Anxiety relief. Already high strung- is Bupropion SR a possibility?

[MayPanic]

About 6 years ago I started to suffer from some performance anxiety- just out of high school. I've been on a few SSRI's, the last one being Zoloft- it worked well. I gained alot of weight on it and weaned myself off it. It is about 10 months later and my anxiety has returned, even worse. It's not just about performance anymore, its about everything. From health, social situations, and nothing at all- just anxious. I know it is irrational to feel this way- but I can't control it in many situations. Anyway, my doctor prescribed me Wellbutrin SR, Atenolol (a beta blocker), and klonopin. Well I've taken klonopin before- no prob. Im scared to take the others. My blood pressure isn't high, is it safe to take a beta blocker? And will Wellbutrin make more anxious? And is the combo of these meds even safe?

Thanks
May

[RCA7591]

Unless you are suffering from some form of depression, the Wellbutrin is not indicated. Wellbutrin can fuel anxiety.

You don't state what your symptoms are, but if you were prescribed Atenolol, you likely have some cardiac manifestations of anxiety (palpitations, skipped beats, accelerated heart rate). If that is the case, Atenolol is a fine choice. If not, there is no indication for Atenolol. Normal blood pressure in not a contraindication for Atenolol therapy (it has little impact on blood pressure).

You likely suffer from GAD, and Klonopin is a long-term treatment option. Typical dose is 0.5 mg, bid (twice daily). It must be dosed twice daily for the maximum benefit to be obtained. Steady-state is reached within two weeks, at which time the maximum benefits will be obtained.

The average Atenolol dose is 25 mg (starting dose 12.5 mg). The target dose is 50 mg, qd (once daily). Response to beta-blockers varies wildly, and the dose must be individualized for the particular person.

-Ryan

[MayPanic]

When I'm not anxious my blood pressure and heart rate (even 60) are normal, but when I am at the verge of a panic attack my heart rate can reach heights of 150-160, but most of the time stays between 105-135. I get anxious around doctors so I've had to wear a haltor monitor- its normal at home. My new PCP told me to try Atenolol when Im at home to see if it effects me, but my heart rate wouldn't be high, is that okay?

My anxiety symptoms-
sweating, shakiness, out of reality, racing heart rate, increased BP, tight muscles

[MayPanic]

Thank you,
May

[RCA7591]

With a low normal resting heart-rate of 60 bpm, I would not take the Atenolol, unless it was 12.5 mg only. Anything higher than 12.5 mg will likely decrease your heart rate below 60 bpm.

While it would likely work during an "attack", the attack is only transient, which means under static (normal) conditions, your heart rate would be chronically low. It may or may not make you feel lightheaded under "normal conditions"

I would notify the doctor who prescribed the Atenolol that your normal heart rate is 60 bpm (which is on the low side of normal).

-Ryan