Wow, this does help my anxiety!

TKSit

I started the Beta-blocker Atenolol about 8 weeks ago. A low dose at 12.5 mg 2 x day. Had been reading articles that it helped prevent bone mets for months. At my last MO visit, I found another article in a mag (cannot remember which one) that said it helped anxiety too by working on the parasympathetic system. Asked my MO to start me on it that day. Started at a low dose since I was also starting Aromasin & have had so many SE with AI's. He may increase my Atenolol dose next month. I must say that my anxiety is much better, whether time has just passed and I am doing better coping wiith my diagnosis and this is placebo effect, or the Atenolol is really helping. One down side is that it is more difficult to raise your heart rate, therefore burning fat is more difficult. When I run I do notice this. I was a bit sluggish when I started it too. I just wanted to share a success story & help anyone who is struggling with the horrible anxiety this disease causes.

SimplyAudrey

atenolol actually blocks the effect of "adrenaline" on your heart......therefore when you are anxious, your heart does not race (down side is it's hard to get an exercise heart rate).  That pounding heart is often what alot of us start with.  Increased heart rate leads to shortness of breath leads to all sorts of other lovely symptomes.  For SOME folks with anxiety, beta-blockers like atenolol at a low dose are a blessing.  With them there may not be a need for medications like Xanax or Ativan.

Some folks need a combination of both.  Too much stress and anxiety doesn't help us either and anxiety delays healing.

Survivor....CONGRATS!  You found something that works for you!  ANd hopefullly someone reads this and it helps them too!