Beta blocker for occasional anxiety

[Pandora399]

My doctor has prescribed Propranolol, a beta blocker commonly used for high blood pressure, instead of Xanax to treat my occasional acute anxiety. My counselor recommended Xanax but the physician chose this instead. Has anyone else had experience with using a beta blocker to help calm down during a period of high anxiety?

[kenster1]

hi yeah I have and a few others on here.

[Pandora399 in reply to kenster1]

How did it work for you?

[kenster1 in reply to Pandora399]

I always felt sweaty bit light headed but I had an active job as well probably didn't help me.all of us react different mind you.

[jacquelinekb in reply to kenster1]

I've just started taking propranolol for high BloodPressure and anxiety..having a bit of a Nitemare at the moment, as I don't feel great on this..I'm trying to keep the dose down to 20mg twice a day, if I miss a tablet my blood pressure goes through the roof..Higher than it ever was before I started taking it..Plus I'm getting a bit of blurred vision and quite slow heart rate..Is anyone else having any problems.

[Hidden]

I’m currently on 3x 10mg per day.

[Minnie87]

Yes I have and thought propranolol was great.no side effects for me and stopped the racing heart and made the skipped beats better x

[Indigojoe]

I agree with Minnie. This is an old time drug, tried and true, few if any side effects. Great for the physical symptoms of anxiety for many folks

[Minnie87 in reply to Indigojoe]

Definitely!

I’ve been on and off it for years.(coming off with doctors advice and help of course) and it actually made me feel calm.like a weight had been lifted x

[Pandora399 in reply to Minnie87]

Thank you!

[Indigojoe in reply to Minnie87]

some clever doctor that I went to when I was 26 realized that my "problems" were probably nerves and he put me on it for my " heart"

I was skipping all the " bloody time".

So I have had Inderal in my " tool box" for 30+ years........

On and off as needed............

( you know an extra 10mg will get you OUT of the house )

and I promise to be by your side on the computer if you choose to do this, even if it is at the last minute!

[Skeeble]

I've been on propanylol for a year and it really helps me. Knowing I've taken it helps knowing I shouldn't have a panic attack. I wouldn't say it helps with anxiety per se but attacks definitely.

[Pandora399 in reply to Skeeble]

I’m glad it’s helped you! I’m guessing you take it daily then? The doctor said it was ok to take as needed during times when I’m struggling.

[TriggerPoint]

What Conditions does Propranolol HCL Treat?

Ventricular Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation

Essential Tremor

high blood pressure

Migraine Prevention

additional medication for treating pheochromocytoma

Angina

Myocardial Reinfarction Prevention

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Chronic Stable Angina

A Tumor Formed of Blood Vessels in a Child 0-11 Months Old

Prevention of Post Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Atrial Fibrillation

Prevention of Ventricular Arrhythmia due to Congenital Long QT Syndrome

Prevent Bleeding Varicose Vein in the Esophagus

Abnormally Increased Pressure in the Veins of the Liver

A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still

Fast Heart Beat due to Antipsychotic Medication

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia

thyrotoxicosis

A Tumor Formed of Blood Vessels in a Child 0-11 Months Old

Ventricular Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation

additional medication for treating pheochromocytoma

Myocardial Reinfarction Prevention

Essential Tremor

WHERE"S ANXIETY DISORDER ??? [ in that list ]

Now Get This:

I Am On 3 Different BP Meds. I've Had All The Tests. Doc Says Everything's Fine With My Veins & My Heart. I Asked, Well ? Why Am I On 3 BP Meds Then ? He Shrugs His Shoulders & Says, You You Won't Have A Stroke....GO FIGURE ?*... Also I Am On Xanax For My PTSD & Anxiety Disorder... Now. When My BP Is High "On The BP Meds", I Take My XANAX & Everything Returns To Normal...GO FIGURE ?... Heck ! It's Like It's Like My "Xanax" Not Only Helps With My Anxiety ? It IS The Med That Actually WORKS To Control My BP !

Weird I Know. But That's True....

[Indigojoe in reply to TriggerPoint]

Trigger, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS about all of this.

[joeylikes1225]

I'm currently doing just 10mg once a day in the AM. I do feel less anxiety, calmer and feel more in control. Seems to be working for me.

[Moon_Child]

I'm on 10mg 3 times a day and it definitely helps the racing heart and breathing. It won't stop any anxious thoughts so I recommend taking it in combination with calming techniques like mindfulness or even just colouring