Quote from cpogue:

The internist who was treating me for high bloodpressure didn't believe beta blockers could cause panic attacks. I had three different friends who confirmed their panic attacks were coincident with their taking beta blockers.
I stopped the beta blockers and have had no panic attacks since--9 years.

cpogue.....I read your post on your experience with beta blockers and panic attacks. My experience with beta blockers were completely opposite of yours. I was started on propranolol and later nadolol for a problem unrelated to my panic disorder. After years of panic attacks that bordered on agoraphobia, I started taking propranolol and my attacks stopped or if I felt one coming on, it would go away and I could continue what I was doing (such as driving).

I asked my doctor if there was any connection at all between the beta-blocker I was taking and my panic attacks subsiding. He told me that beta blockers help a lot of people with panic disorder and some people who suffer from stage fright take one pill and are able to perform where they couldn't do it otherwise. I've had a few of "almost" attacks but they went away fast. I had been on a host of anti-anxiety drugs that hadn't helped much at all. I do take Klonopin now for generalized anxiety and it's a godsend.

Medications work different ways with different people but I've been on my beta-blocker for about 10 years now and I wouldn't stop it for anything. I'm really glad that you found the cause of your panic attacks because I know how disabling they can be. They cost me my job because I couldn't drive any longer. I never felt like I was dying or having a heart attack but felt a sense of everything being unreal and had a feeling of losing control and becoming disoriented. I think I would have better dealt with the thought of dying instead of going crazy! :rolleyes:

Best of luck to you.

~oldbones