Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety

Posted on Wed, 19 Oct 2016

Question: I have been having some anxiety issues. I am a dentist and during a procedure I got very shaky and had to stop. I took my pulse ( 50 ) - normal for me - took my bp 160/90 ( higher than normal ) - took my blood sugar 95 one hour after eating - pulse ox 99 -- temperature 97.2 ( I am always low ) - age 68 and 180 - exercise a bit -- any clues. Set up apt with md next week.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
may need medication

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If you anxiety is interfering with your work you may need to be put on a medication that is specific for anxiety.
The propranolol is good for tremor and things like stage fright but not really good long-term treatment for anxiety.
I am glad you have a doctor appointment next week to discuss this.
A pulse of 50 is normal for a person on propranolol. Your other vitals are fine except the blood pressure. If it is elevated repeatedly even when you are not anxious then you may need to be on a blood pressure medication.
Other things that may help with anxiety are meditation, yoga, acupuncture and biofeedback.
I wish you the best.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (22 minutes later)

50 is my pulse w/out propranolol- worried because when I take it, it hits low 40s - thanks for the quick reply.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes, 40 is quite low. I would talk to your doctor before you take that again.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar