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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Tiredness After Reducing Dosage Of Beta Blockers

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Posted on Tue, 22 Nov 2016
Question: I have had by pass surgery I have asked my doctor to reduce my beta blocker from 5 to 2.5.because of the lethargy tiredness that results from it's use. Last night was the first night and I experienced heightened anxiety (I am prone to anxiety) Will this pass?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
should pass, using relaxation techniques should help

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Beta blockers reduce some of the symptoms of anxiety- palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain that are associated with stimulation of the symptomatic nervous system (the part of the nerves in the body that cause the flight or fight response or stress response).

They do not treat anxiety itself, so they can treat some of the anxiety symptoms but not the anxiety specifically.

The symptoms may decrease if you can use some relaxation techniques when they occur eg deep breathing technique for relaxation, imagery , music therapy, meditation or muscle relaxation.
These reduce the body's stress response and would help decrease your symptoms.

The specifics of each can be found online.

IF there is no improvement then you may need to consider medication specifically for anxiety.

Anxiety requiring medication (not needed for everyone) is best treated with anti anxiety medications al these would treat the symptoms and the anxiety itself as well.
They can be used for a short period of time in some cases

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (7 minutes later)
Ironically I am a Music Therapist and I employ the strategies you suggested :ie
music therapy, relaxation, yoga during the day. These anxiety episodes occur always at night when availing myself of these techniques is the least practical, although I do use "4" square breathing -a technique used with individuals with autism. I had considered having some relaxation music available on an ipod device with some small ear buds. I am considering consulting with a Naturopath to see if there is some natural supplements I could take. My family doctor seems reluctant to give me antivan prn as I have found them, to be very helpful-in fact just knowing they are available to me has proven to be helpful
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
definitely try your relaxing music

Detailed Answer:
HI

The relaxing music on you ipod is a good idea.

The deep breathing and muscle relaxation can be done when you are laying down at night if any problems occur.

You can also follow up on the naturopath, if any supplements or herbs are prescribed just cross check with your doctor to make sure there is no interaction with your other meds.

Ativan does help with anxiety/stress, the issue with this family of medications is the development of tolerance (needing more and more for the same effect) and dependence.

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Tiredness After Reducing Dosage Of Beta Blockers

Brief Answer: should pass, using relaxation techniques should help Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Beta blockers reduce some of the symptoms of anxiety- palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain that are associated with stimulation of the symptomatic nervous system (the part of the nerves in the body that cause the flight or fight response or stress response). They do not treat anxiety itself, so they can treat some of the anxiety symptoms but not the anxiety specifically. The symptoms may decrease if you can use some relaxation techniques when they occur eg deep breathing technique for relaxation, imagery , music therapy, meditation or muscle relaxation. These reduce the body's stress response and would help decrease your symptoms. The specifics of each can be found online. IF there is no improvement then you may need to consider medication specifically for anxiety. Anxiety requiring medication (not needed for everyone) is best treated with anti anxiety medications al these would treat the symptoms and the anxiety itself as well. They can be used for a short period of time in some cases I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions