this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2023
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Lmao a beta blocker is for fucking heart problems and similar things, it's not even a mental illness thing this dude is a dumbass
Edit: apparently beta blockers can be used for anxiety
Beta blockers are usually prescribed for heart problems, but what they actually do is block boosts of adrenaline. That can help people with anxiety, because anxiety manifests as an adrenaline boost when trying to do certain things, leaving them shaky and nervous. If someone is anxious about speaking in public, or talking to new people, etc, beta blockers help with that a lot. They're a game changer for people with social anxiety.
Yeah, from someone having afib and social anxiety, only needing to take one pill (Inderal) really works wonders for me!
Exactly. I have sweating issues that I take beta blockers for.
They basically suppress the flight or fight response in you. Not like a SSRI or a NDRI. Works on your body's lymphatic system. Also good for heart issues, as that's what it was originally used for AFAIK. Not a psychiatrist, just know a lot about psych meds, went to school for psych and soc.
Beta blockers work on the adrenergic system, not the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is used to transport immune cells as well as fluid that has absorbed into the intercellular space from the circulatory system.
But yeah, they essentially block the function of adrenaline/epinephrine on the heart primarily, slowing heart rate and potentially helping with anxiety through action in the central nervous system.
Ah I see, interesting. I never put two and two together with the name. I know SNRIs/SSRIs are alpha antagonists, so I guess it's similar but they're like beta antagonists? Is that correct?
SSRIs and SNRIs aren’t necessarily alpha blockers (although some similar drugs like mirtazipine (Remeron) have some action there).
SSRIs get their name because they are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, meaning the prevent reuptake of serotonin at the neuron junction, and that increases action of serotonin in that junction. And that is what causes the anti-anxiety or anti-depressive effects. SNRIs do the same thing, but with both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Many drugs have effects at other receptors (like histamine) that may cause adverse effects like sleepiness.
Beta blockers block the action of adrenaline/epinephrine at beta-adrenergic receptors, primarily found on the heart (beta-1) or lungs (beta-2). Beta blockers are primarily used in heart failure, heart arrhythmias, hypertension, and performance anxiety.
Alpha blocker also block adrenaline, but primarily in the vascular system (alpha-1). Alpha blockers are often used for enlarged prostate, hypertension, and some uses related to anxiety or PTSD.
Certain alpha and beta blockers can get into the brain and may have effects in anxiety have other effects like fatigue or weight gain.
I'm not sure. I'm a little rusty on my Neuro psych. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00571
Seems to have a lot of good info.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2571433/#:~:text=Beta%20blockers%20may%20be%20cardioprotective,postural%20hypotension%20remains%20a%20problem.
Looks like pretty much yes
I have heard of them being used psychologically. From the wiki about beta blockers,
Hm interesting
beta blocker
I don’t know, I think this is a joke that didn’t land very well.
My ex used to use beta blockers before having to do public speeches
They stop panic attacks, but they don't have anything to do with depression.
It’s prescribed for a variety of things
They essentially block your body from releasing adrenaline. It's commonly used for anxiety and it's rumored to be why mark Zuckerberg looked and sounded so robot-like during the debate hearings. Also used for migraines, high blood pressure, heart palpitations and a list of other things.
Beta blockers can also suppress some types of migraines!
Ive got genetic heart issues and migraines since I was a kid, so the 241 pill has been really nice