I've posted here a few times since I got Lyme. I'm still waiting for the blood tests, but am sure I do have it, and so does my doctor.
I have also suffered from anxiety/panic disorder for several years and have taken atenolol, celexa and clonazepam for quite some time.
I was actually doing well enough with my anxiety that I stopped taking atenolol and celexa back in April with my docs blessing.
I got the tick bite June 14th. In the last couple weeks in addition to being sick and having pain all over (hip, knees, pain in ribs, etc) I started getting palpitations and symptoms of anxiety (tachycardia, sweating, pain in chest).
All my EKG's, cardiac blood tests, etc have all come back perfect. My doctor suggested starting the atenolol and celexa again. I only take a low dose of atenolol 50 mg per day.
Just wondered if anyone else out there with Lyme and or anxiety has used beta blockers and how they helped you.
Thanks, Roger
-------------------- Just looking for answers. i appreciate all the help everyone on the board have provided Posts: 34 | From Missouri | Registered: Jul 2007
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Jellybelly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7142
posted
Hi Roger....I am using a beta blocker, Lopressor. I really like it. Not only did it slow my heart but it had somewhat of a calming effect on my anxiety.
I would probably cry if they wanted me to stop now, and I am not kidding.
Posts: 1251 | From california | Registered: Apr 2005
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i know what you mean. i may try 25mg instead of 50mg which i started yesterday. My pulse is 60 this evening, which is pretty low for me. I don't want to be too low..lol. bp is fine, 119/73. certainly helps with anxiety and palps though.
-------------------- Just looking for answers. i appreciate all the help everyone on the board have provided Posts: 34 | From Missouri | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I started out with a calcium channel blocker, but then switched to a low dose of beta blocker--works better for the palpitations/tachycardia. Using metoprolol extended release. Not sure if it has any effect on anxiety, which I still have.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
I am on a beta blocker, Toprol-!! Does it help me? I can't tell if it does- my cardiologist thinks it does though- so fine*_)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
I was put on Toprol XL and it slowed my crazy pulse, which often times would be over 100 while doing absolutely nothing. I notice I am much calmer while taking it.
My dr. has tried to switch me to calcium channel blockers without success.
A pulse of 60 is quite on the low end - do you find yourself getting a bit lightheaded when standing?
Could be your magnesium levels are low - the bugs like to do that. Do you take magnesium in low, frequent doses? I've found doing intra muscular shots in addition to orals works the best.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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Jellybelly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7142
posted
Lopressor is metoprolol. I take I think I take 25 mgs. and it slowed my heart from about 90 to 60. At first it kind of freaked me out, cuz I have never had a heart rate that low, but my husband does all the time. From what I understand that is a really nice heart rate, who would have known?!
I think I was a tiny bit lethargic at first, but that went away, and a rate of 60 keeps me feeling just fine even if hiking, when I am sure it goes up to accomadate.
If I do forget to take it a couple of mornings in a row, I will defiently feel my heart pounding away. It's odd, that I never felt it beating at 120 when it used to. Put it back there rather fast and you feel it.
I take it 2 times a day, but someone mentioned extended release, I may ask about that. Thanks
Posts: 1251 | From california | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
I'm on citalpram beta 15 mg. Helps alot but gave me awful insomnia and totally numbed my sex drive to nothing. But I will take that over panic attacks and anxiety. It keeps me level.
I want to get off them. I tried last week to switch to St Johns wort and my whole world fell down. I think I am in the middle of a massive herx so not a good idea.
Any ideas on what I can switch too?? Doc said they should be putting me to sleep not keeping me awake.
-------------------- Pos BB and Bart(Q & H IGG pos) Began treat 1 year after start of illness. Diagnosed Feb 2007. Posts: 648 | From Ireland | Registered: Jan 2007
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savebabe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9847
posted
I am on lyme meds, bab meds and take inderal for heart arrythmia and palps.
Although, sweating and palps is a babs symptom, so make sure your llmd tests for co-infections as well.
Posts: 1603 | From ny | Registered: Aug 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: I take 12.5 mg of atenolol for tachycardia and palps. Would take more, but then my BP gets WAY too low!!
hey lymetoo,
yeah, i dropped mine to 25mg instead of 50mg. after i only took it once at 50mg my bp was good but my pulse was around 60, which is a little low, so i decided to stick with 25mg right now.
-------------------- Just looking for answers. i appreciate all the help everyone on the board have provided Posts: 34 | From Missouri | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I am on Toprol XL for 6 yrs now, and I am extremely happy with it. My pulse stays around 60. Last year I did not take the toprol for 2 days and winded up in my doctor's office with extreme lightheadness, headache and nauseous. He gave me a toprol right then and there and within 45 minutes I felt like my old self again. I take toprol for tachycardia, palpitations.
Toprol has also helped me with esophogeal spasms which are extremely painful. I would not give up my toprol for anything.
I take celexa for anxiety, depression and such. It does help me because once again if I go off it, I am one sick lady.
Hope this helps.
Hugs, perplexed Posts: 324 | From Lexington, KY, USA | Registered: Dec 2001
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