topic Beta blockers and GAD in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Beta blockers and GAD

Nathanau — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 14:08:21 GMT

Always been a little different but managed to get Married and have two
kids and hold down a job and a few close mates. About 12 months ago I
nearly collapsed at work and thought I was having a heart attack and
after many tests I had to admit something I probably already I knew I
was different and was diagnosed with severe GAD.

I have been to around 10 sessions with a physiologist which really
helped me realise how messed up I am and armed me with a heap of tools
to try and reduce my anxiety with not much luck.

I don’t think I have had a good sleep in 20 years and I’m bloody
tired. I have been reluctant to take medications like SSRI so my
doctor has put me on two doses of beta-blockers per day to help with
my anxiety. I am feeling a little better and wondering if other people
are taking this medication? Or has anyone gone from a beta-blocker to
a SSRI ?

Beta blockers and GAD

blondguy — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 14:47:15 GMT

Hello Nathanau

Welcome and thankyou for being a part of the forum family too!

I understand where you are coming from Nath. I was a dill when I was 23 and didnt seek help early enough when I had my first mega anxiety attack(s) and it was a scary feeling (understatement of the decade) I put off taking SSRI's until my mid 30's.....As soon as I started taking a small dosage my anxiety reduced by approx 70%....combined with regular counseling (just for me that is)

It depends on how severe your anxiety levels are Nath. The beta blockers are a common medication that were prescribed after I started taking SSRI's. The SSRI's worked really well with my anxiety condition yet having anxiety our adrenaline flow can be a pain and the beta blockers can help a bit for sure

I am in my 50's and wasted many years thinking I could self heal from anxiety (GAD) The SSRI's improved my career....my personal relationships and my general well being.

I really feel for you with the poor sleep you have been getting Nath. I was like yourself with meds....and kept refusing them.....until my life started to fall apart....My GP was really understanding with me being anti meds and put me on a small dosage which worked...really well

If you have any questions or thoughts I really hope you can post back when its convenient for you Nath

I used to get really bad anxiety in traffic jams/freeways.....Can I ask when your anxiety is severe for you?

my kind thoughts

Paul

Beta blockers and GAD

Nathanau — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 12:44:38 GMT

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your reply it was great to get your perspective. I'm similar in a way and have known I have had an issue for a long time and only recently started getting some help and have moved to a GP I'm really happy with. I'm seeing him in two weeks and will discuss meds again still unsure and have some good results with beta-blockers... whats normal anyway !! lol

I also get anxiety in heavy traffic or pretty much anywhere....... I'm really good at having anxiety sometimes I think I excel.... enough jokes. Thanks again.

Beta blockers and GAD

Lori44 — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 13:14:48 GMT

Hi Paul, I am a 74 year old female and had a tendency to anxiety and depression all my life, but it got much worse after menopause. I did try effexor, which worked very well, but had bad side effects for me, so had to stop using it after 2 weeks. I'm thinking of asking a GP for beta blockers and wonder what dose you use and if you have any bad side effects. Thanks,

Lori44

Beta blockers and GAD

blondguy — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 10:32:42 GMT

Hi Nath,

I hope you are still around the forums. I just wanted to say thankyou for posting back and my apologies for missing your reply. You mentioned " I'm really good at having anxiety sometimes I think I excel.... enough jokes. Thanks again" ......................You have an excellent attitude.....Anxiety does reduce in severity especially with humor....Good1 🙂

Hello Lori44.....Thankyou heaps for helping out on Nath's post! There are little or no side effects with beta blockers that I have experienced with my anxiety disorder. I am 58 and have anxiety since 1983 (diagnosed) and its an awful place to be in. I understand and feel your pain where anxiety and depression are concerned

my kind thoughts......and have a good weekend too 🙂

Paul

Beta blockers and GAD

Lori44 — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 12:41:32 GMT

Thank you, Paul, for the information and your good wishes.

Beta blockers and GAD

blondguy — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 11:04:00 GMT

Hey Lori44

No worries and your kind response is appreciated 🙂

I hope your week is being good to you

Paul

Beta blockers and GAD

Nathanau — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 10:29:45 GMT

HI Paul,

I ended up taking the plunge 5 months ago and started on medication. All I can say is WOW......... I now realise I must have had horrible anxiety 100% of the time, now it's bearable anxiety 30% of the time.

Beta blockers and GAD

blondguy — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 08:52:41 GMT

Hi Nath....(and Lori44!)

Thanks heaps for posting back. My congrats to you for having some joy on the meds with the reduction of your anxiety feelings.....You are amazing!

Hey Lori44....did you have any joy with the beta blockers? I still dont have any side effects from them...I hope you are doing okay

I hope everyone's week has been good to them 🙂

my kindest

Paul