Beta Blockers

[HeartFright]

Hmm, I've posted a thread here about some anxiety related symptoms I've had. This time I'm asking about the beta blockers I got prescribed from the doctor.

The purpose of the drug is to calm my heart rate, if I feel like panicking.
I'd only like to take as much as I need of it, so only when things go bad.
But I read the instructions for the drug on-line, and it says that I'm supposed to take the drug regularly, and that you're not supposed to stop taking it too suddenly. So do I have to always be taking it, or can I take it only when needed?
Can it be dangerous to only use it sometimes?

Thanx,
HeartFright

[MAB22]

What type of BB are you taking?  I take atenolol for high HRand it comes only as low as 25 mg.  I would ask your doctor about taking as needed or as desired.  If it is only 10 mg of some other BB, that is a low dose.  However, I believe you cannot stop taking suddenly as there would be a surge of adrenalin, of which the BB inhibits, and could spike heart rate and perhaps blood pressure.  I believe that is why they tell you to gradually reduce dose if are thinking about discontinuing.  I did some research on atenolol when I first started taking it and I believe some people would take only as needed to result in calmness (athletes during events that required steady nerves, of which it is banned now I would guess, or perhaps for a musician during a big performance to calm their nerves).  I believe that is what I read.  If you start and stop suddenly, could have spikes in HR.  What about something more benign?  Hope this helps and you do okay.        

[Jerry_NJ]

With those instructions and the very low dose I'd again guess there is no problem with "skipping" a pill.  But, given it is a low dose there isn't much in your system, but maybe just enough to help.  I'd have no fear of taking 10 mg a day for life.  The side effects should also be nill.  The main undesired side-effect for people with normal or "better" (low) BP is the BB make the BP too low.  That's my case, but then I'm taking 10 times as much as your one dose.

[HeartFright]

Thanx for responding Jerry.
The dose is only 10 mg. I'd just not like to feel dependant on the drug, that's all...
Also the dosage isn't very specific, the doctor said I should take 1-3 pills a day...

I haven't measured my BP, so I dunno. The doctor based her decision on my BP half a year ago, which had the higher pressure 130... So I'd guess that's not a huge problem...

Still not sure, I wouldn't want to "shock my system", but if I take it all the time, then I wont be able to notice when I don't need it anymore...

Thanx for the help anyways, maybe I can ask my doctor about it later...

[Jerry_NJ]

I believe you must follow your doctor's prescription, including the amount.

On a practical side of things, I'd think if you dose is low, starting and stopping is not an issue, but if you are on a large dose, say 50 mg or more, stopping could be a shock to one's system.

In any case I do recommend following directions, and I am not sure why you want to limit you dose to an "as needed" basis.  

We would all like to be medication free, but...  Also, beta blockers may have some unpleasant side effects, e.g., if you have low BP they may lower it to levels that cause some dizziness when rising for a resting position.

I take Metoprolol, 100 mg a day, to control my HR.  I have taken higher dosage.

Good luck,