Propranolol / PTSD

P-doc talked to me about Propranolol for reducing the adrenaline associated with PTSD and memories.

I am considering taking it after watching this segment that was on 60 Minutes. Anyone else is taking it?

http://60minutes.yahoo.com/segment/21/memory_drug

I've taken a beta blocker for probably over 2 years now for my social anxiety/PTSD. I used to take Inderal LA (80 mg 2x daily), but then I was recently told that the manufacturer stopped making the extended release version. I don't do well on just the regular version because it just dumps the med and doesn't carry me for the 12 hours until my next pill.

Now I take Lopressor SR (100 mg 2x daily), which is also an extended release version.

I would never give up my beta blocker! It helps prevent the heart from being flooded with adrenaline. It helps with many of the PHYSICAL symptoms of anxiety and stress. It will not help with your psychological symptoms, though. For that, you will probably need a benzo (which I take clonazepam at 1 mg 3x daily).

As long as you don't have a heart condition and your blood pressure doesn't drop too low, I would suggest giving the beta blocker a try. Do you also feel your heart beating in your head, hands, toes, throat? Or in your chest while laying in bed? That would just cause me even more anxiety. But the beta blocker puts a stop to that. It relaxes your body, in a sense.

Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

God bless,
Sandy

I work with an individual who along with many other medications, takes propranolol. When she doesn't take it regularly as she should, I see a marked increase in her anxiety levels. So this works well for her.

I hope it works well for you!

J

Thanks to both of you! I am in a major PTSD flare at the moment so I think I will try it!

I dont take the Propranolol, but I do take the Lopressor/Metoprolol for generic.It usually helps me with the heart palps that come with anxiety from PTSD and regular stress. But now that I am in overload.. I had to ask for something more. He put me on Buspar Hopefully I wont have to be on the it long.

Hope this med helps you out Petunia!! And know that we love and support you whatever you need!!


Bethy

Oh Beth, I'm so glad I posted this. I feel much better now. I take Ativan too so I wasn't sure if I was gonna be a zombie or what, lol.

((( Everyone )))

YOU A ZOMBIE? NEVER!!!!!! And even if you were.. we'd make sure you were able to get your miracle grow and drain off when needed!!!! hehehehe!!!!!!

I have used beta blockers in the past..... took some yesterday and today... it made me feel depressed altough it did cool a bit my adrenalines... I know this is a possible side-effect of beta blockers but has anyone else experienced it and did it fade away?

Hi Omega5,

I was told that propranolol is the only beta blocker that can cross the blood/brain barrier, and thus it CAN cause depression in some people. The other beta blockers do not cross the barrier. You might want to try a different beta blocker to see if you notice a change in your feelings.

I used to take Inderal LA (which is propranolol), but I never had any problems with it affecting my depression. At the very beginning, it made me a little tired....but only for a couple of days. Now I take Lopressor SR (a beta blocker which is not propranolol), and I really don't notice any difference in the two. The both work WONDERFULLY for the physical symptoms of anxiety, and I take it as part of my regular med regimen.....not only "as needed".

Good luck and God bless,
Sandy