Inderal for acute anxiety symptoms?

Question

I have been on benzos (ativan and klonopin before that) for acute anxiety disorder, and though I have figured out how to stop the mental panic, I am still getting physical symptoms (chest pain, "butterflies" ) and I am in summer grad school, so I usually do not have time for the fogginess of benzos.

I have avoided taking this due to the necessity to study, but today has been almost an entire "out of body experience". I feel disconnected and well, weird. I have checked my BP all day, and it is in the 130/80 range (it is usually in the 115/70 range). Is this what is causing my feelings?

I have known people with BPs in the 200s, and they don't feel this way. Is it the change from normal? What is going on?!?

Has this proven to be an effective means to address acute anxiety?

Answer 1

Inderal is a Beta blocker that may halt the symptoms that accompany anxiety or panic attacks but they do not prevent the panic itself. You should inform your Dr. if you feel "butterflies" in the stomach for more than 1 week of taking this drug.

Your BP reading of 130/80 is still in the normal range. Chest pain though, is not normal when taking Inderal. Unless you're asthmatic, which you should have told your dr because beta blockers are contraindicated in asthamatics.

Answer 2

Inderal is one of a class of medications called beta-blockers, which block the part of the sympatetic nervous system, often known as the "fight-or-flight" system.  It lowers both the heart rate and the blood pressure and is most often used for heart disease and hypertension.

By lowering the sympathetic response to stress, it can decrease the physical manifestations of anxiety.  In many patients, the physical effects of anxiety cause a vicious cycle which worsens the emotional aspect, which worsens the physical aspect, which worsens the emotional aspect....  Thus, beta-blockers can help in this situation.

This effect has not been proven, per se, but is a common use.

The common side effects of this medication include fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, and occasionally impotence, although not in every patient.  In rare cases it can cause severe skin reactions and worsen underlying heart dysfunction.  Generally it is tolerated well.

If you begin to have problems, call your doctor.