Posted by chasethdevil on July 10, 2011, at 15:58:35
In reply to Beta blockers for panic disorder anyone??, posted by jms600 on July 4, 2011, at 8:32:47
As far as I know, beta blockers only help with the physiological symptoms of a panic attack. They cannot prevent a panic attack and they cannot help with the psychological feelings of panic.
However, for many people these physiological symptoms are sort of what keeps their panic disorder alive, and having a consistent way to treat your bodily responses may lessen your anxiety and I suppose help treat the panic disorder in the long run. Especially if you know the triggers for your panic attacks perhaps a beta blocker could be taken in advance. A lot of musicians take it specifically for performance anxiety because their physiological symptoms like shaking or sweaty palms can interfere with playing.
I also replied to you because it looks like we have dealt with the same problems. Doctors have given me a bunch of different anxiety related diagnoses, along with major depression.
Looking at what you are on- some heavy duty meds, and it sounds like you've worked your way through, I honestly doubt beta-blockers would help but I do not discourage you from trying them because (I believe, I'm not quite sure) that they are relatively harmless and would not likely interact with your other meds.
Have you considered maybe finding a new psychiatrist? The medications you are on seem dated, with bad reps for side effects and withdrawal symptoms. I was on 75 mg Effexor XR for a couple years and tapering off of it (SLOWLY) was my worst nightmare. Then the same with Pristiq, which my current pdoc at the time said was like Effexor but better. It was not for me. I had the same side effects and when they became too much, the same horrible withdrawals.
It's good to question the authority here- this is your life. I find that professionals in the same field have hugely varying opinions on the same medications and treatments. I feel like I've finally found an excellent psychiatrist. She keeps up with current advances in research and doesn't pander to pharma sales. She describes to me the method of action of the drug, experiences the drug has had with other patients, why she believes it my be a good try for me. She understand that everyone metabolized medications differently and that needs to be taken into account so you won't overmedicate. Her one downside, and it's a big one- she doesn't take insurance. Of course, right?
I hope you find the right combo for you.
Lindsay
> Has anyone ever had any success with beta blockers for fairly severe panic disorder?
>
> I took propanolol for a short period of time years ago for general anxiety. It wasn't a huge success, however, I'm wondering if it may work with panic disorder which I've since developed. I also suffer from GAD, social phobia and unipolar depression.
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> I'm currently on 225mg of Effexor, 600mg of lithium, and 15mg of Valium on an 'as needed' basis when things get really bad. Been on countless other anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and anxiolytics - my last being Klonopin which really exacerbated my depression. My doctor won't prescribe MAOIs due to their dietary restrictions and side effects.
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> I'm looking to take a beta blocker on a daily basis as a preventative, rather than just occasionally on an as needed basis.
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> Any advice greatly appreciated.
>
poster:chasethdevil
thread:990152
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110630/msgs/990700.html