Propanolol might be a game changer for me
I suffer from GAD and flying has been one of my biggest fears throughout my entire life. Despite this, I fly a few times a year but struggle each time. All the symptoms, rapid heart rate, sweating, panic, shortness of breath, dizzy, and sometimes even crying. I’ll have recurring nightmares about planes before I fly somewhere.
Anyways I’ve tried alcohol and benzos but in recent years stopped because I hate using that stuff for fears. Earlier this year I was prescribed propanol for anxiety and if you’re reading this and not sure what it is. Propranolol is a non-addictive beta-blocker that stops the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your body. By blocking these receptors, it prevents the "fight-or-flight" response, resulting in a slower heart rate, relaxed blood vessels, and lowered blood pressure. It’s typically prescribed for blood pressure but off label for anxiety or public speaking.
I’ve used it in the past but didn’t notice anything enough to keep it around. Well, I flew to Seattle (alone) this past week and I haven’t flown alone since getting with my now husband so it’s been several years. I took one before my flight for the hell of it and what an absolute difference it made. It really helped curb the symptoms during take off and all that jazz. It helped me actually focus on the ride as being a positive experience rather than an anxious one.
Did I kick my fear? No probably not but boy it really helped turn the day around and make it an enjoyable flight. I’m flying again to Hawaii this year and I’m actually now looking forward to it. I actually feel like if I keep flying and using propanolol that I might be able to create enough energy to get past the fear.