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Menopause Matters magazine ISSUE 81 out now. (Autumn issue, September 2025)

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Author Topic: Beta blockers for anxiety query  (Read 18125 times)

CLKD

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #15 on: July 03, 2015, 09:13:56 PM »

Thanks Honeybun!  Without mine I would be lost, they are a 'banned substance' for sports people they work so well  ;)

It is wise to give them a 'go' well before an event though, so that you know what reaction you feel …….. so that you don't mis-interpret that reaction  ;)

I trust my GP, Practice Nurse and Dentist not to prescribe anything untoward!
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babyjane

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #16 on: July 04, 2015, 09:14:05 AM »

The information label in the box shows the recommended dose to treat anxiety so they are clearly intended for use in this way.  My endocrinologist gave me Propranolol to counteract problems due to thyrotoxicosis last year but they also help with anxiety and my GP agrees so continues to prescribe me a very low dose as needed  :) .
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Limpy

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #17 on: July 04, 2015, 10:27:57 AM »

BBs seem to have several uses.

The first time I heard of Beta blockers it was for people using them to reduce anxiety in stressful situations, i.e. auditions for orchestras or music colleges.

Many years after that I was given them to prevent migraines, I noticed then that they are intended to  slow down pulse / heart beat.

OH was given some last Christmas when he was in A&E having bad heart palpitations and tachycardia. When he went in his pulse was varying between 44 and 180. He was given BBs, despite he warning that they shouldn't be used with an irregular pulse. It nearly killed him, he had to stay in the coronary care unit for 3 days.
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Greenfields

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #18 on: July 04, 2015, 06:54:26 PM »

The information label in the box shows the recommended dose to treat anxiety so they are clearly intended for use in this way.  My endocrinologist gave me Propranolol to counteract problems due to thyrotoxicosis last year but they also help with anxiety and my GP agrees so continues to prescribe me a very low dose as needed  :) .

What low dose do they prescribe?  Just curious.  My GP prescribed 40mg and that seems quite a lot to me which is one reason why I haven't taken any yet!
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Greenfields

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #19 on: July 04, 2015, 06:55:02 PM »

BBs seem to have several uses.

The first time I heard of Beta blockers it was for people using them to reduce anxiety in stressful situations, i.e. auditions for orchestras or music colleges.

Many years after that I was given them to prevent migraines, I noticed then that they are intended to  slow down pulse / heart beat.

OH was given some last Christmas when he was in A&E having bad heart palpitations and tachycardia. When he went in his pulse was varying between 44 and 180. He was given BBs, despite he warning that they shouldn't be used with an irregular pulse. It nearly killed him, he had to stay in the coronary care unit for 3 days.

So sorry to hear that Limpy - it sounds awful.
Hugs xxx
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CLKD

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #20 on: July 04, 2015, 07:42:36 PM »

I had 80mg at night initially - after 3 months it was put down to 40mg ………… occasionally I feel like something is on the top of my head  ;D so I have a break for 24 hours.  Try it before you need it to feel what it does  ;)
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Limpy

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #21 on: July 04, 2015, 08:28:55 PM »

BBs seem to have several uses.

The first time I heard of Beta blockers it was for people using them to reduce anxiety in stressful situations, i.e. auditions for orchestras or music colleges.

Many years after that I was given them to prevent migraines, I noticed then that they are intended to  slow down pulse / heart beat.

OH was given some last Christmas when he was in A&E having bad heart palpitations and tachycardia. When he went in his pulse was varying between 44 and 180. He was given BBs, despite he warning that they shouldn't be used with an irregular pulse. It nearly killed him, he had to stay in the coronary care unit for 3 days.

So sorry to hear that Limpy - it sounds awful.
Hugs xxx

Thanks Greenfields

Thankfully OH is OK now, he should never have been given BBs, it was an error.

HOWEVER, REMEMBER BBs are used, widely and successfully for the treatment of anxiety with no problems.

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babyjane

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #22 on: July 05, 2015, 10:12:42 AM »

Greenfields my endocrinologist prescribed initially 10mg three times a day.  I have reduced this successfully myself over 6 months with my GPs blessing to 5mg (half a tablet) 2 or 3 times a day as needed.  I see my endo again in 2 weeks time. He is of the opinion that 5mg is too little to do any good but it takes the edge off for me.  Any more makes me feel quite odd.
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Greenfields

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #23 on: July 05, 2015, 11:59:24 AM »

Greenfields my endocrinologist prescribed initially 10mg three times a day.  I have reduced this successfully myself over 6 months with my GPs blessing to 5mg (half a tablet) 2 or 3 times a day as needed.  I see my endo again in 2 weeks time. He is of the opinion that 5mg is too little to do any good but it takes the edge off for me.  Any more makes me feel quite odd.

Thanks for that.  The dose my Dr prescribed is 40mg which seems a lot ... if and when I try a tablet, I think I will halve it if I can.
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CLKD

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #24 on: July 05, 2015, 12:30:57 PM »

Take the 40mg at night so that any side-effects will be slept off  ;) - cutting the pill in half won't give the measured dosage!
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Limpy

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #25 on: July 05, 2015, 01:16:27 PM »

Take the 40mg at night so that any side-effects will be slept off  ;) - cutting the pill in half won't give the measured dosage!

I'me not certain CLKD, but possibly Greenfields thinks 40mg is a bit too much, hence her wanting to cut the tablet in half.

In the past when I've queried the amount of a different medication (think it was 10mg Amitriptyline) I was told by GP and pharmicist to cut the tablet in half. It does seem to be an accepted practice.
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Greenfields

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #26 on: July 05, 2015, 03:09:07 PM »

Take the 40mg at night so that any side-effects will be slept off  ;) - cutting the pill in half won't give the measured dosage!

I've read that one of the side effects if you take it at night is hallucinations and nightmares!

I have enough issues with sleep with adding these to them!  Plus I don't tend to feel jittery at night - its in the morning - I really should have tried taking one this morning.
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Greenfields

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #27 on: July 05, 2015, 03:10:48 PM »

Take the 40mg at night so that any side-effects will be slept off  ;) - cutting the pill in half won't give the measured dosage!

I'me not certain CLKD, but possibly Greenfields thinks 40mg is a bit too much, hence her wanting to cut the tablet in half.

In the past when I've queried the amount of a different medication (think it was 10mg Amitriptyline) I was told by GP and pharmicist to cut the tablet in half. It does seem to be an accepted practice.

Yes absolutely - it seems a large dose and I didn't query it at the time ...

I'm seeing the Dr on 13th July so I will ask her then if I haven't tried taking one by then.  One of the problems at the moment is I do a lot of exercise so the last thing I want to do when I wake up jittery is to take one and then have breakfast and then head off mid-morning to a very vigorous exercise class - somehow that doesn't seem a good mix with a slow heart rate?!
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honeybun

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #28 on: July 05, 2015, 03:12:10 PM »

Or call your GP and request a milder one explaining you are nervous of a large dose and would like to start small and work up if needs be.

Cutting in half is also fine. You can buy a pill cutter for accuracy.

I take just 10mg. The stronger one made me feel most peculiar and unwell. I also can't take at night as it keeps me awake.


Honeybun
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dazned

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Re: Beta blockers for anxiety query
« Reply #29 on: July 05, 2015, 03:23:51 PM »

It was the dose I was perscribed,everyone will have different experience with any drug so you won't know until you try ! I was dubious at first but it did take all my anxiety,palps,etc away but it made me sleepy ,hence the suggestion to take it at night time . All drugs come with side effects warnings unfortunately but you not have any ,I'm very susceptible to any new medication but I was fine ,as I say we are all different. Hope it goes well for you too it certainly beats anxiety,palps,etc.
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