I've been suffering from very severe debilitating panic attacks since I turned 20. I'm having a very difficult time trying to overcome them. The most concerning symptom to me are the very fast heart rates that come with a panic attack. I've tried different methods to dealing with them from biofeedback to exposure therapy, but have had very little progress. I am very against taking medications as I've heard about so many awful things that come with psychiatric medications. I'm not able to function normally right now, and I'm pretty sure that having Panic attacks on a daily basis can't possibly be good for your body. So I'm thinking about giving just giving it a try. Being able to function in life is a priority for me. I have to be able to overcome this eventually. My cardiologist suggested that I take a very low dose of Atenolol to help with the anxiety attacks since my main complaint is my fast heart rates. Is this a wise choice for anxiety, or is there another medication or method to help me get better?
This is totally the wrong place to be asking those kind of questions.
Some people don't want to take mood- or affect- altering drugs because if the drugs (talking as always as under a doctor's supervision) were to have any effect on the brain these people fear that they would "no longer be themselves."
But this is a preconception made in ignorance. If you doctor(s) are competent, they can discuss these issues with you and perhaps start you on a trial-regime.
Yes, the side effects of some of these drugs can be inconvenient. Yes, the adverse reactions of some of these drugs may make them sound risky. But that's what your doctor(s) are for. Use them. Talk to them.
If your cardiologist wants to treat what is basically a symptom of your panic attacks, rather than the root cause, please continue to talk to your panic attack doctor(s). The adage about too many cooks can be unfortunately true with too many doctors as well.
But please don't act on any advice here without checking with actual professionals. Some medical offices have literature about the concerns you have.
But this is a preconception made in ignorance. If you doctor(s) are competent, they can discuss these issues with you and perhaps start you on a trial-regime.
Yes, the side effects of some of these drugs can be inconvenient. Yes, the adverse reactions of some of these drugs may make them sound risky. But that's what your doctor(s) are for. Use them. Talk to them.
If your cardiologist wants to treat what is basically a symptom of your panic attacks, rather than the root cause, please continue to talk to your panic attack doctor(s). The adage about too many cooks can be unfortunately true with too many doctors as well.
But please don't act on any advice here without checking with actual professionals. Some medical offices have literature about the concerns you have.
Polite, and very nice of you, rpenner. 
I simply delete the troll accounts before they post.
Viagra can help lawyers, however! They get taller...
I simply delete the troll accounts before they post.
Viagra can help lawyers, however! They get taller...
QUOTE (Dave-Morris+May 1 2009, 07:25 PM)
I've been suffering from very severe debilitating panic attacks since I turned 20. I'm having a very difficult time trying to overcome them. The most concerning symptom to me are the very fast heart rates that come with a panic attack. I've tried different methods to dealing with them from biofeedback to exposure therapy, but have had very little progress. I am very against taking medications as I've heard about so many awful things that come with psychiatric medications. I'm not able to function normally right now, and I'm pretty sure that having Panic attacks on a daily basis can't possibly be good for your body. So I'm thinking about giving just giving it a try. Being able to function in life is a priority for me. I have to be able to overcome this eventually. My cardiologist suggested that I take a very low dose of Atenolol to help with the anxiety attacks since my main complaint is my fast heart rates. Is this a wise choice for anxiety, or is there another medication or method to help me get better?
If your pain does not go away in about a month you should see your family doc and get some X-rays done. If your pain does get worse and is associated with difficulty in breathing
you should see him right away.
If your pain does not go away in about a month you should see your family doc and get some X-rays done. If your pain does get worse and is associated with difficulty in breathing
you should see him right away.
PhysOrg scientific forums are totally dedicated to science, physics, and technology. Besides topical forums such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, silicon and III-V technology, applied physics, materials, space and others, you can also join our news and publications discussions. We also provide an off-topic forum category. If you need specific help on a scientific problem or have a question related to physics or technology, visit the PhysOrg Forums. Here you’ll find experts from various fields online every day.
To quit out of "lo-fi" mode and return to the regular forums, please click here.