beta blockers.................good or bad ??

[lara croft]

A few weeks ago, I was prescribed beta blockers by my doctor, for a irregular heart beat. The beta blockers are Pronanalol Hexochloride. What are your experiences of these drugs, and do you find they have helped you ?. My reason for asking?. I have heard so many conflicting stories about these tablets, that I don't know whether to keep taking them, or pack them in. Example: don't drink: it is fine to drink: don't exersise to much: exersise is good for you: etc, etc.. At the end of the day, I think my doctor does not even know !!!!!

[doctorsteve]

Beta blocker are a common drug used to treat a number of conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems and anxiety.  In the majority of situations they are quite safe, the only real caution is use in people with asthma. Propanolol is a beta blocker that has been used since the 60s and has a very good safety record.  They are completely nonaddictive and the only side-effects you are likely to notice is some coldness of your fingers.  There is no interaction with alcohol and it is certainly quite safe to continue to exercise with them.  If you are still worried it may be worth having another talk to your doctor.  If you stop the propanolol your problems may get worse for 24 hours or so, so maybe speak to them first.

[LiverpoolLou]

I was prescribed the same tablets a few years back for Panic Attacks. I went for a medical review some months after being on them, and was asked if they helped. I said they didn't seem to have any affect on me, I was asked how often I took them and said when I felt like an attack was coming on. I was told you need to take them everyday or they won't be affective. My doctor had told me just to take them when I needed them, which I took to beleive meant when I thought an attack was coming on. I didn't have any ill affects in the time I took them. Hope this helps Lara.

[netibiza]

I take beta blockers and have to for life - I feel fine now but the first 2 weeks they made me so sleepy I really couldn't do much at all  - doctor said it was just slowing me down and now I'm used to it-  what I mean is I'm not sleepy anymore.  Doctorsteve seems to know what he is talking about.

[5029]

A doctor friend of mine has described beta blockers as a placebo.  Certainly the lower dosage ones, not sure about the stronger ones