Posted by Mark H. on April 6, 2005, at 15:40:56
In reply to beta blockers for anxiety?, posted by tendency on April 6, 2005, at 10:43:58
I take pindolol (another beta blocker) as an adjunctive in the treatment of bipolar II disorder. On the positive side, pindolol tends to block the effects of my over-production of adrenaline, and it potentiates the effects of Effexor, allowing me to use a fixed dosage (when in the past -- before pindolol -- I had to keep increasing the amount of Effexor to achieve an anti-depressant effect).
On the negative side, it definitely limits my heart/lung capacity, and I get winded from even the most slight exertion. This of course has led to my becoming even less active and more out of shape. Beta blockers also affect sexual function in men (as can anything that lowers blood pressure). Of course, medications like Viagra and Cialis can help with this.
All that said, the overall effect in conjunction with Effexor is worth the downsides to me.
I realize these comments are not about anxiety, but I thought my nine years worth of experience taking a beta blocker still might be useful to you.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:480644
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050404/msgs/480785.html