Beta-blockers

[Katiee]

I was just wondering people's experiences with beta-blockers used for anxiety/panic attacks?

Did you find them helpful? Did they work?

[talaiporia]

I find it very helpful. I feel less irritable, anxious. I find my thoughts are calmer, and I don't have any side effects. I understand some people don't see a big difference, but other than that I think it's worth a try.

[mikey]

Well beta-blockers are originally a heart medication, used to slow the heartbeat. They can also help prevent tremors. I don't think they have a 'calming effect' like benzodiazepines do, but by preventing some of the physical symptoms of anxiety (such as a racing heart) they reduce panic and can help stop people feeling like they are having a heart attack or something similar (something people often worry about when they are experiencing the physical symptoms of a panic attack).

[Steel Maiden]

Can cause bradycardia and hypotension. Did for me, as well as exercise intolerance and fatigue.

I was on propranolol 20mg/day for migraines though.

However I have known it to work well for people I know with anxiety.

Note - it is generally better for somatic symptoms of anxiety.

[Patent Pending]

I found them very helpful for the two-ish years I rook them until I was able to control my anxiety without them.

I had no side-effects.

x x x

[Snow White.]

Yes, I found them helpful because the physical symptoms of anxiety triggered off a lot of mental-anxiety and increased the physical severity also. So the beta blockers toned it down before the cycle started.