shesellsseashells Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 I had an odd appointment with my pdoc of three months today. Once we determined that he was initially looking through the wrong patient file (!) and got down to business, we discussed my anxiety, which has posed a slightly more serious problem since our last appointment than my depression. He raised two options: one was Risperdal, and the other was Propranolol. I pointed out that I already take Propranolol to ward off migraines, and yes, I included that on my list of current meds which I gave him at our first appointment. (Ruffled through papers, found it.) On top of the 80 mg of Propranolol ER I have been taking for some time, he prescribed me 20 mg of regular Propranolol. I asked him if I should take the 20 mg at night, with the Geodon, and he said yes, then wrote out the script to take it in the AM. (I did not notice this until I dropped it off at the pharmacy.) My question is, is this a weird combination? Does anyone else take a mix of ER/non-ER? From doing some poking around online (and from what pdoc said) I see that I'm at the lowish edge of the dosage spectrum. I couldn't find information as to what dose usually helps with anxiety, though. In his defense, I will say that my pdoc is well-regarded (I've heard this from numerous sources in the MI and general medical field) and was referred to me by a psychiatrist whom I trust. Maybe he just had an off day today in mixing me up with another patient . . . I guess I'm just not really following his logic with the slight Propranolol increase, but all I could think to ask him at the appointment was, "Huh?" I'm not all that quick on my feet nowadays. I was also a little surprised that he didn't increase my Prozac dose instead. (He will only make one med change at a time.) Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filet-o-fish Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 There is a chance your doctor could have mistaken you for another patient from memory. You can always call and ask the question to the nurse so she can ask him and get back with you about it. I've had to do that before. If it continues to be confusing hopefully you can find another doctor to meet your needs. I have been on propranolol for many years. It does affect the adrenal glands so he might think you need more of it to combat the anxiety. If it doesn't work for a short while definitely go in and give it another appointment to talk to him about it and find another medication that will help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 I couldn't find information as to what dose usually helps with anxiety, though. Personally 10mg 3x/day helps a lot with my anxiety. Not sure if we'll need to raise the dose in the future, but this is what I started out on and so far it has been a life savor for migraines, anxiety especially, and tremors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shesellsseashells Posted May 18, 2014 Author Share Posted May 18, 2014 Taking an immediate release and extended release of the same med is not unusual. I've done this with several meds. Mostly I'd need the immediate release PRN. When I was on propranolol, I mostly took it during the day. I needed it more during the day than at night when I was sleeping. Thanks sylvan, I appreciate that. I hadn't heard about ER/IR combinations before except for stimulants. Thanks for everyone's responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thirteen Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Propranolol will affect your ability to sleep after taking it, since unlike Benzos, it is not sedative. Maybe if taking it at night, make it AT LEAST 2 hours before bed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Propranolol didn't affect my sleep one way or another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shesellsseashells Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Propranolol didn't affect my sleep one way or another. I haven't noticed this side effect, either, although I see that it is listed as a possible side effect. I'd been taking all of mine in the morning because I was experiencing marked anxiety during the day until I recently started having panic attacks at night so I've gone back to taking my IR dose at night. It has helped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Propranolol didn't affect my sleep one way or another. I haven't noticed this side effect, either, although I see that it is listed as a possible side effect. I'd been taking all of mine in the morning because I was experiencing marked anxiety during the day until I recently started having panic attacks at night so I've gone back to taking my IR dose at night. It has helped. Me too; i also take one dose at night. I take it AM, afternoon, and PM. It more calms me down than makes me sleepy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts