Beta-Blockers with Ritalin?

[sportbikechic]

Does anyone use this medication combination?

I suffer from migraine headaches; Propranalol was recently prescribed for prevention. It causes me to be tired during the day though. It is also to reduce my heart palpitations from anxiety/evening panic feeling.

The Ritalin was working fabulous; however was causing increased evening anxiety. So I stopped the treatment....but miss it

I am wondering if the combination of a beta blocker for migraines and anxiety along with Ritalin will work for me?

Anyone??

[sprite]

Hi sportbikechic,

How is it going with the beta-blocker? I am thinking to ask my doctor for some because I have bad social anxiety, and I read that beta-blockers help control blushing and shaking. The blushing causes me social anxiety all on it's own. I find it soooo embarassing. Plus sometimes it triggers the hives!!

Anyway...haven't asked my doc yet but I think I will next time I see him. So I am interested to hear your experiences with this medication.

[Jackinbox]

You could switch to a more specific beta-blocker, like atenolol. Atenolol work on the physical effects of anxiety (tension, heart beat) but not on the brain.

[sportbikechic]

Propranalol did not help with my anxiety at all. I still had the racing heart and palpitations. I went on it for migraine prevention.

I took it for 2 weeks; I had to stop taking it. I was so TIRED zzzzzz! Lethargic, just an overall yucky feeling.

I have alot of positive energy and enjoy having energy; I hate feeling so tired that I cannot get out of my own way. I didn't want to go for a walk or go to the gym....nothing.

***I also read on (askapatient.com) about how many have experienced SEVERE weight gain. Yikes!! Not for me!!!!

It does work for alot of people; I have heard that alot of famous people take it before a social event or stage performance.

I have low blood pressure anyway; so it was not for me. Glad I gave it a try.

Kim

[chowmix]

I take a small dose of atenolol daily for BP. It slows down my pulse and does help reduce some anxiety. But not enough, so I am on SSRI+wellbutrin too. I was on this combo for about 6 months before being diagnosed with ADHD.

Since atenolol doesn't impact the brain, I use propanolol as needed when I present at a seminar or anticipate stage fright. It REALLY helps blushing, sweaty and shaking hands.

I have recently been prescribed Ritalin, am currently experimenting with dosages of meds to get to a combination that works with ADHD/OCD/ANXIETY. I'm close.

The WORST problem for me with the beta-blockers is that they block stress reactions a bit too well. For example, when I suddenly run up a flight of stairs or to catch a bus, I can get winded and even sore legs. The heart simply doesn't speed up.

When I started atenolol I was very groggy at the given dose, so I cut the tablet in half.

I find the propanolol is much more effective taken as needed for anxiety.

As a fringe benefit, since I started taking beta-blockers, I've stopped having very many headaches.

[drbaalik]

ı use concerta 72 mg and atenolol 25-50 mg for my palpitations not for anxiety. but tachycardia makes me anxious