Beta blockers and meditation are the key for overcoming panic attacks

by Jerry
(Tennessee)

I had suffered from panic attacks for several years after diagnosis of thyroiditis and a heart arrhythmia in my early 20's. Although medication for the thyroid problem helped, my biggest help were the beta blockers given to me by my doctor for my heart condition, which also helped in lowering my blood pressure and with my panic attacks.

I used to get really panicky at night when I had any kind of missed beat or double beat representative of a problem. I would get nervous, short of breath, felt like my heart would be pounding and racing, and at times felt dizzy and nauseous.

At first I went to the hospital or took medication, but realized that once I started the beta blockers, it helped a lot with the symptoms, as they relaxed my anxiety.

In addition, it seemed that meditation also helped, as I started spending 40 minutes at night alone with breathing exercises and slight yoga. I thought this would never help at first but within 3 weeks I started having less attacks. I haven't had a panic attack now for 6 months, and probably only 3-4 over the past 3 years.


I love the fact that if I do have a panic attack, I can start my meditation process, do some simple stretching, and ignore the fear that there is impending doom coming to myself. I would suggest anyone that is having continual panic attacks to visit your physician, ask about medication options, and also ask about alternatives to pharmaceuticals.


Its always a good thing to talk to your doctor, they are informative and usually will direct you if they do not know the answer. Good luck and hopefully you will never have the symptoms of anxiety again in your life!