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Learn how doctors clinically diagnose one of twelve kinds of anxiety disorders...and which doctors you should see for an anxiety diagnosis....
Anxiety disorders can affect anyone. But do you know the common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders? Learn more now....
Anxiety is a normal, healthy emotion when experienced during specific moments. But do you know the signs that anxiety has gotten out of control? Read more here...
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Q: Propranolol
asked by: sophied_18 on June 2nd, 2007
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hi, i have been suffering panic attacks 4 7 years they started wen i was 12. jus today i have been put on propranolol is anyone else on this medication and had any side affects? my chest feels tight after taking them but wow my hearts slowed down so much. but am still panicking! i read on the interne that this medication can cause heart failure but prevent heart attack Confused how strange....anyway after reading that i am know panicking about having heart failure. can anyone help or am i just bein silly???
thanks xx
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zu_enlil
replied on June 18th, 2007
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Re: Propranolol
Propranolol is a beta blocker most often precribed, until recently, for high blood pressure. It is slowly falling out of favor for that indication because there are newer drugs and it may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It blocks beta receptors for the stress hormone adrenaline (epinephrin) thereby reducing the physical effects of anxiety's flight-or-fight response - the racing heart, clammy skin etc. While it readily penetrates the brain it has little if any effect there as there are no adrenaline receptors in the brain.

It is often prescribed to musicians and actors for performance anxiety.

Unless you have cardiovascular or lung disease, including asthma, propranolol is unlikely to cause any ill effects.

I suspect the tightness of the chest you experience is anxiety related and not a drug affect, but mention this to your health care provider at the next visit.
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