Beta blockers – benzo "alternative" that actually worked!

[shamanwolf]

Hey guys, just wanted to share a "success story" of mine.

Recently, I asked my doctor to try beta blockers for anxiety. My symptoms has always been mostly physical; nausea, feeling like fainting, sweats, etc (without any "disaster thoughts" I know many others are having) so this seemed appropriate.

She gave me propranolol 10 mg (Inderal), and wow, this is the only thing I've tried that works as well as Ativan.. but without the addictive properties, so it should be both cheaper and easier to get if you don't have insurance (or like me, a really strict doctor).

Beta blockers work by blocking the physical effects of anxiety, so I can't promise it'll work for everyone. But as a low-risk, less controlled alternative, I should at least put it out there for all to know.

Speaking of which... Since this is actually easy to find, there'll be a lot more vendors – I actually wanted to get a bit more for myself, but couldn't figure out where to look. If anyone can recommend an "everyday" pharmacy with a good rep, that'd be nice as well. I live in Europe if that makes any difference.

Best of luck to all of you!

 

[JillyQM]

When I developed Graves Disease, I developed what was called a "fine tremor" of my hands, but was not actually all that fine.  at the time I was taking  beta blockers before my Graves' Disease was treated to control heart rate.  A couple of months after my thyroid was ablated with radioactive iodine, I no longer needed the beta blockers to control my heart rate, but i had some extras on hand.  My hands had begun, with the onset of Graves disease, to shake quite noticeably when I played piano in public to the extent that playing was difficult. One day before a performance it occurred to me to try a beta blocker before a piano accompaniment gig. It greatly reduced the shaking of my hands. i can see how it would reduce a person's anxiety.

 

[Gleezy]

What’s the name of a beta blocker that you can recomend?? I’ve heard a lil bit about them that they work for anexity gaba something of I’m not mistaken

 

[PTFC]

What’s the name of a beta blocker that you can recomend?? I’ve heard a lil bit about them that they work for anexity gaba something of I’m not mistaken

Propranolol is usually prescribed in the UK if you see your GP and present ypurself with anxiety/panic attacks but don't want something sedating. It certainly lowers your heart rate and tremors, but you may still experience mental anxiety. Very effective med for anxiety though.