Beta Blockers for Anxiety

[Snow White.]

I've been prescribed Deralin (Propranolol) for my anxiety and I wondered how others have found taking a Beta Blocker in this way.

I'm also taking a mood stabiliser, antidepressant and as required, valium.

I'm thinking I'll take it daily and see how my mood goes. I hear it only lasts a few hours though so I wonder if I should just take it as needed?

Thanks for any advice :)
x

[Ballerina123]

It works well but not as well as a benzo. Also it depends what dose you take it at. I take 60mg.
But it's a good alternative to a benzo because it's not addictive x

[sherlock holmes]

When I was prescribed it I was told to take it daily. It doesn't work massively well as PRN.

[Snow White.]

That's great to know thank you. I was told to start with one in the morning.

[Ballerina123]

What dose you on?

[I am a cat]

I am on them, I find them very useful.
I take mine several times a day.
I found it took a while to kick in though.

[Crazy Cat Lady]

I took these for a week but it lowered my BP and because my BP is low anyway, they took me off it.

I hope they work for you - let us know how you get on.

[LegoGirl]

They work on the physical symptoms of anxiety like racing heart, shaking hands, sweating etc

So it depends how your anxiety works e.g. If you get it in a certain situation, like a group class, going to a particular place, you might take one an hour before. But if you anxiety is general you'd take them regularly.

You should talk to your doctor about how they intended you to take them because they do affect blood pressure so you need to be careful.

[Snow White.]

Thank you all.
My psychiatrist did check my pulse as a way of checking my blood pressure and it was actually a bit high. I've never had low BP so I think it will be okay but I'm seeing my GP next week so we will talk about it then.

The reason I'm asking about how others took it is my psychiatrist gave me a choice. I asked what she'd recommend of that choice and she said daily so I'll start with that.

Ballerina I'm on 10mg so a very low dose.

I'm optimistic about these because it is the physical symptoms of anxiety that trigger panic in me. So I'm hoping if they are reduced my body will learn it's okay and slowly I won't fear even more anxiety.

Thanks everyone for your input :)

[talaiporia]

Oh, I just wanted to say I take a beta-blocker and it takes me from 'lying on the floor crying' to 'completely fine'. :P It's helped me a lot but it varies from person to person, depending on the roots of your anxiety. For me, I get upset and panic in a physical way, ie. nausea, dizziness.

[Patent Pending]

I am on 80mg, and find it really helps with the physical effects of anxiety.

I hope it helps you.

x x x

[Wonderland.]

How are you finding it Aimee?

I'm also on 80mg and find it works well to help with the physical side of my anxiety. I used to shake a lot which would trigger me off panicking and I barely shake at all now.