Posted by Four Feathers on September 30, 2008, at 18:51:22
I recently gave up on Nardil due to the side effects and have been going through the wash-out period without much trouble.
I had been on Atenolol (for slight HBP and exertiional headaches) for about 10 years prior and never thought about any cognitive effects this med may have even though I understood that it *could* cause depression. I stopped this and began Lisinopril earlier this year. Interestingly, I recently began Atenolol again to reduce my easily accelerated heart rate and exertion headaches. After my first dose of 25mg I noticed significant cognitive impairment as well as a physical and mental calmness which remained while taking this. I was also much less irritable and in a better mood. This is proof positive to me that, although one of the more hydrophilic of the BBs Atenolol absolutely is crossing the BBB and affecting me. A few days after stopping this med I was back to my cognitive self, although less comfortable physically. All this was done under the supervision of my doc by the way.
I also notice mood and concentration improvement from doses of clonazepam as little as .25 once a day. Over time this tends to make me feel more depressed and less motivated though, although not as cognitively impaired.
Question...It appears to me that I have a large underlying anxiety disorder that has a depressive component to it. I don't understand the effects well enough of the limbic system and it's affect on the physical symptoms I experience (slightly raised bp when not treated for this, cool extremities, chronic canker sores, exertional headaches, etc). Is this likely an issue with NE and/or GABA? Can someone help me understand what may be going on and what direction I may want to pursue for med treatment?
Thank you in advance for any information.
poster:Four Feathers
thread:854985
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080926/msgs/854985.html