Beta-Blockers: Hello All, I have another... - Anxiety Support

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Beta-Blockers

Brightfuture22 profile image
35 Replies

Hello All,

I have another question for you guys, does anyone in here take beta-blockers for your anxiety/panic? If so, how has your experience been on them and which are you taking/dosage? I have moderately raised blood pressure, usually 120-130's/80-90's normally, but when I am anxious it spikes up to 150-160's/90-100. Since I seem to be anxious on a daily basis, this has to be bad for my heart. I am already morbidly obese(though I have lost 50 pounds and am working on continuing to lose) So I know my heart is having to pump harder, I am just wondering if taking a beta blocker will help stop the adrenaline that causes the heart rate and BP spike when I am anxious. I'd love to hear the good and bad stories from any of you who have taken a beta blocker for anxiety or high bp.

Cheers!

💜 Ash

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Brightfuture22
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35 Replies
labnerd profile image
labnerd

Hello!

I’m currently taking propranolol 10mg twice a day. It definitely helps slow my heart down. That was my biggest issue when my anxiety started acting up. It helps me for the most part with the rest of my anxiety, but it doesn’t completely get rid Of it. It also gives me some pretty vivid dreams. Hope you get some relief soon!

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to labnerd

Have you had any negative side effects from using it? And did you have high blood pressure or normal blood pressure when you started using it?

labnerd profile image
labnerd in reply to Brightfuture22

I get dizzy occasionally. When I first started it, my blood pressure would drop pretty low. But my body has gotten used to it now. My blood pressure has always been normal, but it was getting higher when my anxiety started to get really bad. I stay around 110/70ish. Other than that, no really bad negative side effects.

katherineo64 profile image
katherineo64 in reply to labnerd

Vivid dreams, I get them every night.

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

I was started on atenolol years ago for high bp. When my anxiety escalated years later my md increased the dose to help with the anxiety.

I was getting dizzy and faint feeling frequently. So, we had to drop it back to the original dose.

So, for me it didn't work.

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Dolphin14

Thank you for the reply. I definitely am trying to get away from the faint feeling that my anxiety causes so I'll probably not take this, then.

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14 in reply to Brightfuture22

Mine was dropping my blood pressure too much.

It may work for you. It's just like anything they give us it's trial and error.

A lot of people post how well it works.

I try anything they give me to get rid of the feelings. I can't even count anymore how many meds I've been on and off of.

Natsteveo profile image
Natsteveo

Don’t stop taking it sweetie until you have consulted your dr first... I’m on propranolol 10mg x2 a day as well and believe it or not it’s for anxiety and heart problems if your heart is racing the tablet will slow you down but if your anxiety is at its peak your blood pressure will go through the roof anyway anyway despite why beta blockers your on... are you on any anti depressants as well I’m on venlafaxine and that speeds up ya heart yet my beta blocker relaxes it so I can’t win 😅 the dizziness is panic and anxiety as we take is so much oxygen when we panic we literally swallow it all and that makes us dizzy

Nat xx

in reply to Natsteveo

Yes I am on propanol. I am quite shocked reading these posts how high I’m on and was on. I think considering my conditions I may half them now

Natsteveo profile image
Natsteveo in reply to

I was on 40mg x2 a day and I was always having hot sweats red face and some other side effects I had to go down on my mg too

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Natsteveo

Hi Nat, I am not on a beta blocker right now. Actually, the only medicine I currently take is Ativan, and that is PRN. I was looking into a beta blocker because I am worried about how my heart is constantly racing and blood pressure is elevated from the anxiety and panic I experience daily. Thanks for sharing your experience on it! 💜

LilyAnnepuppy profile image
LilyAnnepuppy

I was started on Atenolol 25 mg years ago for my heart. Like Dolphin, the doctor upped the dose to 50 mg. Once my depression and anxiety hit hard.

I’m still at 50 with no side effects I know of. I take it at night with my Prozac and Abilify. And I go to sleep for 6 hours.

I am in regular contact with my GP, psychiatrist and therapist, however, so I’m monitored well.

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to LilyAnnepuppy

Wow that’s wonderful that it is working well for you! Also awesome that you are able to stay in regular contact with your GP, psychiatrist, and therapist! Do you feel with the combination of meds you are on that you are doing well managing your anxiety and it’s symptoms?

💜Ash

LilyAnnepuppy profile image
LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Brightfuture22

Yes. Very well in fact. I feel good for the first time in years.

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to LilyAnnepuppy

That’s wonderful! 💜

LilyAnnepuppy profile image
LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Brightfuture22

Yes I’m very fortunate. But still have to take care of myself with this new reality of depression and anxiety disorder. I want to continue to do what I can to not end up back where I was.

I was given 80 mg twice daily about twenty five years ago due to a very stubborn over- active thyroid. With carbimazole. My heart rate was up in the roof. Despite that, still had too hav e thyroid removed. I then stopped it for Aprox ten years. Then five years ago I experienced very bad panic attacks. They were my life saver and I still take forty milligrams twice a day, despite having heart disease and bradycardia with Lbbb .yesterday my daughter put her android watch on me and tested heart beat. It was 54. Up from 45 in cardiology appointment. I have been advised to stop them and tried. But as soon as I do I get panic back. Bit of a rock and a hard place choice. But answering your question, yes. Definitely work. And no side effects that I know of , but I take other meds too. Good luck with them. Panic attacks are awful

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to

Thank you for sharing your experience with me! I am sorry you are having trouble coming off of them! Is it possible to go down to 20 mg, twice a day, and see if that helps raise your heart rate? I wish you success and good luck in this awful anxiety/panic journey we are all in! 💜

in reply to Brightfuture22

Yes I think I will try. Thankyou. After reading about how low others here are taking, I am realising my dose is quite high especially with heart rate. I hope all the replies have helped you with your questions and wish you good luck and peace on your journey too. Take care

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to

Thank you, they have been! Take care! 💜

Ironj profile image
Ironj

Congratulations on dropping 50 lbs.

I take atenolol for anxiety 50 mg per day. It works great, it slows your heart rate , lower blood pressure and helps reduce anxiety. In fact a lot of actors take this for stage fright. Propranolol is also a a good med and does the same as atenolol. Best wishes John

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Ironj

Hi John! Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it! Have you experienced any side effects from the beta blocker?

💜Ash

Ironj profile image
Ironj in reply to Brightfuture22

No side affects at all .. only positive effects. Has your Dr given you a Bata blocker yet and if so what one. Like any medication you should start out with a low dose and work your way up to a therapeutic level.

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Ironj

No, they haven’t yet. I’ve been experiencing a lot of palpitations over the last few days. Primarily when I am laying down. I think my vagus nerve is irritated even I lay and it’s causing it, but I don’t know. Anyways, I am awfully anxious most every day and I know that’s not healthy for your heart, especially having all that adrenaline coursing through your veins! It raises your bp and hr. So I was looking into meds that can combat your “fight or flight” response and beta blockers popped up. But when I looked them up, there was some scary side effects. 😬

Ironj profile image
Ironj in reply to Brightfuture22

I understand your anxiety over taking a medication. That being said these are very safe medications. When they list side effects during clinical trials before being appointed by the FDA everything one experienced must be listed. My point is if a few people got a headache that may have nothing to do with the med there required to list it as a possible side effect.

In my opinion people with anxiety including me should not look at the negative potential side affects because it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever have them. If you did feel different on the med just let your Dr know and he or she will advise you.

Have you taken any benzodiazepine’s to control your anxiety as needed ?

Try laying on your side when you lay down and see if your palpitations stop or lay on your stomach for 10 min or so then lay on your back to see if that helps.

Fear of medications is a very common fear with people with anxiety. Just know these medications are going to help in 99% of the indicated uses meaning the possible negative effects are unlikely. So listen to your Dr and take the meds and Try and stay away from Dr Google as this Dr will scare real Drs.

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Ironj

Yes, I have had anxiety over taking medicine since I was a child. I am severely deficient in Vitamin D, I’m at 14 when you’re supposed to be between 30-100 for normal. But I am deathly afraid to take that 50,000 iu pill once a week so I’ve been putting it off for years. I mean it just seems like 50,000 iu is overdose level. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I can literally talk myself outta anything, it’s quite the skill. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I have the worst habit of googling EVERYTHING. Symptoms, medication, anything. I need to stop as it only makes my life worse. I am just so worried that a new symptom that pops up is actually going to be life threatening. Like this new heart palps when I lay. It started a few days ago, and I think (from the googling) it’s caused from my vagus nerve being irritated. Like laying down puts pressure in it and it incites the heart to flutter. But the issue I have is why is it starting now? Why does laying down irritate it now? What changed.

I’ll try what you said about laying on sides/stomach/back. I’ve been switching positions but it still happens.

I do take a benzo, Ativan, as needed. Even then it’s hard for me to actually take it because I get scared by the “what if’s” my anxiety brain conjures up.

Thank you for your replies and being so kind, it’s truly appreciated!!!

💜Ash

Ironj profile image
Ironj in reply to Brightfuture22

Your welcome... the what if’s are the issue with anxiety. We have to know definitively what the answers are or we will continue looking and causing more anxiety. My psychiatrist said to me if you keep looking for a problem you’ll eventually find something. He’s right In my case I had diverticulitis of and on for 6 months cat scan after cat scan. All the Ct scans showed a few enlarged lymph nodes they said sure there going to be reactive lymph node because of your infection. My Gastro Dr said let’s do a biopsy to make sure everything is ok. He called me the next day to say I had lymphoma...... shock and scared to death after that call. I see a specialist that said with this type of lymphoma we don’t treat it unless you become symptomatic and people have this for 20-30 years before they become symptomatic, night sweats , very tired , frequent infection. I’m 48 the average age people are diagnosed and symptomatic is age 72. My specialist at Sloan-Kettering said I wish you never had that biopsy because there’s nothing to treat you for at this time and with your anxiety your going to let this diagnosis drive you crazy. Well it has driven me to a whole new level of health anxiety. Now that I know I have a cancer that they won’t treat because they put you on a watch and monitor just blood test every 6 months. 1/3 of people never need treatment 1/3 need treatment 10 -20 years after diagnosis and 1/3 need treatment at diagnosis like in there 70s. The treatment is just a pill and you take it like a high blood pressure pill as it’s a chronic condition. Sorry for the long story I’m just staying on point with what my psychiatrist said stop looking for problems. If you have a real problem that needs treatment your Dr will be proactive with your symptoms and taking atenolol will control palpitations trust me on that. If your not getting the appropriate help from your Dr get a new one.

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Ironj

Oh my goodness John, you are so brave!! I would be a mess, just a puddle on the floor scared and crying.

I am very happy to hear that it is a slow growing and hopefully very treatable cancer. I will pray for strength and peace for you!

I don’t mind long replies at all, I am grateful you shared your story with me! Thank you!

I am going to take an Ativan today and see if that helps calm me down a bit. I only take .5mg, but it usually helps!

I’m curious, have you experienced exercising as a way to alleviate some anxiety? I am thinking of trying it out. I am also contemplating using an SSRI, as I’ve been in this panic/anxiety cycle for almost 5 months now and it’s not changing.

Cheers and best wishes!

💜Ash

Ironj profile image
Ironj in reply to Brightfuture22

Thank you for your kind words yes it’s a very indolent type of lymphoma.

I go for walks . I used to work out a lot but I’ve have a for thickness tear on my left rotator cuff and 80% tear in my right rotator cuff with some neck injuries from a work related accident that took place about 5 years ago. I still go to work everyday for a few hours as I own the company but am limited. They say I need a shoulder replacement but I’m too young. So I do what I can. Most of my anxiety relief is fro Xanax and Wellbutrin. I know I sound like a hot mess but it is what it is and I have to keep moving forward and I am. I have a young daughter and wife that are depending on me so that’s enough motivation to keep me moving , but I couldn’t do it without Xanax , atenolol, Wellbutrin.

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Ironj

Oh man, you have been through a lot medically and at such a young age, I am sorry. I’m happy to hear that your Wellbutrin, Xanax, and Atenolol works well to control your anxiety symptoms. I need to bite the bullet and get on an SSRI. Fear of medicine sucks, knowing it’ll likely make me feel better but being so afraid to take it is the worst.

Best wishes and peace!

💜Ash

Ironj profile image
Ironj in reply to Brightfuture22

I agree you should just sit back and say screw it and know it’s going to help you. Get back on the path of enjoying your life and try and stop worrying as we can’t predict the future good or bad.

I think once you start the meds and stick with them for at least 6 weeks you’ll be much happier. Another thing to remember is your not alone 1 in 10 people your meet or see in public feels just like you and I with anxiety of all aspects.

Moon_Glitter profile image
Moon_Glitter

Hi, I take 50mgs of Metoprolol. Not for anxiety but for high blood pressure. I dont have many side effects pretty much only tiredness. For anxiety I take klonopin. For depression I take celexa. SideNote; people do take metoprolol for anxiety and have a good out come with it. It's never caused me anxiety and it's nice not to have my heart beating out of my chest when anxiety strikes. I hope this helps xx

Brightfuture22 profile image
Brightfuture22 in reply to Moon_Glitter

Thank you Sunontheice, your reply is very helpful! I appreciate it so much! I wish you peace and happiness! 💜

katherineo64 profile image
katherineo64

I take Atenolol my heart rate is never over 65. I take this for heart palpitations. It doesn’t work as well as it should for palpitations.

Mpa5524 profile image
Mpa5524

I take metrolopl (I know I spelt that wrong lol) once a day 25mg along with 10mg Prozac. And I thank my doctors for finally finding something that worked for me. (Took a while to convince myself to finally take it due to the anxiety/health anxiety I had) My heart rate would be ridiculously high even when I was doing nothing mix that with anxiety and I was a mess. Best thing ever was going on it. Stopped that adrenaline feeling that I felt Like was there 24/7. Only downfall is that I've gained weight. Could be either of the meds or that I'm just happier in life and eat what I want lol.

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