Xanax/propanolol combo?

[JoyceS]

:) Hi...I haven't been here for months, but the shrink told me to check out an online support group for my anxiety, so here I am again. I just wonder...is anyone on the combo of Xanax and propanolol? Doc said maybe I should try that before some anxiety-raising situations, and I wonder how it has worked for you. I don't want to feel drugged...how strong is it, does it cause any lingering sleepiness, how fast does it work? After years of gradually getting worse in some situations, I am sick of it and am going to try to beat it...before I end up in a cave hibernating somewhere. I am already on 40 mg. Prozac, BP medication, cholesterol meds, metformin for type 2 diabetes, ASA low-dose to prevent heart problems. I recently had a clear echocardiogram and my EKG is always normal.

[Nana4&cntn]

Joyce, I am sorry I am just getting back to you now! I have taken Propranolol,Xanax and cholesterol lowering meds at the same time and had a quick side effect making it necessary to change to a different beta blocker. The side effect was from an interaction between an anti-depressant and the propranolol (Inderal). I never had any excess sleepyness, or feeling drugged. Remember all people are different, and I am not a doctor

Beta blockers also can lower blood pressure, so you should check your doc who prescribes your BP meds.

Also there are many different Beta Blockers that provide the same effects little or no side effects. I was put on atenolol and did wonderfully for years until I didn't need it anylonger. It is also my understanding that beta blockers need to be taken on a regular basis. Not so with the xanax.

I hope I answered your questions. If not please let me know and I can do some more research for you.

Take care and please keep in touch.
Kathy

[JoyceS]

Thanks for the info...I may just try it out and see. I see the shrink tomorrow, will discuss it further with her.:)

[Nana4&cntn]

Joyce, just stopping by to see how things went with your shrink. Funny, I always have called my phychiatrist a shrink. Then I get here and many refer theirs to pdoc. I still like Shrink:)

Take care,
Kathy

[JoyceS]

Thanks, Kathy...the appt went OK, she says she has often prescribed it for actors/musicians etc. for performance anxiety, and has taken it herself for when she has to speak publicly. She is planning for me to use it only occasionally, just when the situation requires it. Oh, yeah, she also said the propanolol doesn't need to be used all the time, just when I am facing an anxiety-producing situation. She has me doing cognitive-behavioral therapy...listing baby step goals toward my big goal, with those causing the least anxiety being tackled first, until I can gradually work up to the highest one on the list. So far, I'm working at the first level!! LOL Might take some time!! And a little backsliding here and there. Joyce :p

[Nana4&cntn]

Joyce, I am so glad you have a good shrink! I have been through cognitive therapy in both an individual and group therapies. I have come so far because of it. CBT put so many things into prespective for me. Why I did and how I reacted instead of responding to things.

I wish you all the best and when you are done, everything will become so clear! I would like to invite you to join us in the 'Forum for Emotional Support' we have a great support system there! We also have fun! There are several threads we check in on most days "Whats Happenin", "What are the little things that make you happy" Please join us, feel free to join in anywhere, and introduce yourself!

I hope you join us,
Kathy