Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Smokey on July 31, 2024, 01:20:07 PM

Title: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: Smokey on July 31, 2024, 01:20:07 PM
I’ve been prescribed these for anxiety can anyone tell me how they  made you feel when taking them?

Any experiences welcome.

Thanks
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on July 31, 2024, 01:22:04 PM
I was prescribed them to ease early morning anxiety surges which would cause me to wake, terrified.  Initially 80mg 3 times a day for 2 weeks followed by 40mg twice a day for 4 weeks; then 20mg at night over several years.  Worked well for me. 

The 20mg I took at night and my symptoms were much better.
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: Smokey on July 31, 2024, 03:01:21 PM
Thanks Clkd

I only get anxiety attacks occasionally sometimes it can just arrive out of the blue even when I’m not anxious, probably hormones I suddenly feel uneasy and scared for no reason; sometimes my breathing gets quicker but again not very often
I’m meant to take them as and when required they are 15mg. I have a lot of stress at the moment with my beloved cat of 15 having to be put to sleep due to cancer and my Mum passing away; although I was expecting my mum to pass and have been for a number of years when she no longer knew me and was housebound and couldn’t do anything for herself at all; all she could do was swallow and see so I guess I have shed my tears over the years. Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease.
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on July 31, 2024, 04:31:13 PM
Do they help when you need them?
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: Smokey on August 01, 2024, 10:28:14 AM
I’ve not tried them yet.
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on August 01, 2024, 11:31:11 AM
Let us know ?  At least knowing that they are to hand may well help anyway, my emergency tablet is always with me for immediate access when necessary.
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: Nas on August 01, 2024, 07:57:32 PM
I take propranolol for anxiety ( I am unable to take HRT) and find they do calm my racing heart on occasions.
For me they do not work in the same way as HRT did for my anxiety, but they are better than nothing.

I take 40mg as and when. There is an 80mg slow release which I find doesn't work as effectively. I don't experience any side effects of this medication, but I think they can lower blood pressure (so if you are prone to low BP, perhaps be mindful  of this).

I am sorry to hear about your mum and cat, that must have all been very stressful for you and will certainly have taken its toll, mentally and physically.  :foryou:
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on August 01, 2024, 07:59:35 PM
Hi Nas how long does the BB take to kick in when necessary?
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: Nas on August 01, 2024, 08:00:42 PM
Hi Nas how long does the BB take to kick in when necessary?

Hey CLKD, for me around 20-30 minutes.
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on August 01, 2024, 08:01:39 PM
That's a good result I would say?   Valium helped me, the effects lasted 3 days .........
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: Nas on August 01, 2024, 08:04:11 PM
Yes the other good thing about the propranolol, is that it is non addictive (unlike many of the other anti anxiety drugs).
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2024, 07:40:21 AM
Yep. 
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2024, 07:40:54 AM
Smokey - how R U?
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: Smokey on August 02, 2024, 10:33:34 AM
Thanks Nas.

I’m ok today so far stomach wise however my ms fatigue is worse this morning however it is variable day to day I do have two new additions to our family we now have two new kittens British short hair silver tabbies they are adorable one of each sex Girl is called Luna and the boy is Star so I have more chores to do with litter tray cleaning etc but they are worth it and our Lab is not so lost now as he really missed our previous cat and the kittens have now made friends with him already in just four weeks.
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2024, 11:58:04 AM
OHHHH sweet - more expense when U get them nuetured - watching various web-sites for rehoming, catteries are over whelmed  :'(

How different are they from each other?  My ginger twin boys were quite different ........ great fun at that age  :-*. They freaked out when they first ran across the bean bags I had made them  ;D
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: SUzyLou on August 23, 2024, 11:46:20 AM
Hi all. I’m new to this so not sure how the forum works but I need to reach out. I’m on HRT but have terrible anxiety! Citralopram made me worse so the doc has advised me to take beta blockers when I feel in need! Has anyone taken them with HRT? Thank you 🩷
Title: Re: Beta blockers (propranolol)
Post by: CLKD on August 23, 2024, 03:20:56 PM
I can't understand why betablockas are offered on an 'as necessary' basis.  Hey ho!  Give them a try.   :welcomemm:  browse round.  Make notes. 

When prescribed Propranolol I took it every night 4 several years.  Let us know how you get on?