Nadolol?

[Greta]

I am 48-female. In June I had my annuals and for the 1st time, all sorts of problems surfaced.  ovarian cysts-since gone away; fibroids-still with me; high blood pressure-under control due to quitting smoking, exercise, diet; high cholesterol-going down due also to life changes; blood in urine-after 3rd retest all clear--and, lo & behold, PACs (and after all these years I thought it was indigestion!).  I had EKG and ECHO and the cardiologist told me the story: "they are benign and try to live with them".  I think I can do that.  I also am prone to anxiety and panic attacks, though much better now than when I was younger (they started after a flight to Honolulu in '69 and the plane lost 2 engines--safe landing, but I was cursed from then on) Sorry, this is not the forum for that, is it?  

I have handled this anxiety and panic fairly well over the years but now my doctor and I have decided to try Nadolol 20 mg.  My question (finally!) is this: should I try the Nadolol, or, in your opinion, is there another beta blocker safer, more effective, etc? Or should I go see someone who can help with cognitive-behaviour therapy, etc?  Thank you for this forum and your time and thanks to all who post.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Wow - 2 engines gone on an overseas flight - it's enough to make my heart palpitate sitting here at my computer.  To answer your question nadolol is not a bad drug for the control of palpitations and may be worth a try.  If it dosen't work you can always stop it later.  Good luck.

[Greg De Guzman]

I wonder what dosage the pilots are taking now! I think both the behavior and drug therapy would help. The incident happened back in '69 and you are here to tell the story.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Agreed that for significant traumatic events both counseling and medication may be needed.