Propranolol for anxiety?

Does anyone take propranolol for anxiety and panic attacks? I've had crippling anxiety for my whole life. Antidepressants increase it to the point where I'm in such a state I almost pass out from hypervenitlating. I've heard propranolol is good for this, and is effective.

[Carmen_Sandiego]

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that prevents adrenaline from binding to various beta receptor sites found in the heart, lungs and certain parts of the autonomic nervous system. By blocking the effects of adrenaline on these receptors, the autonomic (physical) symptoms of anxiety/panic are typically reduced. The degree of reduction depends upon the dosage, and if the drug is well-tolerated. Propranolol has no effect on perception or the thought process - its only potential advantage is to block the physical manifestations of panic. If you have many physical features accompanying your A/P, Propranolol would likely serve as a useful adjunct to either an antidepressant or anxiolytic.

Having wrote that, Propranolol carries a significantly higher rate of side effects compared to other beta-blockers, and for that reason it is rarely the first one selected. Additionally, it carries many drug-drug interactions, particularly when combined with psychiatric drugs. Propranolol is the prototype for the beta-blocker class. It tends to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, and may induce depression or worsen pre-existing depression. Others in this class carry a much lower incidence of psychic disturbance and few or no drug-drug interactions (Atenolol, Metoprolol, Nadolol and Timolol) are four examples. There are other benefits. For example, Nadolol may be dosed only once daily, where as Propranolol is short-acting and requires b.i.d. or t.i.d. dosing.

[mammo]

I take Propanolol for a tremor and have for many years while going from Prozac to Zoloft, and Lexapro with no problems.  It is prescribed for various reasons with anxiety being one.  But it is short acting meaning it doesn't stay in your system for more than a few hours.  Many who take it for anxiety are public speakers who need to calm down right before making a speech.  If your anxiety is severe there may be better ones for you, but only your doctor will know.  Since you've had problems in the past he may have a reason for giving you the propanolol.  Trust in his decision, it does work for anxiety and may be best for you.  Your doctor is your best resource.  Hope it makes you feel better and take care!

[adam2272]

i tried it before, it def helps with the adrenline rush, if that is your problem. It will slow down that feeling up cortizol building up. Try it, worth a try