Amanda doesn't appear to be going to tell you about about Fluoxetine and Propranolol so I thought I would.
Propraolol is a member of a large group of drugs called Beta Blockers. They have a very wide number of uses but until recently not Psychiatry. They were used in heart arrhythmias, heart failure, blood pressure control and still are. They have been given to you for anxiety. They don't control all aspects of anxiety. They tend to work on the physical aspects, Rapid Heart Beat, Rapid Breathing, Sweaty palms. They aren't supposed to work on anxious thoughts, although I have met people who claimed they did. I take their word for it. I had to persuade my father to take propranolol each day for the four odd years I looked after him while he died of heart failure. So anything you want to know just ask. I know it all too well.
Fluoxetine, better known as Prozac, was the first drug in a set that is probably the widest used now, the SSRI's. They affect the processing of a primarily brain chemical Serotonin. It is as effective as any other anti-depressant. As side effects go it is pretty good. Insomnia and Gut problems are the most common. With any luck you won't get any.
I hope your waiting time for counselling isn't too long. They vary widely over the country. Everyone who has counselling is nervous when they start. As you get to know your worker things will improve. In my experience they almost always did. Good luck with the drugs and the counselling.
