Beta blocker (Propanolol)

[Sarahmac62]

Hi,

I'm new here so sorry if I am asking a stupid question.  I have suffered from anxiety for years but have only just started getting help for it.  I have been referred for cognitive behavioural therapy and have been given beta blockers to help me get through situations that make me anxious.

I have taken them a couple of times now, but both times I have said and done things that are out of character for me.  I have gotten quite angry with people or have been really open and revealed things to people that I normally wouldn't.  Is this the beta blockers or just that having to admit that I have a problem is causing my anxiety to get worse?  I just wondered if anyone else has experienced anything like this?

[ILADVOCATE]

Some beta blockers can cause unwanted personality changes but it was usually depression which did happen to me at higher doses of Atenolol and why I couldn't take Inderal but I tended to believe that was connected with the fact that they were lowering blood pressure which can make a person feel depressed. Either way speak to your psychiatrist about it and they can inform you what you should do and what are other options.

[lost_myself]

I took a different beta for 2 years ..i didnt have any issues like you describe..You should get a dr's opinion on this.

[aminormal]

i have anxiety but dont take tha stuff srry forgot wat its called can you get it for a short period of time cas in yr 10 i was fine but wen i got in yr 11 ive just started worrying bout every thng i even worry if im gay wen i kno im not and then worry tha im worrying bout it

[Sarahmac62]

Thanks for your reply.  I suppose I was hoping that I could blame it on the medication which is easier than admitting that things are getting too much for me to handle.

I have been ignoring my anxiety for such a long time and running away from situations that I find difficult that I was taken by surprise by how much things really do affect me when I try to face them.

I don't know if that makes any sense.

[nputte]

I've been on Metoprolol 25mg a day and I haven't noticed any symptoms like that. The metoprolol doesn' tseem to help my anxiety though...I still get panic attacks.

[Paxiled]

The thing with beta blockers are, research shows they mainly work for social anxiety, and even then only for those who manifest heart symptoms (racing heart, palpitations, skipped beats and such).  It might be the med, or it might be the med not working because it isn't the right thing for you.  Emphasize the CBT and see if it helps; hopefully you'll be able to avoid the meds.  If not, they'll be there.

[Sarahmac62]

Thanks for your comments.  I definitely have anxiety symptoms which the beta blocker does help with but I think the other problems I have are in part because I have been trying to tackle situations which cause me anxiety, with support, but not from a health professional.  

I did this before I went to the doctor and got medication and referred for CBT, which on reflection I think was a mistake.  

I would like to carry on with the beta blocker as they do make it easier but I now know thanks to the information I've got here that it isn't the medication but something else that is going on.  I suppose I'll have to go back to the doctor.  

PS I don't start the CBT for two or three months.

[Paxiled]

You cans start it yourself -- there are a ton of CBT books out there that'll give you a head start.

[Sarahmac62]

Thanks for that.  

I did buy 'Coginitive Behavioural Therapy for Idiots' a while back but found it really hard to understand.  My doctor has suggested a website called Living Life To The Full or something like that, which I'm going to look at.

I've found people's suggestions here really helpful, so thanks everyone!

[Greeny2009]

i am in the same thing, i dont think they have great effect but apprently they take 2 weeks or so of taking them b4 you feel any change so i am going to stick with them,
i havnt noticed my personality change but i will keep a look out for that

[Sarahmac62]

Hi,

I have realised that what I am feeling is probably the beta blockers having a depressant effect.  After I took one the other day I felt a bit sluggish and tearful as well as saying things that I otherwise wouldn't (again!).

I felt they were helping me, but someone I was with said that I seemed agitated, and I can usually keep up the pretence of being calm even if I'm not.  So maybe they're not working as well as I think they are.  Mind you I did let them come with me to something I knew would be difficult.  Usually I go to things on my own.

I'm not sure whether I will carry on with the beta blockers.  I suppose the negative effects might lessen with time.  

[Paxiled]

Keep in mind that any med that affects the brain can affect our personalities.  Paxil, for example, made me angry and aggressive, but I didn't know it was the Paxil until I was forced to study it more and saw that was a common side effects.  Others noticed, but I thought it was just work frustration.  It wasn't.