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Does Propranolol Help Control Anxiety In A Teenager?
Question: Is propranolol safe for a 13 year old to take 10 mg for proformance anxioty before a wrestling match , he tried one once and worked like a charm, not sure of dr
10 mg is a low dose and if effective it can be use safely. It may reduce his physical performance though, so you've got to keep that in mind.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What would you recommend that is just as safe and work even better?
Brief Answer:
Alternatives can affect performance as well.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for following up.
Anxiety is due to the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, the component of our nervous system which is activated when there we are in danger, enabling are body to fend better of challenges. When it is more active than it actually should it could lead to symptoms of anxiety.
However it is precisely this system that enables us to increase physical and mental performance, so we do not need to numb it down too much, otherwise yes there would be no anxiety, but might not be able to give our very best either.
A drug like Propranolol is adequate as it counters the effect of the sympathetic nervous system, only it must be kept in mind that if a higher dosage than necessary it will bring it down too much.
So what I am trying to say is that I didn't disagree with its use, but stressing that apart from being content with the benefit on anxiety, the athlete must be closely monitored for manifestations of lack of breath and fatigue compared to his usual performance. If such symptoms appear it shouldn't be used again or tried at a lower dose (though 10mg is pretty low).
As for other antianxiety options which you ask for, I am afraid I can not recommend one that would be better. That is because while there are just as good if not more effective anxiety options like antihistaminics (like hydroxyzine) or benzodiazepines (not approved for that pediatric age) they would bring the risk of sedation and endanger the performance even more.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Alternatives can affect performance as well.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for following up.
Anxiety is due to the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, the component of our nervous system which is activated when there we are in danger, enabling are body to fend better of challenges. When it is more active than it actually should it could lead to symptoms of anxiety.
However it is precisely this system that enables us to increase physical and mental performance, so we do not need to numb it down too much, otherwise yes there would be no anxiety, but might not be able to give our very best either.
A drug like Propranolol is adequate as it counters the effect of the sympathetic nervous system, only it must be kept in mind that if a higher dosage than necessary it will bring it down too much.
So what I am trying to say is that I didn't disagree with its use, but stressing that apart from being content with the benefit on anxiety, the athlete must be closely monitored for manifestations of lack of breath and fatigue compared to his usual performance. If such symptoms appear it shouldn't be used again or tried at a lower dose (though 10mg is pretty low).
As for other antianxiety options which you ask for, I am afraid I can not recommend one that would be better. That is because while there are just as good if not more effective anxiety options like antihistaminics (like hydroxyzine) or benzodiazepines (not approved for that pediatric age) they would bring the risk of sedation and endanger the performance even more.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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