My doctor prescribed propranolol for anxiety. does it act like ativan (lorazepam)? she said i should use it for my phobias as i am agoraphobic.

No: Ativan (lorazepam) is much more habit forming, like valium. Propranolol is a blood pressure medicine which works to decrease the sympathetic 'fight or flight' system that can trigger panic attacks.

No: Propranolol is a beta blocker which blocks the effects of adrenaline - the stress or anxiety hormone. Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine which essentially reduces the symptoms from anxiety, but doesn't block the adrenaline.