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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by krybrahaha78 on August 1, 2004, at 1:31:36
I have heard that high levels of the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine can result in anxiety. If so, couldnt Beta Blockers help Social Phobia?
For me, whenever I have to call somebody on the phone (especially a person in authority) I get really edgy and anxious. Sometimes when I feel someone is blaming me for something I didnt do, I can feel my face feel up with blood and I blush and sweat and everything else. Anyone else have this problem and WHAT DO YOU DO FOR IT?
My opinion is that this has to do with the fight or flight response=norepinephrine. Maybe a overload of this chemical. So, how about someone taking something like Clonidine, sometbing that lowers this chemical. Anyone think this would work?
Posted by Sad Panda on August 1, 2004, at 10:40:16
In reply to NOREPINEPHRINE AND ANXIETY, posted by krybrahaha78 on August 1, 2004, at 1:31:36
> I have heard that high levels of the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine can result in anxiety. If so, couldnt Beta Blockers help Social Phobia?
> For me, whenever I have to call somebody on the phone (especially a person in authority) I get really edgy and anxious. Sometimes when I feel someone is blaming me for something I didnt do, I can feel my face feel up with blood and I blush and sweat and everything else. Anyone else have this problem and WHAT DO YOU DO FOR IT?
> My opinion is that this has to do with the fight or flight response=norepinephrine. Maybe a overload of this chemical. So, how about someone taking something like Clonidine, sometbing that lowers this chemical. Anyone think this would work?
>It does work, but not Clonidine as it is an alpha NE agonist & is usually 3rd choice for hypertension because it is so strong. A beta blocker, OTOH, will block the physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, blushing, tremor & heart palpitations. Inderal would be first choice.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by King Vultan on August 1, 2004, at 10:46:38
In reply to NOREPINEPHRINE AND ANXIETY, posted by krybrahaha78 on August 1, 2004, at 1:31:36
I recall a post similar to yours a few months back. Beta blockers are used for occasional situational anxiety, such as before speaking in public. Of course, they will also lower blood pressure, too, which may or may not be a good thing. There may be some efficacy for social phobia, but I think there are better choices. Of course, these are also likely to have more side effects (such as SSRIs). Generally,
increasing serotonin--reduces anxiety
increasing norepinephrine--increases anxiety
Trying a beta blocker is easy enough to do and may be worth trying--I just don't think it is going to have the efficacy you are looking for. Ultimately, IMO, you have the greatest chance of making real progress approaching this from a cognitive point of view and gradually changing the way you think and feel in these troublesome situations.
Todd
Posted by RetiredYoung on August 1, 2004, at 13:15:37
In reply to Re: NOREPINEPHRINE AND ANXIETY, posted by King Vultan on August 1, 2004, at 10:46:38
Hi all - A couple of comments..
1) I've had very good results from BuSpar and benzodiazepines for anxiety. Examples: I keep a Rx of xanax with me and pop ~.25mg if I start feeling particularly nervous; fortunately, this case happens infrequently. Also, BuSpar helped hold down anxiety that seemed to be brought on by taking Effexor.
2) I fully agree with Todd that best results can be obtained psychologically. The caveat that I would add is that, for me at least, I can't think rationally/remember my cognitive distortions/etc. when I'm feeling bad, so I believe it's important to address your bio needs first, then do some therapy, read, journal, etc. Think of it as getting both your legs sturdy enough to begin a long walk..
Jim
Posted by linkadge on August 2, 2004, at 15:35:32
In reply to Re: NOREPINEPHRINE AND ANXIETY, posted by RetiredYoung on August 1, 2004, at 13:15:37
I know that norepinephrine increase generally causes anxiety, but why then are SNRI's oftentimes better for anxiety than SSRI's ??
Linkadge
Posted by krybrahaha78 on August 2, 2004, at 20:22:22
In reply to Re: NOREPINEPHRINE - conflicting information, posted by linkadge on August 2, 2004, at 15:35:32
thats what i have wondered. From what I understand, Effexor is approved for GAD and doesnt it increase Norepinephrine?
Posted by linkadge on August 4, 2004, at 11:48:37
In reply to Re: NOREPINEPHRINE - conflicting information, posted by krybrahaha78 on August 2, 2004, at 20:22:22
effexor does increase norepinephrine
Linkadge
Posted by Sad Panda on August 4, 2004, at 23:30:11
In reply to Re: NOREPINEPHRINE - conflicting information, posted by linkadge on August 4, 2004, at 11:48:37
> effexor does increase norepinephrine
>
> Linkadge
>Only at high doses. As you titrate upwards your blood pressure will rise as NE reuptake starts to occur. For me, that happened at 300mg.
Cheers,
Panda.
This is the end of the thread.
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