Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Anxiety
Question: I seem to have developed performance anxiety, it is beginning to interfere with my studies and work. I have taken 80mg of generic propropanol for about a week but its not helping, i wonder if its because its over the counter generic or if i should explore some other medicine. When put on the spot with a question i'll get red, slowly begin to mumble as i speak and even feel numb in the face, often getting headaches afterwards. I cannot express things i have clear thoughts on, when speaking in small groups or writing i do very well. I need to regain my calm. I need clear recommendations with medicine options and their advantages/dissadvantages.
Thanks
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Proper treatment can help in control of symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Propranolol is a beta blocker drug that helps to reduce autonomic symptoms of anxiety and thus helps in social and performance anxiety. The drugs helps to control symptoms but not treat anxiety. You are taking 80 mg of drug per week and anxiety is persisting so in my opinion there is need to consult a Psychiatrist.
For performance anxiety proper anti anxiety drugs like SSRIs help a lot. Drugs like Sertraline, Fluoxetine etc are very useful in anxiety especially performance anxiety of taken on regular basis. These are safe drugs and will help to control your symptoms with in 4 weeks. You can continue to take Propranolol on SOS basis for relief of symptoms till complete relief is seen. So please don't remain distressed, the symptoms will reduce with treatment. Even low dose benzodiazepines as Clonazepam can be used for temporary relief of symptoms.
Though generics differ from branded drugs in action but that is not very significant, so I don't think the poor response is due to OTC generic drug.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again
Proper treatment can help in control of symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Propranolol is a beta blocker drug that helps to reduce autonomic symptoms of anxiety and thus helps in social and performance anxiety. The drugs helps to control symptoms but not treat anxiety. You are taking 80 mg of drug per week and anxiety is persisting so in my opinion there is need to consult a Psychiatrist.
For performance anxiety proper anti anxiety drugs like SSRIs help a lot. Drugs like Sertraline, Fluoxetine etc are very useful in anxiety especially performance anxiety of taken on regular basis. These are safe drugs and will help to control your symptoms with in 4 weeks. You can continue to take Propranolol on SOS basis for relief of symptoms till complete relief is seen. So please don't remain distressed, the symptoms will reduce with treatment. Even low dose benzodiazepines as Clonazepam can be used for temporary relief of symptoms.
Though generics differ from branded drugs in action but that is not very significant, so I don't think the poor response is due to OTC generic drug.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have been taking propropanol off and on only when i have a high stress event -2 times a week, should i take it every day to see if that helps? Or should it work as i have been using it and therefore should consider something else. Also, i need to focus and improve memory, my masters program and work give me limited time i need to maximize. Ritalin has not helped, what do you recommend?
Brief Answer:
Reduction of anxiety will improve memory
Detailed Answer:
Hello again, thanks for asking a follow up
Yes taking Propranolol on regular basis will help but that is not the right way of treatment. If anxiety issues are persistent then regular treatment with an anti anxiety drug is needed. You can start taking Propranolol on regular basis for some time and then can reduce the doses if anxiety decreases. If no relief seen then visit a psychiatrist for evaluation.
The memory issues in a patient of anxiety disorder don't occur due to organic causes but these occur because of lack of focus and distraction caused by anxiety. In my opinion reduction of anxiety will reduce the memory problems and you will feel better. Ritalin or any other amphetamine should be avoided at this stage.
Thanks, still have doubts please ask again.
Reduction of anxiety will improve memory
Detailed Answer:
Hello again, thanks for asking a follow up
Yes taking Propranolol on regular basis will help but that is not the right way of treatment. If anxiety issues are persistent then regular treatment with an anti anxiety drug is needed. You can start taking Propranolol on regular basis for some time and then can reduce the doses if anxiety decreases. If no relief seen then visit a psychiatrist for evaluation.
The memory issues in a patient of anxiety disorder don't occur due to organic causes but these occur because of lack of focus and distraction caused by anxiety. In my opinion reduction of anxiety will reduce the memory problems and you will feel better. Ritalin or any other amphetamine should be avoided at this stage.
Thanks, still have doubts please ask again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What is the maximum mg of propropanol i should take on days of high stress? Should i take some in morning and some an hour before the event?
Brief Answer:
The drug acts best in 20-60 mg doses.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking a follow up
Propranolol at high doses results in reduction of BP. But in anxiety doses of 20-60 mg per day are used commonly depending upon response. The drug helps best when taken in morning and afternoon. Long acting ER formulations are also available which if taken in morning helps to provide complete control through out the day. Please visit a doctor for proper prescription.
Thanks.
The drug acts best in 20-60 mg doses.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking a follow up
Propranolol at high doses results in reduction of BP. But in anxiety doses of 20-60 mg per day are used commonly depending upon response. The drug helps best when taken in morning and afternoon. Long acting ER formulations are also available which if taken in morning helps to provide complete control through out the day. Please visit a doctor for proper prescription.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
