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Bipolar Disorder: General Discussion: Medication

Antianxiety Medication

Atenolol

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EmergingArtist
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

9136 Posts
Gratitude: 822
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Posted - 04/01/2007 : 20:48:14

Hi

I take Atenolol 50 - 150 mg/day for anti-anxiety. I asked my psychiatrist for Xanax, but he said he doesn't prescribe it due to its addictive qualities. He said Atenolol helps break the loop of body-tension~mental/emotional tension by relaxing the body.

It has lessened my anxiety somewhat.

When I'm anxious, my heart rate typically does not increase. I get tense muscles and shallow breathing, and my blood vessels seem to constrict because I get very cold and clammy. Once when I was anxious at a doctor appointment, the nurse could not find my pulse after several minutes. My gynecologist was also unable to locate my pulse for several minutes.

It was kind of funny to see them get alarmed at my lack of vital signs.

-EA

But it's my heart that's beggin'
down this long distance line tonight...
(Missing You, Tyler Hilton version)

katrinb
Starting Member

18 Posts
Gratitude: 2

Posted - 06/14/2007 : 06:22:09

Hi EmergingArtist,

If you feel that you can benefit from Xanax, you may try to talk with your psychiatrist about taking Xanax on as needed basis (e.g when anxiety attack is very severe). Benzodiazepines are very effective meds for anxiety, but may become habit forming and loose their potency over the time with prolonged use.

EmergingArtist
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

9136 Posts
Gratitude: 822
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Posted - 06/14/2007 : 06:59:45

quote:
Originally posted by katrinb

Hi EmergingArtist,

If you feel that you can benefit from Xanax, you may try to talk with your psychiatrist about taking Xanax on as needed basis (e.g when anxiety attack is very severe). Benzodiazepines are very effective meds for anxiety, but may become habit forming and loose their potency over the time with prolonged use.

I respect my psychiatrist; I'm not going to get Xanax. Welcome to MyTherapy Bipolar Discussion Forum, katrinb.

-EA

dx bipolar 1993

How do I feel by the end of the day?
(Are you sad because you're on your own?)
(Lennon/McCartney)

lynn2150
Super Incredible Member (10000+ posts)

21329 Posts
Gratitude: 2146
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Posted - 05/10/2008 : 00:40:26

Benzo's.
Being addicted truly bites.
I am starting to dislike benzos,
I dislike the feeling, but need them.
Been on them since I was 16.
Tried almost every different one.
It's true, tolerance develops, pretty fast.
It's good to know there is an alternative.
PS- EA, I had a good chuckle about your vital sign comment.
You have a sence of humour like mine.

Ratava
Super Member (250+ posts)

286 Posts
Gratitude: 98

Posted - 05/15/2008 : 14:14:38

I have my benzos but they cause me to have lots of body stress if I take them all of the time. Cant stand the body stress as I get more and more worked up until Im just down right mean and I dont like myself at all. So, I take em only as a last resort. The other things the pdoc have tried for me just dont cut it.

I just might have to try the atenolol to see if it can help with the body stress.

Its not what is perfect but what is flawed that makes someone unique and beautiful

EmergingArtist
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

9136 Posts
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Posted - 05/17/2008 : 17:46:16

Just as an update from me as I'm the one who started this thread about Atenolol--I no longer take Atenolol; there was nothing bad happening from me taking it, but now that I'm on Seroquel everyday, I don't need the Atenolol. The Seroquel has helped take care of my anxiety. I work closely with my pdoc so we are always fine-tuning my meds mix...

EA

Age: 32
Sex: female
working part-time, married
Diagnosed 1993, Bipolar I