Comparing Fluoxetine vs Propranolol

For Depression I have battled OCD since my early 20s (I'm now in my 30s). Finally after moving to a new city and starting a new job I noticed not only my OCD had increased but I had fallen into a deep depression. I had always been wary of drugs in the past but in my despair decided to see a psychiatrist and she prescribed me 20mg fluoxetine. I can say that fluoxetine has helped immensely but it took time. At first I definitely experienced a worsening of symptoms that lasted about 2 months. I kept with it though because while the depression had worsened I noticed that anxiety was becoming less and less prevalent. Finally around week 11 I woke up happy. It was as if a cloud had finally lifted. It wasn't euphoria but I finally started feeling like I was in control of my emotions again and began to find a quiet contentment in life again. I am so glad that I stuck with it.

For Depression I started on this drug about 3 months ago and have lost 30 pounds already. It suppresses my appetite and with the weight loss that has helped not only my diabetes but my depression and moods as well. I'm happier, more energetic and my anxiety is better.

For Performance Anxiety I've always suffered from severe anxiety and a triggered "fight or flight" response during most stressful situations, for the vast majority of my life. Needless to say, often times it has made life an overbearing and unmanageable life for me. Stressful situations generally bring about severe shaking, very rapid heartbeat, flushed red face, shaky voice, "cottonmouth", and feeling like I'm going to jump out of my skin. Propranolol completely, unequivocally, and 100% prevents that for me!!!! It totally shuts down my response to stress stimulus. I take it anywhere from 30 - 45 minutes before nerve-wracking situations and it feels like I'm made of steel! All of the above symptoms are completely eliminated. It allows me to get through otherwise unbearably high pressure and even confrontational situations for me. All physical symptoms of anxiety are simply not there when I take it. If I could rate it higher than a 10 I would!

For Performance Anxiety For years my anxiety and public speaking fears have hindered my ability to perform at work and school. My face would get sweaty and red, my heart would beat out of my chest, my voice was shaky, and I couldn't stand still. Not to mention the awkwardness I felt because I felt like everyone around me knew I was a wreck. I can function perfectly at home and with friends, and then I'm a completely different person when I'm nervous. I also had this demoralizing feeling that I failed at work and there was nothing I could do. So I went to my doctor a few weeks ago and he recommended propranolol and it changed my life in the best possible way. I tried it and let me tell you it worked! It didn't take away all of the mental anxiety, but for the first time in my career I feel like it wasn't weighted down by my anxiety. My mental clarity improved, and the physical symptoms completely went away, and for the first time I feel like I am confident at work which is incredibly liberating. Boom!