Hi Mike,
I developed tachycardia (rapid pulse) about two years ago, for no obvious reason. I've tried several beta-blockers, and I've found that Atenolol (tenormin) (50 mg daily) has worked the best for me (your mileage may vary).
Atenolol is cardio-selective (unlike propranolol). Toprol (metoprolol) is too, but seemed excessively strong to me.
If you in fact have a rapid pulse, a beta-blocker *will* lower your heart rate. It will also lower your blood pressure.
From an anxiety standpoint, I can't say that the beta-blockers are very effective. They are very effective for rate control, however. They are effective against PVC's to a small degree also.
Best,
Ryan
Thanks, I'll talk to my physician about it. Is there a dose that anyone recommends. My doctor always puts me on low doses of everything, and says here try this for 6 months and see how it works. Well, those 6 months add up, and I don't have many more months left to experiment. Been doing that for 7 years now. Thanks again, Mike
I take propranolol - it really helps to calm me, make my heart beat slower and helps with the heart palpitations I also have. I also haven't had a shaking episode since I started taking it. Maybe you could try this - my doctor said propranolol is really good for calming you.