Beta Blockers

[jamaicainn]

Has anyone had any experience of beta blockers in the treatment of anxiety. I have had them prescribed today to get help with the shakes, faintness and palpitations I get when I get a panic attack. It is the fear of everyone seeing me shaking that makes things worse for me and then heightens the anxiety making it all a vicious circle.

I know they are not habit forming and from what I understand should not affect mood etc. Looking at the potential side effects as with all medicines the list looks a little daunting so I would just be interested in anyone elses experiences.

Thanks

JI

[nomorepanic]

Hi there

Have you read the website page about them on the left and have a search for previous threads - hundreds on here I am sure.

Which one are you on?

[jamaicainn]

Hi, no I have not read that yet, will take a peak now.

I am on 25 mg a day of atenolol. I have been looking on line and one of my concerns is that a lot of sites say you can't just stop them but my doctor prescribed to packs of 28 and did not say anything about stopping them. I am also a bit worried about taking anything that messes with your heart.

JI

[nomorepanic]

Here's the link...

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/NMPcms....e=betablockers

I had atenolol once but they shouldn't have given it to me cos I have asthma.

There are some posts about atenolol so enter that as a keyword in the search facility on here or scroll down to the bottom of this page for some more links.

Happy reading and hope it helps.

[SammiB]

Hi JI.

i have a beta blocker, i'm on propranalol which i can take whenever i need to, they are a big help at reducing my panic and anxious symptoms, i'm sure yours will do the same, i was given three months worth.

hope they help with you

xxx

[jamaicainn]

Hi Sammi, thanks for your reply. Do you only take your tablets when you are feeling particularly stressed or you know you are going to face a stressful situation or everyday? I think I like the idea more of only taking it when I feel I need it. Did you Doctor tell you that you needed to stop taking it slowly or just stop?

Thanks
JI

[matt1981]

I was taking 40mg of propranolol I found them quite useful. it depends on how bad ur anxiety is. At the moment my anxiety is really bad so I am going to speak to the doctor when I can get an appointment because I may need something stronger.

[mirry]

Interesting Nic about it making you feeling breathless if you have asthma ,

I used to suffer with asthma but havent done so in years , I have been taking propranalol 10mg today and feel terribly breathless.
I took the pill at 12 midday and am still breathless now at 5.30pm ,
mind you i felt a bit breathless last night too and that was without propranalol .