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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 18:02:17
The other day at work I felt a bit anxious so I took a propranolol. I am also trying to lose weight right, by eating healthy foods but restricting my calories using the Weight Watcher's system. I follow the plan and eat all my points so I know I am doing it healthily.
Anyways, I started feeling just awful. Everytime I stood up I thought I was going to pass out. I felt nauseous. I just felt awful even sitting down at work.
Could it have been a side effect from the propranolol? I take 40mg and I have normal to lowish blood pressure, last time I took it it was about 105/63.
I don't normally feel so awful when I take the propranolol.
Posted by sowhysosad on April 4, 2009, at 19:10:05
In reply to What could have caused me to feel awful?, posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 18:02:17
Could it be something as simple as low blood sugar from the reduction in calories?
Posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 19:27:25
In reply to Re: What could have caused me to feel awful? » Deneb, posted by sowhysosad on April 4, 2009, at 19:10:05
I am not sure, I don't have a blood glucose monitor. I thought of that as a possibility too, but I thought propranolol masked the symptoms of low blood sugar?
I hope this doesn't mean I'm going to develop diabetes.
Posted by bleauberry on April 4, 2009, at 19:54:10
In reply to What could have caused me to feel awful?, posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 18:02:17
Why would the drug cause you to feel so bad now, but not previously? I don't know. But it does have a fairly strong reputation for doing exactly what you felt.
Since the diet is well balanced I would not suspect a problem there. It's the high protein zero/low carb diets that seem to get people in trouble, at least everyone I know who has done them.
Testing glucose levels before and after meals for a week or so would tell you if there is any problem there or not. You just have to buy a meter at WalMart and prick your fingers a few times a day. No big deal. It would be wise to rule that out, since it could be a potential player in the anxiety.
From an integrative MD, alternative MD, or naturopath, I would suggest asking for the Adrenal Stress Index Test to see what is going on with your cortisol. You can even google it and find places to do it mailorder and skip the physician fees. The lab sends you the test kit, mailing supplies, and results. This test is very common by mailorder and very accurate. About $100. Whenever anxiety is involved, I do immediately think of the common things such as serotonin or gaba, but honestly the more important player in my book and can actually be tested is cortisol. It's the stress hormone. Makes sense. The test is a 24 hour 4 sample saliva test. Low cortisol, high cortisol, or wildly fluctuating cortisol, equals at the very least, anxiety.
For immediate purposes, I would have to be very tempted to point a guilty finger at the med you took.
Posted by Phillipa on April 4, 2009, at 19:57:14
In reply to Re: What could have caused me to feel awful? » Deneb, posted by bleauberry on April 4, 2009, at 19:54:10
Deneb since you take it for anxiety did you take a bit more than normal or the same? Yes it does lower blood pressure and could make a person dizzy. How was your stress at the time? Love Phillipa
Posted by bleauberry on April 4, 2009, at 20:00:28
In reply to What could have caused me to feel awful?, posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 18:02:17
I forgot to mention:
So maybe another anxiety attack is coming up, but it will be a wait until you can see a doctor? What to do until then?
At the health food store or Whole Foods Market, try Passionflower in tincture form. Skullcap and Lemon Balm are also good. I found Passionflower very good and fast at smoothing out an anxiety situation, Skullcap better as a mild sedative, Lemon Balm calming but also made me feel cold and weak. Taking Valerian Root at bedtime can help sleep but also has some decent anti-anxiety that carries over into the next day.
Until you can see a doctor, and maybe afraid to try the med again, at least you do have some options readily available. I've used all those herbs. Passionflower and Valerian in particular, as well as Skullcap on occasion, helped me through my withdrawals of 8 years on Zyprexa. Believe me, that was serious mega anxiety. Though tamer and gentler, I would put those herbs in the same family as some of the meds in terms of effectiveness and rapidness.
Posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 20:08:03
In reply to Re: What could have caused me to feel awful?, posted by Phillipa on April 4, 2009, at 19:57:14
I didn't take more. I just take one pill.
Posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 20:09:33
In reply to Re: What could have caused me to feel awful? Herbs, posted by bleauberry on April 4, 2009, at 20:00:28
Thanks for the tips. I will check out the herbs sometime.
Posted by Phillipa on April 4, 2009, at 21:54:14
In reply to Re: What could have caused me to feel awful? » Phillipa, posted by Deneb on April 4, 2009, at 20:08:03
Deneb I'm proud of you. You've come so far. Could it be anticipation of the job ending or the trip? Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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