Has Anyone Had Success With Beta Blockers?

[cdg]

Just curious if anyone has had any experience with taking them. I have a pretty bad adrenaline rush when I experience anything that causes a stress reaction.

 

[HëllaBubz]

There is research done over in Canada with PTSD and Beta Blockers....apparently been very successful. I'd have to ask my other half for more details if you want to know, he was looking into treatments for me.

 

[cdg]

I would greatly appreciate it. I have read the same thing. I don't know if my adrenals are just that burnt out or what. It feels like an acid shock adrenaline or cortisol rush if I get the least bit worried. Like its being released all at once.

 

[HëllaBubz]

In the mean time, I'd be looking into a therapist who does trauma free processing of triggers and events.

I also have an ebook that may really help you understand what is happening to you.

Please PM me, and I'll go dig up that info for you.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I used to take Atenolol in my pre-diagnosis days.

I have no idea exactly how my chain of events actually played out, but I had heart palpitations and my doctor said something about my racing heart using up all my adrenaline and that's why I was exhausted all the time.

So yes, the med helped with the adrenaline issue, although its probably a bit different than what you want it for. I don't take it anymore though.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Oh, have you had your adrenals tested? I'm in the process of having mine tested, but won't get the results for awhile.

I ask because a beta blocker will help manage symptoms, but if your adrenals have tanked, it won't fix them.

 

[cdg]

I was thinking the same thing. Its coming from that area. The rush of adrenaline. I guess. I have no threshold now. It just releases all of it.

 

[Hashi]

I agree with Solara on getting an adrenal test. I also think it's important to work on relaxation, grounding and coping skills. I'm not talking about one or two grounding exercises in reaction to something, I mean up to two hours a day working on this stuff (and I know no-one has time, I didn't either, still you have to).

I use beta blockers occasionally, for example going to the dentist (super-high stress associated with trauma). But I don't take them regularly. The general coping/grounding/relaxation skills are the most important thing to me, and the beta blockers for emergency only. I also take diazepam (a benzodiazepine) for the same reasons, and in the same way - only occasionally.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I use beta blockers at night for nightmares. They work really well for me. My startle reaction goes way down too.

 

[cdg]

That is exactly what I am talking about. I should have posted that as the description. Its an extreme startle reaction.

 

[DharmaGirl]

Yep, mine is too. I startle so badly that my family doesn't react to my screaming anymore. I hope you can give it a try. They make some people sleepy, but I take it at night anyway for my nightmares.

 

[cdg]

Propranolol is supposed to be the best one for PTSD. We shall see. I will talk to one of my docs about it.