Propranolol

[MysticRose]

So, I've been on and off all sorts of medication for months now. None of them seemed to work. Even sleeping tablets don't do anything apart from giving me a hangover-feeling the day after. Recently I started having constant panic attacks and palpitations (is that correct in this context?) along with hyperventilation. So my doctors want to put me on propranolol, and I am looking for any (positive) experiences. Does anybody use this?

 

[Ed Norton]

I really like it. Before I started taking it my heart rate was high from anxiety despite klonopin. It's a popular medication for students taking standardized exams ;)

 

[FindingMyself88]

It does help with the physical symptoms of the anxiety (heart rate, shaking, sweating, etc) but it doesnt help the racing thoughts or the mental aspects of the anxiety.

 

[bluebird]

I think the goal is reducing physical symptomes to give you more space to deal with whatever is happening inside your mind. If these symptomes are significantly bothering you, I would advise you to try this medication.

You should be aware, however, that your heart rate will be slower even during sport, so, you might won't be able to perform as usually. In case you are taking any other medication - especially for high blood pressure, consult your GP.

 

[watundah]

I took it when work required me to present in front of 100s of people. I had so much performance anxiety before my presentations, they were pitiful. The drug prevented my heart from racing (which is its primary purpose) which calmed me considerably. While my mind was still nervous, not having my body rebel against me helped ten fold. It seems to work for several hours but it did make me a bit drowsy.

 

[Stacieamy]

I have not been on that med, but I am on another beta blocker, atenolol. It's to keep my pulse down to help control panic attacks. It's in addition to my snri and it definitely helps.

 

[MysticRose]

Thank you for the replies so far. I'm aware of the fact that it doesn't help the racing thoughts, but I've decided to give it a go.

 

[Suzetig]

I have found it incredibly helpful - I can think myself into a looping anxiety attack. You know the deal, get a bit anxious, feel my heart racing and breath shortening, think I'm panicking so panic a bit more, start shaking, panic a bit more and on and on. This med stopped that loop for me so I could get my thoughts under control and manage the panicky bits.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

I heard mainly good stuff of this, it's great, but sometimes causes weight gain, so watch out for that.