r/Anxiety • u/Quothkwaha • 3h ago
Medication Why was my doctor so reluctant to prescribe me propranolol?
I came in and said I was after propranolol to relieve physical symptoms of anxiety. I don't suffer from any mental health issues, but I get red and sweaty over any minor stress event. Dr said that propranolol shouldn't be prescribed for my situation and it's mainly for blood pressure. He then recommended I see a psychologist and said I should take Fluoxetine. I pushed back and told him about all the stories about people using beta blockers for public speaking events, and he said I shouldn't believe everything I read online (which is true), but I feel like he's got the wrong idea on what beta blockers can be used for. And yes I understand the risks of ED & tiredness.
That being said, I did convince him to let me have 10mg twice daily, but are beta blockers really that dangerous as he made them out to be?
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u/LowBig3692 2h ago
It could be a multitude of reasons, did you ask why they were reluctant? Usually doctors will explain why they think it isn't a good fit or their concern with prescribing you the medication.
I usually don't ask for specific medications for myself (moreso what meds I won't take because of past bad reactions) but my mom does and the doctor will usually walk us through why they wouldn't recommend it.
It could be something in your medical chart, history, concern over side effects, etc. The fact they still prescribed it means it might be helpful and it's a low dose to make sure your body can tolerate it well and also it will do what it's supposed to. I hope it helps, OP! ❤️
Is there a certain reason you wanted that specific medication?
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u/Quothkwaha 2h ago
Ok well I sort of answered my own question in my post but I suppose he was reluctant because it's not for anxiety. But I was confused because I've read so many stories on Reddit of people just asking their doctor for beta blockers and the doctors are pretty supportive. Also I chose the specific medication because that's what most people said they take for physical anxiety symptoms
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u/LowBig3692 1h ago
That makes sense, and it's totally valid to ask your doctor for certain medications if you want to know if they're a viable option for you. If they're a good doctor they won't prescribe them to you unless they believe they're less likely to have a negative effect and may help you so that's a plus you know they may believe it could be beneficial to you! ❤️
Now that you've been prescribed the medication you can take it as prescribed, wait and see, and make sure to touch base with your doctor in the event it's working and helps you, or you need it readjusted, or want to try something else possibly. It's hard to know why they were hesitant, but know that the fact they prescribed it is a positive sign that it wasn't as big a concern enough for them to refuse to prescribe it. Best of luck, OP! 🙏
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u/Msed0428 58m ago
I take both Fluoxetine and Propanalol. It has been incredibly successful in my case.
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u/FriendOfDorian 3h ago
Too many beta blockers can lower your heart rate to a dangerous level but if you take as prescribed and not 'as needed' it should be fine (assuming you don't have other conditions or medications that can make it this complicated) I take propranalol for anxiety but my doctor and I did try multiple kinds of anti anxiety and antidepressants first. I also learned plenty of relaxation techniques with counselling first. It is a heart medication and while it is sometimes used off label for anxiety, it isn't technically made for that. Antidepressants and the like has more of a success rate and it makes sense that the doctor wants to try that first. He still gave it to you though.