Propranolol or other beta blockers for anxiety?

[rustydog]

I’m really suffering from a vicious cycle of anxiety at the moment, triggered off a couple of months ago (have had anxiety for years but this is a big flare up).

It’s flared up my IBS symptoms and I then get in a cycle of anxiety, symptoms, more anxiety, symptoms - you get the picture!

Anyhow, no matter how well I’m eating, how much exercise I’m getting and how much rest/sleep, having telephone CBT etc I’m still full of anxiety and feel tense EVERYWHERE!

My mum has been on propranolol for her anxiety and although she still worries loads, I have noticed that she seems much more physically relaxed.

Seeing that my main issue is health anxiety and the more physical symptoms I get the more anxious I am, I am wondering if some kind of beta blocker would help (I can handle worry just hate physical symptoms)

I’m petrified at the thought of taking any meds but am getting to the point where I need to take back some control.

Does anyone have any experience of beta blockers, effectiveness, side effects etc?

Would really appreciate some advice as am in a right ole tizzy recently 🙄

[Jwilcock]

What dosage is your mum on? I’ve just started Propranolol 10mg 3x a day, no real changes yet.

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Jwilcock]

I know it's 10mg not sure how many times a day though, she's been on it about 18 months.

[Hidden]

I’m on Bisoprolol for anxiety 2.5mg I take one a day, it’s mainly for my racing heart which has helped loads I only have episodes of it every so often. Still have all the other physical symptoms though.

[ArchieMum01]

Hi

I've been taking Propranolol alongside my anti depression meds for a year now

It's thanks to Propranolol that my gp has been able to slowly reduce the anti depression dose

They did take 6 6wks before i noticed a change but i am much calmer day to day and feel more in control and able to get on with my life

I do still get very anxious in certain situation's but have been taking mindfullness classes to help me cope and so far i'm doing well

Like you i was worried about taking them in the begining but i read websites like this, asked advice and weighed up the pro's and cons before starting

For me they mean the difference between locking myself away from a world that scares the hell out of me or slowy re engaging with family & friend's with the hope that one day i can get my life back on track

Good luck to you , i sincerley hope you find some kind of peace and calm whatever you decide

[Lm92]

I tried beta blockers for anxiety before starting an antidepressant. Personally, I didn't have good luck with it. I can't remember the exact dosage, just that it was half the smallest available. It caused my blood pressure to drop dramatically whenever I would stand up too fast and caused me to pass out several times. I also had constant lightheadedness and just felt so ran down. I kept it up 3 times a day for nearly 3 months trying to give it a proper chance, but had to wean myself off them because I couldn't take the side effects. I've had much better luck with SSRIs.

[Indigojoe]

rustydog,

I am an O blood type and Propranolol is a miracle worker for me. when I was 27 I started with nasty anxiety and IBS and etc and an old time doctor gave me Inderal. I would not be without it in my little {emergency kit :)}.

[rustydog]

Thanks all, I’m going to make a gp appointment and discuss it with him.

[Skeeble]

Propanylol really helps. I started on 10mg 3 times a day and am now on 20mg 3 times a day and it does really calm you down and help with the physical symptoms of anxiety. Good luck.

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Skeeble]

Thanks, I've got an appointment in a couple of weeks to discuss it. Will hopefully give them a go.