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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Anxiety Attacks Causing Change In Heart Beat Rhythm. Prescribed Propranolol. Right Medication?

Hi doc,

I have anxiety attacks which causes sudden change in my heart beat rythm and a moment feeling of fear..the doc has did ecg which was normal then prescribed for me propranolol 10 mg twice a day max only when I get this sort of attacks.i would like to know if this medicine is exactly what I need and what is the perfect dose for me knowing that im 27 years old 163 and 66 kgs
thanks
Thu, 7 Nov 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

Propranolol is a good choice for controlling the autonomic symmptoms of anxiety like palpitations, sweating tremors, chills etc. The suggested dose should be enough but can be hiked if needed, up to 60 mg per day. But you need to keep in mind that propranolol can cause bronchospasm, bradycardia and low blood pressure. The other important thing is that propranolol will not prevent further attacks and will not reduce the psychological signs of anxiety, like the worries. If the episodes are frequent, then a SSRI (sertraline, paroxetine etc) would be a better choice as it will gradually reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes and control the anxiety.

Hope this helps you. Best wishes.
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Anxiety Attacks Causing Change In Heart Beat Rhythm. Prescribed Propranolol. Right Medication?

Hi, Propranolol is a good choice for controlling the autonomic symmptoms of anxiety like palpitations, sweating tremors, chills etc. The suggested dose should be enough but can be hiked if needed, up to 60 mg per day. But you need to keep in mind that propranolol can cause bronchospasm, bradycardia and low blood pressure. The other important thing is that propranolol will not prevent further attacks and will not reduce the psychological signs of anxiety, like the worries. If the episodes are frequent, then a SSRI (sertraline, paroxetine etc) would be a better choice as it will gradually reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes and control the anxiety. Hope this helps you. Best wishes.