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Mental health

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Original poster

Anyone take propranolol to help with anxiety?

47 replies

Olivesandwine · 16/10/2018 07:44

I'm seeing doc tomorrow for something but I'm also going to discuss getting help with my anxiety. Anxiety is definitely making my symptoms worse.

I've suffered with anxiety for many years, been on antidepressants a few times but really do not want to go on them again.

I have this permanent feeling in my chest, a nervousness/adrenaline feeling. Don't know how to describe it but I'm on edge all the time. Was thinking about asking for propranolol or similar just to calm me a bit and tide me over until my current health issue resolves. I don't want to be on anything permanently and have heard you can take this as and when.

Anyone done the same? Does it help?

OP posts:

Miladymilord · 16/10/2018 07:47

Yes I have and yes it did. Sympathies anxiety is horrible.

I found having a break from the physical symptoms helped me sort my head out.

mybumpismostlypudding · 16/10/2018 08:47

I used to, it was brilliant. I know some people haven't found it useful, but for me it was a godsend. Without the physical symptoms of anxiety, CBT was enough to completely manage my anxiety, which I'd had trouble with since I was a child. I don't need it anymore, I think that the propanalol helped take the edge off things until I could sort my mind out, and now that my mental health is in better shape, I don't need the propanalol because I can handle the physical anxiety because I don't have so many anxious thoughts? But I realise this won't be the case for everyone!
Propanalol is absolutely the best thing I've ever done for my health

I hope you feel better soon

Tinkobell · 16/10/2018 09:35

Took it briefly a few years back during a gad relapse but in a very uncommitted hesitant manner, felt a bit spaced that was all. I'd second CBT and also mindfulness - there's a nice app called Headspace which does guided mindfulness; a couple of sessions a day of that is very good for notching down the feelings you describe. I hope this helps, all the best. Guy Meadows also has a book "the good sleep guide" which is very good for managing anxiety and it's physical symptoms at night....that book is the best thing I've every found.

Original poster

Olivesandwine · 16/10/2018 12:23

Thanks everyone. I'll see what doc says tomorrow.
I know I can't go on like this for much longer. Sick of pretending to be OK as well.

OP posts:

amandadecamembert · 16/10/2018 12:32

I did. It wasn't much help to me but that's because my anxiety created a whole cascade of issues which meant I didn't go out much, so the problem started far before the feelings of anxiety started iyswim. But it might help with the physical effects of anxious feelings (shallow breathing, heart pounding etc) if that's what you struggle with.

Also if you're sick of pretending to be ok have you thought of telling people you're not ok? A lot of women I know struggle with anxiety and when they told me I felt more able to say that I struggle with going out. It's a huge relief to know others are going through the same thing and I felt closer to them when they shared their experiences with me, so now if I have the opportunity to say something I do.

TiredPony · 16/10/2018 12:34

I did too. It helped break the cycle if I was heading towards a panic attack but if I took it too late it did nothing. So, taking it at regular times is far more effective. Good luck OP

Almostthere15 · 16/10/2018 12:41

I did. Alongside antidepressants. It did exactly as bump described, enabled me to use my coping mechanisms more effectively. It's worth a try.

Do let people around you know you need some help, do reach out if you can, it felt worse for me to 'hide' it

I hope you feel better soon

Original poster

Olivesandwine · 16/10/2018 12:43

I just don't want to be pitied and felt sorry for amanda. Its pathetic to feel embarrassed about this, I know, but I am.
I'm struggling with some health issues atm and they are not serious, but getting me down and when I see others around me dealing with so much more, I feel ashamed.

I need to get my head straight and sort myself out. Might need antidepressants I fear.

OP posts:

ivykaty44 · 16/10/2018 12:45

I was prescribed propanol for another condition but as I’m asthmatic it affected my breathing and I was unable to stay on this drug. It does have side affects

Miladymilord · 16/10/2018 12:46

I took valium for a week, it was marvellous. Just gave me a break and then, coupled with the beta blockers and a bit of counselling, I managed to get a grip on things myself.

gamerchick · 16/10/2018 12:48

I do, it's all I take though as I only suffer from the physical effects. It's more an irritation when it happens than feeling low and helpless.

I went straight onto the 40mg pills. Any lower doesn't work if it's the only thing you're taking. Sometimes I need 4 in a day but most of the time it's just 1 and occasionally I can go a couple of days without.

I did get a bit of a tight chest for the first couple of weeks but it passed.

Good luck.

Buddyelf · 16/10/2018 12:52

I take it, its helped me a lot. It stops the bodies physical response to anxiety so gives me time to breathe and think about things more logically and I have to say its great for me. I have to take 1 a day though, I get serious palpitations with my anxiety and I 'drop' a heartbeat so I take them regularly.

BackToBasics1808 · 16/10/2018 12:58

I have just been prescribed these today as my anxiety is out of control - i too am embarrassed so not telling people unless i have to and feel like i am letting my family down so its good to read so many views on this- i hope they work for me

Emmasmum2013 · 16/10/2018 13:40

Oh my god yes propranolol is fantastic. If you feel that adrenaline feeling and a bit panicky, like a panic attack is coming on or you feel really stressed out and overwhelmed, it works absolute wonders. It didn't make me feel spaced out or anything at all. Once it had worked it's magic I just felt normal again. It was a total wonder drug for me and meant that I could get on with my day. As previous posters have said, it's best taken at regular intervals to keep on top of your anxiety. But even just knowing that I could take some if I started to feel anxious helped me feel a lot more in control so I didn't need to take it all the time.

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 16/10/2018 13:43

I started them yesterday as my anxiety was spiralling out of control and they are really helping. As others have said now that the physical symptoms are under control I can cope so much better. So far I haven’t had any side effects except feeling a bit sleepy.

amandadecamembert · 16/10/2018 14:40

Olivesandwine none of it is pathetic, look at all the people here who have exactly the same.

Don't share if you're not comfortable, but my point is that once you know how many people have the same problems you realise how normal you are. No one I told pitied me, by and large they said something like 'God I know, it's awful isn't it!' One person I know had become obsessed with the recycling - ! - and went to her gp who said it's a common issue. Everyone has something.

Be kind to yourself and I hope you feel better soon.

Original poster

Olivesandwine · 16/10/2018 18:08

Thanks everyone. I’ve never actually had a panic attack but I have got that adrenaline feeling constantly and I think that if I didn’t have this my anxiety cycle could be broken. Well at least that’s what I’d like. I just can’t relax. I’m really nervous about seeing the doc tomorrow. I hope I can hold it together and not cry.

Do you think I can go in and just ask for it? I think maybe I will ask for counselling as well, although my brief taste of telephone cbt was rubbish.

I will update.

OP posts:

amandadecamembert · 17/10/2018 14:21

Just a thought op, have you had a blood test? Is your gp considering physical reasons for anxiety (eg hyperthyroidism)? Good luck with your appt.

Original poster

Olivesandwine · 17/10/2018 15:28

Yes I’ve had a blood test. But do they look for this especially.

I was a docs about something else today and mentioned the anxiety but didn’t get very far. She only offered antidepressants and I said I didn’t want them. No other suggestions regarding counselling or anything. Bit disappointed with her and I will be seeing somebody else next time I go. And I cried a bit when I was in there.

OP posts:

amandadecamembert · 17/10/2018 15:46

Did they test specifically to rule out physical causes of anxiety? They will only look for that specifically if that's what they're looking for iyswim. Do you mean you had a blood test but are not sure what they tested?

Don't worry about crying at the surgery, it's very common.

Original poster

Olivesandwine · 17/10/2018 16:05

No the blood tests were for something else but they did a full blood count and ca125. It wasn’t about anxiety.

OP posts:

gamerchick · 17/10/2018 16:33

There are medical issues where propranolol won't be given. Diabetics and asthmatics for eg can't take it.

Next time ask if you can try beta blockers before going down the AD route.

amandadecamembert · 17/10/2018 16:56

I don't think that will include a thyroid panel. Also if palpitations are part of the problem make sure your iron is good (not just in range).

GoingNuckingFuts · 17/10/2018 17:02

i have been on propranalol for a number of years now, for me it is brilliant im on a relatively high dose, one of the best things about it , is it doesn't have a drowsy effect like many other anxiety medications propranalol is a beta blocker so will help with any palpitations, also in a certain dose it is a migraine medication though im not sure how effective it is

sorry second time today i have seen IYSWIM what does it mean mean?

Original poster

Olivesandwine · 17/10/2018 19:30

I don't have palpitations.
Next time I go I will specifically mention beta blockers and it will be with a different gp. She just wasn't listening to me because I went in with two issues (double appointment slot) and she was more focused on the other. She didn't have much clue about that one either!
Going IYSWIM means if you see what I mean.

OP posts:

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