Posted by PaulB on July 17, 2001, at 16:08:59
In reply to beta blockers for anxiety/panic? , posted by gdog on July 17, 2001, at 15:14:03
> hi all,
> a friend just told me that she takes blood pressure meds - she called them beta blockers - for her anxiety associated with ritalin. she said they easily resolve the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, like palpitations, racing heart, shakes, etc. does anyone know anything about this? information would be great! thanks,
> gdogI was initially prescribed Propranalol for anxiety. Of all the beta-blockers used I think Propranalol is quite common.
Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter that controls adrenaline levels and by blocking the alpha-adrenergic receptors Beta-Blockers may help control papitations such as hands shaking and racing heart beat.
I think because of this they lack the robust anti-anxiety effects of other medicines and may be more suited for performace-anxiety rather than negative thought patterns underlying the anxiety. They have no habit forming potential though.
An additional note; Some Beta-Blockers may cause/worsen depression.
>PaulB
poster:PaulB
thread:70518
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010714/msgs/70522.html