beta blockers for anxiety?

[hippyhippy]

My pdoc suggested to me today that I take beta blockers to help my physical symptoms of anxiety. I just think he wants to throw more chemical solutions at me that I am not convinced will even help. My psychologist encourages me to try to remember my breathing, which does help when I remember to do it properly. However, sometimes, I get very uncomfortable (and embarassing) symptoms, which while I know are very normal and all part of the 'flight or fight process', are contributing to my current social anxiety.

Any experiences/thoughts?

Hippy

[nandm]

Here is a link to some good information on beta blockers and their use for anxiety. Hope it helps.
What Are Beta Blockers, How Do They Work, And How Are Beta Blockers Used In The Treatment Of Anxiety Disorders? - ABC News

[Lenina]

I've used tenormin for years and it really helps me. Since your doctor has suggested it, why not give it a try? It doesn't make me foggy or slow. I've been really happy with it as it's improved the quality of my life a great deal.

Love,

Lenina

[RockyGirl]

I've just been prescribed beta blockers for my anxiety so this is a very usefil thread! thanks for posting it!

[hippyhippy]

Thanks for that link Nadm. I am checking it out.
I don't think I will go down the beta blocker route as I can cope (sort of!) with the sweats and stuff. It is a more embarassing physical problem that I have but I think my GP can help me with it.
Hippy
xx

[ZehnJahre]

I use a medication for special occassions when I know I will go into "fight or flight" and begin sweating profusely. It's not a so called narcotic nor is it addictive. Just good for meetings or presentations, etc. Not good to take daily as it dries you up, but good when you know you'll be put on the spot. If you are interested, I can at least give you the name. My doc told me that performers (musicians, etc.) use it quite a bit...

[CarolD]

ZehnJahre....
As you are so new to sobriety ....you may find that med's are
not necessary for you after a few weeks sober.

Day 3 is still an initial de tox period from alcohol.

Best wishes on your sober life...

[Bamboozle]

I was given Propranolol several months ago to deal with heart palpitations. I was to take it whenever I was feeling symptoms. Sometimes it helped...or it didn't. It didn't remove the anxiety, it just reduced the physical symptoms (when it worked).

Now I'm on Metoprolol regularly and my dosage was recently upped because my blood pressure has been a little high lately. I still get palpitations...but not as much as I used to. Occasionally I'll have a bad day with many palpitations and it always adds to my anxiety. Oh, well.

I'm also on Citalopram. Just started that a week ago. My depression already feels better, but I still have anxiety. I don't think the anxiety is as bad as it could be, but I'm hoping that over the next several weeks it improves.

Take it easy, all.

[Shellslove]

My finace was rx'ed Propranolol for anxiety - he also takes Effexor and is on MMT. He has taken benzos in the past w/great anxiety relief and effectiveness - but the doctor is very relutanct to rx these now due to the medication's addictive nature and the addict ). He has never had a problem abusing benzos and always took them as rx'ed (opiates were his poision) but I understand the doctors fears. Unfortunately the Propranolol hasn't been touching the anxiety. Onto the next option I suppose...

[crzylilmndfreak]

im on ritalin for adult add, do these beta blockers counteract that??

[crzylilmndfreak]

do beta blockers make you drowsy like benzos do?? i am on konopin and it is for immediate relief but i am wanting something for overall constant anxiety