AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
I would not be worrying about the Effexor at all, combined with propranolol or not. It can only but help you.
Re the propranolol, I am with you on some points but not others. You are worrying to much about adverse effects that are just not going to happen eg heart stopping and being damaged etc. However, I am an partial agrrent here with you. You could have what is called white coat hypertension ie only is raised in a clinical setting. You could try to have 24 monitoring done with a mobile blood pressure apparatus which should be able to be arranged through your doctor to ascertain once and for all your true status regarding BP. The 148/90 is high for your age and may warrant treatment but their are some things that I do not know eg pour weight, exercise levels, alcohol consumption, smoking etc which make advice fro afar. 120mg per day is a rather high starting dose, in Australia it is 80 mg that is usually used initially. I cannot comment really any further as you need to be properly assessed to see exactly what the problem is.
Regards
Dr Alan Galbraith
Regards
Dr Alan Galbraith
Hello Dr. Galbraith just a quick follow up question and thankyou for this past answer. I am not too worried about trying the effexor xr, although I have read it can raise blood pressure and if mine is in fact somewhat high that is not good to here. Also about the propranolol I agree the dose seems high after reading about others on this as well. I think I will try the effexor, speak with a pharmacist and go to my doctor again before just trying the propranolol (i believe may have been prescribed to help with symptoms of panic attack but still), I was not even aware it was on the prescription until getting the paper as I only asked for something to try for the anxiety. I am not going to try the propranolol as of now. I will ask about 24hr monitor and also ask if I can be given the minimum mg of propranolol if I have to take it. To let you know I am about 5'11"/200lbs I am not severely over-weight or anything but my activity/exercise is minimal lately for the past few months and needs to improve. Thanks Drew
Answer Dear Drew
I actually considered whether the propranolol was to help with your panic attacks (as it can) but in view of your question and BP thought it would be as an antihypertensive. Yes, yout weight is fine for your height but do try an exercise, even though it is only walking more. Exercise does help to reduce BP. Let me know how you get on.
