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denny25 View Drop Down
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    Posted: 10 April 2012 at 4:21pm
Just wondering if anyone else has had to take Beta Blockers during pregnancy.

I have an over active thyroid (mild) and went for my follow up appointment at the hospital today. The Specialist prescribed me Myloc CR 23.75mg per day for my ever so slight anxiety which she is attributing to me not sleeping and my heart beating harder (not faster).

BUT the side effects sound horrendous plus it is a Class C drug. I don't think I am that bad that I need them. My heart rate is fine and I don't know if it is worth taking them - especially considering the side effects include drowsiness, anxiety etc.

Thoughts?
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Lucky apple View Drop Down
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Points: 1047 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lucky apple Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 April 2012 at 9:06pm
hmm. What sort of specialist? OB or Psychiatrist or Endocrinologist?

From a purely mental health view/experience - Betablockers are not very often prescribed for anxiety by psychiatrists as a first line, - though, they do have an effect of lessening anxiety symptoms. In my opinion and experience (professional not personal) I think there are other very effective treatments (non medication) for anxiety that, if it were me, I would prefer to use first (Cognitive behavior therapy for example).
Might be worth a wee visit to GP to discuss options if you aren't completely comfortable with the option offered, because really truly there are more options than taking a class C drug (even some antidepressants which also are good for anxiety are not class C, but Class B I think and are more commonly prescribed in pregnancy). Or...there might be an option for a referral to a Clinical Psychologist who could 100% help with anxiety without using medication at all.

Those are my thoughts....They don't count as medical advice (I'm always so loath to read medical advice on these forums)...so, main push that I would have is to go and discuss it with your GP so that if you do decide to take them you are feeling comfortable that it is the right decision for you...

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fairy1 View Drop Down
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Points: 1207 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fairy1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 April 2012 at 1:07pm
I agree with sally. From a professional experience it would be best to try something else before going on a beta blocker for anxiety. Class C isn't worth the risk when there is other drugs available that are a class B, and possibly no medication. Have a chat with your gp as if you feel you don't need something for anxiety, and your heart rate is under control, then maybe you just need to talk to someone.
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denny25 View Drop Down
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Points: 402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote denny25 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 April 2012 at 1:16pm
The very low anxiety I have is caused by my thyroid condition which they aren't treating until they have tested my T3 and T4 levels again.

The Specialist I was referring too was a high risk matertnity physician at Akl Hospital. She seemed to think that my lack of sleep (which is my main problem caused by thyroid) is because of my heart beating harder (not faster) which she attributed to anxiety. I'm not sure if I agree with her - I told her my heart palpitations are the least of my worries!
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fairy1 View Drop Down
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Points: 1207 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fairy1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 April 2012 at 8:30pm
Are you seeing an endocrinonologist for your thyroid? Maybe ring them and talk to someone about it, they might be able to bring the test forward and give you some good advice. One of the nurses in the clinic will be able to talk to the registrar or consultant and get some advice for you.
Sounds like the obsetrician may not know much about thyroid conditions so I would get some further advice before taking the drug. Thats my personal advice.
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Nukoo View Drop Down
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Points: 16 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nukoo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 April 2012 at 12:45pm
I had a very fast heart rate in pregnancy (around 120 beats a minute resting rate, which would go up as high as 160) as well as heart palpitations that would leave me breathless, initially they assumed I was having problems with my thyroid but all blood tests came back clear, I was referred to an OB who monitored me through the rest of my pregnancy and everything worked out ok. They never even mentioned beta - blockers although everyones situation is different i just thought i would share that
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denny25 View Drop Down
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Points: 402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote denny25 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 April 2012 at 1:48pm
Thanks for all of your advice ladies.

Well I got results for my T3 and T4 levels today and they are dropping which is great news, plus some of my antibody test results are back and they are negative for Graves.

The Physician asked me if I had taken the beta blockers yet and she said "Oh good, just throw them out!" OMG lucky I didn't take them. I thought it was strange to be prescribed them even though my heart rate was fine!!

So it's looking like it is overactive thyroid caused by gestational thyrotoxicosis which should resolve itself some time during this trimester. Best news I have had in a long tim!
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