Have you been prescribed beta blockers for anxiety?

Posted by erossano @erossano, Dec 26, 2022

Has anyone been prescribed beta blockers (blood pressure med) for anxiety?

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I use propranolol for tachycardia, I know some who use for anxiety. It will lower BP some so ensure you dont have low BP - talk to Dr.

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I’ve used propranolol for anxiety and anger.

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Profile picture for BoneHead @stsopoci

I’ve used propranolol for anxiety and anger.

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Was your blood pressure high at the time?

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I used to have panic attacks and my BP sky rocked. My BP stays normal throughout the day when I take propranolol or am set off by a variety of words usually spoken by a male . I grew up with an extremely narcissistic Father. More than a perfectionist he was racist , sexist , etc, etc.
I couldn’t exist in that family.
Anyway , lexapro and propranolol keep me alive.

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Has anyone added beta blockers to their antidepressants and anti anxiety meds?

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Profile picture for zelenkobooks @zelenkobooks

Has anyone added beta blockers to their antidepressants and anti anxiety meds?

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I take 3 blood pressure medications and one is propranolol. I previously took Klonopin daily for anxiety related insomnia till I was tapered off. I’m not sure how mush the propranolol helps with anxiety but if I forget it for a few days, I am anxious, shaky and my heart rate goes up significantly. BP is stable now so I guess I’ll keep taking it. 80mgER

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Profile picture for zelenkobooks @zelenkobooks

Has anyone added beta blockers to their antidepressants and anti anxiety meds?

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I also take propanolol and it does help with my anxiety.

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Profile picture for diverdown1 @diverdown1

I also take propanolol and it does help with my anxiety.

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@diverdown1 I would like to come off my anti depressant and Ativan (Loreev) eventually or at least lessen the dosage. Years ago, when I wanted to try beta blocker, there were less choice and the one I tried gave me insomnia. I so hope to succeed with my plan. Wishing you good health and hope your meds keep on helping. Thank you for your support

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Profile picture for con123 @con123

I take 3 blood pressure medications and one is propranolol. I previously took Klonopin daily for anxiety related insomnia till I was tapered off. I’m not sure how mush the propranolol helps with anxiety but if I forget it for a few days, I am anxious, shaky and my heart rate goes up significantly. BP is stable now so I guess I’ll keep taking it. 80mgER

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@con123 I had those symptoms even though I was on two BP meds, Remeron and Loreev. Hope the new regimen will be helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience. It is very reassuring.

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Profile picture for zelenkobooks @zelenkobooks

Has anyone added beta blockers to their antidepressants and anti anxiety meds?

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Owing to a heart condition I was taking a beta-blocker (Carvedilol) long before I started taking an antidepressant (Effexor), while I was taking the antidepressant, and after I got off of it (I'm still taking Carvedilol). I don't think the combination had any impact on me either way.

Beta-blockers lower blood pressure, and there are studies indicating that in and of themselves they reduce anxiety on a short term basis, and can sometime be used therapeutically, but they don't treat the underlying psychological causes.

I've never used anti-anxiety meds, so that's not in my experience.

Heathline is generally considered to be a credible source. Here's their article on beta blockers and anxiety:
https://www.healthline.com/health/beta-blockers-for-anxiety

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