3.3.5 Beta Blockers (modifying Stress)

Question 1

What are beta blockers?

Answer 1

Drugs prescribed for heart conditions but can be used to treat physical symptoms of stress

Question 2

(How they work) the body’s response to stress involves activation of which NS?

Answer 2

Sympathetic

Question 3

(How they work) activation of the SNS leads to physical symptoms such as what?

Answer 3

Increased blood pressure
Increases heart rate
Shaking
Sweating

Question 4

(How they work) symptoms can cause long term negative effects including what?

Answer 4

Cardiovascular issues

Question 5

(How they work) what does it mean that beta blockers have antagonist action?

Answer 5

They reduce activity of the SNS and subsequent symptoms

Question 6

(How they work) beta blockers block which receptors?

Answer 6

Beta adrenoreceptors

Block receptor sites for adrenaline and noradrenaline

Question 7

(How they work) when adrenaline binds to receptor sites what does it do?

Answer 7

Causes muscle such as in the heart to increase in beating

Question 8

(How they work) beta blockers slow what?

Answer 8

Breathing and heart rate

Question 9

(How they work) beta blockers don’t stop anxiety they instead do what?

Answer 9

Mask the outward signs of it

Question 10

(Types) what are the two types of beta blockers?

Answer 10

Selective

Non selective

Question 11

(Types) what do non selective beta blockers do and give an example:

Answer 11

Block adrenaline and noradrenaline in other areas of the body
Block B1 and 2 receptors affecting the heart kidneys and liver
E.g. Propranolol

Question 12

(Types) what do selective beta blockers do and give an example:

Answer 12

Affect mainly the heart blocking only B1 receptors
Little effect on rest of body
Atenolol

Question 13

(Off label use) beta blockers are primarily prescribed for what?

Answer 13

Heart conditions and angina

Question 14

(Off label use) beta blockers are prescribed off label for anxiety meaning what?

Answer 14

The manufacturer has not applied for a license for their use for anxiety

Question 15

(Off label use) as they don’t have a license they have not undergone what?

Answer 15

Clinical trials to test their safety and effectiveness for anxiety

Question 16

(Off label use) when can a doctor prescribe beta blockers?

Answer 16

When the benefits outweigh the risks

Question 17

(Musicians) what do musicians use beta blockers for?

Answer 17

To overcome stage fright and perform under pressure

Question 18

(Musicians) Lockwood - of 2000 musicians how many used beta blockers? And how many uses them daily?

Answer 18

27%

19% used them daily

Question 19

(Sport) beta blockers have what effect?

Answer 19

Relax muscles
Make the heart work more efficiently
Reduce anxiety

Question 20

(Sport) beta blockers have gained a reputation as what type of drug?

Answer 20

Performance enhancing

Question 21

(Sport) since 2010 what has happened to beta blockers?

Answer 21

Banned by world antidoping agency for all Olympic sport

Question 22

(Benzodiazepines) what do benzodiazepines do?

Answer 22

Increase effect of GABA making it hard for other neurotransmitters to stimulate the neurone
Calming effect on the brain

Question 23

(Benzodiazepines) what are benzodiazepines used for and why?

Answer 23

Severe stress and anxiety
Highly addictive
Can cause drowsiness and impaired judgement