Posted by ZeeZee on January 9, 2003, at 17:05:20
In reply to Re: beta blockers for anxiety??, posted by glenn on January 9, 2003, at 11:02:24
I used to use Toprol for high blood pressure and it reduced the physical anxiety symtoms. It was very soothing in that it slowed my heart and the surges of adrenaline. However, it does lower blood pressure, so if you have normal blood pressure you're going to experience light headedness and possible fainting if your b/p is too low. You will also experience fatigue from that as well. Beta blockers can cause fatigue regardless as well as cause depression and weight gain. I became extremly fatigued, cloudy headed and depressed. It happened so slowly I didn't realize it was the medicine. I now use it only occassionaly to reduce bouts of physical anxiety and to boost my regular blood pressure medication.
It does absolutely nothing for the fear, or what I call the true anxiety. If I only had the physical aspect of anxiety my life would have taken another path. It's been the fear of the anxiety symptoms that have destroyed my life. Beta blockers, unlike benzo's, do nothing to calm your "thinking" - the source of that anxiety and fear.
Good Luck
poster:ZeeZee
thread:135058
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030106/msgs/135129.html