beta blockers for anxiety? help?

[Jane T]

i went to the doctors today to discuss a problem i have with a nervous twitch kind of thing, with makes me not able to go into shops because i think people are staring at me and so on. anyway the doctor gave me some 80mg bedranol (beta blockers) but now im kinda panicin weather to take them because they slow the heart beat down and i havent got a high blood presuure anyway and he didnt even take my blood pressure!! is it safe to take them because its for your heart relly isnt it. please help!!!!!

[Heather R]

It is actually very common for beta blockers to be prescribed for anxiety. While they are a medication used to treat high blood pressure, and they do slow the heart rate down, they also change the way that your body deals with stress. As long as they don't drop you heart rate too low (you will be very tired) or your blood pressure too low (you may pass out or feel faint).. the you will be fine. If you have concerns you should talk to your doctor or get a second opinion.