Corrie
Board Addict
Reged: 07/16/02
Posts: 362
Loc: Southeast US
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Hi all, my Dad said he recently was put on a beta blocker instead of taking Ativan, Klonopin or Xanax and it's been working wonderfully for his anxiety and depression.
I am trying to find a way to stop taking all of these meds, and narrow it down to 1-2 meds, and if this is class of meds that would be helpful in regard to anxiety and stress, I would like to know of any personal stories.
Also, are beta blockers addictive in any way? I know they aren't *that* strong (well, as strong as benzo's at least) and that they have been a godsend for my dad. He doesn't like taking any medication and said he would forget everything when just taking 1, .5 mg. dose of Xanax at night. It would last into the next day with him in a fog. I feel like that as well, but my tolerance to benzo's has skyrocketed. I used to take 2-2.5 mg. Diazepam (Valium) 2x daily, or 1 time daily, now I'm taking several other benzos as well and my dosage is really getting high.
Any information would be appreciated. Oh, and I've tried to talk to NUMEROUS doctors within my insurance, and they were all non-receptive. I cannot get any answers, even when I want to taper down and quit from these docs. I cannot afford out of the pocket medical care as OP's have bitten a big hole in our finances.
Thanks, all.
Corrie
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kittie74
Board Addict
Reged: 02/16/04
Posts: 310
Loc: Hollywood
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Hi Corrie
I was put on beta blockers recently to treat migraines. Many doctors consider them a 'wonder' drug. My doctor said they should be in the water system - they're that good for you. They apparently are used to treat a lot of different problems.
From what I understand, you have certain functions that are 'beta functions' - these are things that your body just does automatically: like your heart beating, digestion. A beta blocker will slow down or 'block' these functions. A lot of older people take them to slow down their heart rate. Or in my case, it can help control migraines. I've also heard of grad students using them during finals to calm them down. They make you feel mellow, but there is no 'buzz'. Some doctors recommend taking them at night because you can feel a bit sluggish. The other down side is that since it slows down metabolism/digestion, you can put on a few pounds.
At first, my doc prescribed Toprol - it's a time-relased, 50 mg beta blocker. But I asked him to switch me to a generic - Atenolol 50mg, because it's cheaper.
As far as switching over to this from the other medications you've been taking, I think they function a bit differently. I don't believe they are habit-forming. My doctor said they don't really have any negative side effects.
Please feel free to PM if you want more detailed info. I can always ask my doctor. I would also suggest going online and just typing in 'beta blockers' and see what you can find.
I think there is also some very good advice on the boards here about tapering off certain meds like what you're taking now.
kittie
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flibble63
Stranger
Reged: 08/28/02
Posts: 13
Loc: Midwest
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They have tons of negative side effects. Everything from weight gain to no erections. They cause rebound effects when going off them that can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to skyrocket. They can not just be stopped they have to be withdrawn from very slowly because you can have such severe effects. They cause exercise intolerance because your pulse rate stays very low while on them. I can't take the heat or sun because they cause so much sensitivity to those. I take them for migraines and high BP but they aren't something to mess with if it isn't necessary. Just go to some Blood Pressure message boards and read what some people have had happen to them from taking beta blockers. I don't think they help my anxiety at all in fact that is another side effect from some of them is anxiety and depression if you read the PDR. flibble
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kittie74
Board Addict
Reged: 02/16/04
Posts: 310
Loc: Hollywood
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Wow, flibble63!
I didn't know any of that!! Well thank God you posted all of that because now I can ask my doctor about it. I asked him what the negatives are to taking one of these and he made it sound like there weren't any. I knew it was too good to be true.
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Corrie
Board Addict
Reged: 07/16/02
Posts: 362
Loc: Southeast US
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Thank you Kittie and flibble both for your input!
I didn't realize ANY of the negative side effects. I feel I need to tell my Dad about this right now, as he might try to stop taking them all of a sudden. He had a heart attack young (at 40), 2 heart operations and is suffering from depression and low weight. Maybe those are the reasons the doctor put him on this drug, although the doctor in question is questionable to say the least.
Again, thank you SO much for your valuable input!!!!
Corrie
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tone
Veteran
Reged: 06/29/03
Posts: 531
Loc: Chicago
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inderal is a dirt cheap beta blocker
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Boobetty
Veteran
Reged: 12/30/01
Posts: 632
Loc: The windy City...Boo:)
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I take toprolXL 100 mg and Kolinpin..thanks for the post I didn't relize it slows down your body..I take it for hypertention. I was trying to lose weight but instead have gained. I wonder if there is any other drug out there you can take that works the same but the weight gain is not an issue. I stopped taking them for a couple days...nothing happend to me...but a huge headache...so I started again..my BP is so irratic even on this drug...Boo
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living with pain is not living at all.  Boo
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qbird
material girl
Reged: 09/02/02
Posts: 841
Loc: USA
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Wow I didn't know that either. My doctor tried to put me on it for migraines. The only problem is that I have low blood pressure anyway and it made me feel worse. Good thing I did not use them.
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