beta blockers?

My doctor has just prescribed me a low dose of beta blockers to serve as migraine prophylaxis. I'm 33/F and have chronic migraines that are triggered by extreme heat and exertion, including intense exercise. This has been an issue in my weight loss/fitness attempts.

Is anyone out there on beta blockers and willing to share whether they've experienced side effects, specifically related to weight loss/fitness?

Thanks!

not sure what your on but my husband (bad migraines) is now on Topomax and loves it plus a 20 pound weight loss. It is being used as a weight loss drug of label. His migraines have not been an issue ever since he got put on. Downside_____ go slow raising dose. What are you on ?

Beta Blockers
Hi all, been on 40 mg Propranolo for twice a day for 6 years now to control my migraines. I have had no negative side effects except for some weight gain. Beta Blockers do have a habit of slowing down your metabolism.
The positive side effects I've had are less perfomance anxiety and panic attacks. As well as the drop of severe pounding migraines from 13 to 16 a year to none; replaced with the occational mild migraine that I can get rid of by just relaxing taking and antacid and taking a nap. My almost daily 3:00pm headaches have also disapeared as well as my acid reflux. Seems we migrain sufferes are interverts that unknowingly beat ourselves up for our own short comings.
mgulak12

I'm about to start on 25mg of ATENOLOL daily. Now that I'm reading about the potential for slower metabolism and weight gain I'm getting really anxious about starting. The Topomax sounds like a miracle drug! (Kidding. I know there's no such thing but I wouldn't mind that side effect!)

I feel a migraine coming on now-- it was really hot in the gym this morning and I was only able to run 2 miles (I usually run 3+, up to 5) before the pounding in my head started and I had to quit. Picking up the new RX today-- wish me luck.

To be honest, I rather the weight gain than the migraines - you can be skinny and unable to walk a block or up the stairs. Rather be a bit overweight and fit than ill.

I've heard that weight loss can help with migraines. I only get occasional migraines (used to be much worse, but probably stress related) now and have seen a significant decline since I lost 50 lbs. I think I have only had one in the past year. I don't have any scientific evidence to back this up, but I have talked w/ a few people who have agreed with me.

NCNOLE, I've noticed the same thing- my migraines are virtually gone now. Nothing for 1 full year! BCD, I hope you find a way to control your headaches. If they're anything like mine were, they force you to drop everything at a moment's notice because you just can't function. Sheer misery.

I hope you feel better soon. Ive only had a few in my life (turned out to be related to chemical in tylenol pm ) but they are miserable

BCD-the beta blockers will block the effects of your flight or fight nervous system. They are also used to control blood pressure. They don't actually slow your metabolisim directly, it is the reduced effect of the adrenaline on your system that helps with the migrains. You should not worry about the beta blockers causing you to gain weight. What you will notice (and I am sure your doctor has told you this) is that you may feel tired and not as energetic for the first few weeks. Don't let that bother you. As your system adapts to them your energy level will come back up. You may just have to take it easy with your training for a couple of weeks, but in the end it will all work out. Good luck.

correct beta blockers are not a direct source of weight gain, what they do do is rase your insulin levels slightly. So you need to watch your carb intake because it will take slightly less carbs to put your body into fat storing mode. What level of carbs that is that is different for everyone, you have to look at the big picture in a years time, if you workout which tends to decrease your insulin levels and watch what you eat, you may not see any diff. If you are a coutch potato, well that in itself is bad for anyone.

Hi all, just an update, apperently supplimenting with chromium may help with any possible issues of elevated insulin blood levels from Beta Blockers.
If you are dieting (after all this is a all things food and diet web site) you should be taking some form of chromium - 200mcg or more to aid in dieting and keep those jitters and cravings under control.
Good luck eveyone!!!