2-6. 

Doses, Dosage Form and Side Effects of Zebeta   

Common Zebeta Doses and Forms

Zebeta is available in both generic and name-brand formulations. The generic name for Zebeta is bisoprolol fumarate. Zebeta is available in tablet formulations only. 

The average dose ranges and varies from person to person, with the average range from 2.5 mg to 20 mg per day. This medication is typically taken once daily and is started at a low dose, which can then be titrated up on a weekly basis until the desired dose is reached. 

Zebeta tablets are available in the following dosages: 

• 5 mg 
• 10 mg 

Common Zebeta Side Effects

As previously mentioned, every medication comes with associated risks vs benefits. Some of the risks include the potential for side effects when starting a new medication. It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you begin to experience severe adverse reactions when starting Zebeta. 

Some common side effects of Zebeta include: 

• Drowsiness or increased fatigue 
• Lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing 
• Vertigo or spinning sensation 
• Dry mouth 
• GI upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
• Increased urination 
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Weakness
• Runny or stuffy nose 
• Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
• Increased anxiety or feelings of restlessness 
• Muscle or joint pain 
• Sexual dysfunction, including loss of interest in sex 

Common Zebeta Drug Interactions

There are a few drug interactions that should be considered before starting Zebeta. It is important to disclose all medications you are currently taking with your healthcare provider, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. 

Common drug interactions with Zebeta include: 

• Other blood pressure and antiarrhythmic medications 
• Insulin or other diabetic medication 
• Asthma or other breathing medication 
• Clonidine
• Digitalis 
• Rifampin 
• Guanethidine 
• Disopyramide 

How Much Does Zebeta Cost?

When compared to Coreg, Zebeta is slightly more expensive but is still relatively affordable. Zebeta is typically covered by most commercial health insurance plans and if you do not have health insurance, coupon codes are available at most large name-brand pharmacies to significantly reduce the cost of the medication. 

Similar to Coreg, the cost of Zebeta drastically varies based on dosing and generic vs name-brand formulations. The average cost of a 30-day supply of Zebeta with the use of a coupon code is around $6-10. 

Do I Need A Prescription for Zebeta or Coreg?

Yes, you need a prescription for either medication, Zebeta or Coreg. Schedule an appointment today on Klarity Health, and we will connect you with a licensed healthcare provider in your area. 

Beta Blocker Drug Warnings

It is important to take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you are considering stopping the medication, notify your provider, as you will likely need to be tapered off. If you discontinue the medication abruptly, you are more likely to experience adverse effects, such as dangerous increases in blood pressure. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding on Beta-Blockers

While beta-blockers are typically considered relatively safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there should always be caution while using beta-blockers in pregnancy. Beta-blockers are considered to be a first-line medication for hypertension during pregnancy but have been shown to cause low heart rate and low blood glucose levels in the fetus. 

It is important to monitor fetal growth throughout pregnancy and 48 hours after delivery when taking beta-blockers. Some of the most common findings include low heart rate, low blood sugar, and depressed respiratory drive in the newborn. 

Treating maternal hypertension typically outweighs the adverse effects, as chronic high blood pressure throughout birth can be unhealthy. If the medication is used solely for the purpose of reducing physical symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy, discuss this with your healthcare provider, as a different medication may be a better option for you. 

Klarity Health Will Help You Find Effective, Non-Habit-Forming Anxiety Medication Alternatives Online

If you are struggling with physical symptoms associated with anxiety, you are not alone, and we can help. Providers on Klarity Health can provide the correct diagnosis and individualized treatment plan that will work best for you. 

At Klarity Health, we connect you with a healthcare provider in your area in as little as 48 hours. No insurance or subscriptions necessary, and most importantly, no hidden costs. Schedule an appointment to get started today.