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submitted 1 year ago by Brand@feddit.de to c/greentext@lemmy.ml
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[-] candyman337@sh.itjust.works 74 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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

[-] JoeCoT@kbin.social 51 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] Proxima_Centauri11@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago

Yeah, from someone having afib and social anxiety, only needing to take one pill (Inderal) really works wonders for me!

[-] Crow@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Exactly. I have sweating issues that I take beta blockers for.

[-] jelloeater85@lemmy.world 27 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] Zorcron@lemmy.zip 9 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] candyman337@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 year ago

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?

[-] Zorcron@lemmy.zip 3 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] squiblet@kbin.social 14 points 1 year ago

I have heard of them being used psychologically. From the wiki about beta blockers,

many controlled trials in the past 25 years indicate beta blockers are effective in anxiety disorders

Musicians, public speakers, actors, and professional dancers have been known to use beta blockers to avoid performance anxiety, stage fright, and tremor during both auditions and public performances.

[-] candyman337@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago

Hm interesting

[-] pancakesyrupyum@kbin.social 10 points 1 year ago

beta blocker

I don’t know, I think this is a joke that didn’t land very well.

[-] ThirdWorldOrder@lemm.ee 6 points 1 year ago

My ex used to use beta blockers before having to do public speeches

[-] echodot@feddit.uk 5 points 1 year ago

They stop panic attacks, but they don't have anything to do with depression.

[-] yokonzo@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

It’s prescribed for a variety of things

[-] Synnr@sopuli.xyz 3 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] wildginger@lemmy.myserv.one 2 points 1 year ago

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

this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2023
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