Re: [Harp-L] Harp and blood pressure

[Jim Rossen <jimjimdr@xxxxxxxxx>]

What hypertension meds have caused problems?
 
Beta blockers can cause fatigue and mental slowness in some people.  
However, they are sometimes used by professional performers to blunt some 
of the physiologic consequences of stage fright, including palpitations, 
nervousness and excessive sweating.  In this situation, the benefit 
of reduction in the physical manifestations of anxiety may outweight 
any unfavorable congnitive effects.  I have rarely use a beta blocker when 
giving stressful presentations, and they helped me.  
 
Jim R
 

On Sunday, June 17, 2012 11:26:10 PM UTC-5, chicago bluesman wrote:

>
> Hmmm.....you know, my doctor has me on a beta blocker for HTN and when he 
> prescribed it he said that a potential side effect was that it would make 
> me quiet, less conversational.  Meaning, I would talk less, feel that I had 
> less to say, like the threshold would be raised as to when it's worth the 
> effort to form ideas and express myself.  He says he gets complaints from 
> the wives of men on beta blockers who feel they notice such a change in 
> their husbands who are on a beta blocker..  I think he cautioned me about 
> this potential side effect because I talk for a living: I'm a psychologist. 
>  Anyway...I've been on toprol xr 50 mg qam for maybe 4 years now and I 
> can't say that I've noticed anything.  I've never read anything about this 
> potential side effect, either--I think he was just sharing his own 
> anecdotal observations, for what that's worth.  Anyway...if beta blockers 
> can make you quiet (and I'm not really convinced of this), maybe they can 
> suppress musical expression, too? 
>
> John 
>
> > Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2012 16:45:01 -0700 
> > From: emiesterschal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
> > To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
> > Subject: [Harp-L] Harp and blood pressure 
> > 
> > This is an odd combination I know. Maybe some one has been in the 
> position, of having elevated blood pressure, and has had to take blood 
> pressure meds, and having the meds effect there harp playing, It has to do 
> with timing, wind, stamina, and concentration. I have been through two sets 
> of meds already. One has not good, the other was better but I still feel 
> like I am a little off, is this something I will get used to, or should I 
> change my meds because my harp playing is not up to par? The actual playing 
> does wonders for me, calms me down, gives me pleasure. I will ask my doctor 
> about this, but maybe some you have been in the same position? Thanks in 
> Advance Eric S. 
>