posted 11-01-2002 09:05 PM         

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Greetings,
I have been participating in polygraphs for about four and one half years now and have always been declared truthful. In Sept. I had my regularly shceduled test and came up with some problems, according to my examiner my cardio line was all over the place, resulting in an inconclusive test. Although the rest of the test appeared to be truthful he said it could not be scored. He did however suggest I see a doctor and find out if there is something wrong with my heart.
This I did immediately and found that my bp was 170/108, finding this out my doctor placed me on medication (Atenolol a generic form of Tenormin) which I have come to understand is a beta-blocker. I had rescheduled for a retest which I did two days ago.
Now here is the problem I am searching for an answer to. My examiner stated he felt I was truthful on one question, inconclusive on another, and deceptive on the last one. These are questions I have never failed before and have done nothing to fail now. However the failed question after discussing it with sponsors could have been made more specific (I should have caught that one during or before the test). Then when the test was over my examiner questioned me on attempting to control the test. Until the last two days of hunting for information about my situation I had never heard of countermeasures, it has shed a whole new light on what he was accusing me of. I have always held to the belief that telling the truth will keep me safe, now even though I told the truth the test says otherwise.
So what I really need to know is if anyone one of you has had experience with beta-blockers, specifically Atenolol or Tenormin, and are they safe to use with the ploygraph.

Thank you for you time and insight
OldeJim

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posted 11-01-2002 10:32 PM            

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Hi,

Beta Blockers or Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists are usually prescibed for hypertension (very high blood pressure). As the name suggests Beta BLOCKING drugs stop the uptake of norepinephrine in cardiac tissue.

Beta blockers tend to reduce gsr reactives and the greatest effect is seen here and of course in the cardio tracings.

If you are on these medications it may have an effect on tracings and what your normal physiological state is.

Will this create a false positive/negative outcome. I doubt it, but if you have recently started on them I would not recommend being tested until you have been on them for some time,this will allow your body to adjust to a normal state. Or until you don't need them anymore.

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posted 11-02-2002 04:55 PM         

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Greetings once again and Thank you for the quick response.
Between the two test's I have been on the Atenolol approximately four weeks. When you say "for some time", I would assume you are suggesting longer than that. I know I personally do not feel "normal" taking this drug;ie, light-headedness, tight chest, occasional irritability, difficulty concentrating at times.
Personally I desire to be off this medication as soon as possible, according to my doctor I need to lose weight, get more exercise, and be attentive of my dietary intake. All of these I am working on, however it will not happen overnight.
So are we refering to weeks or months as "some time". (just a ball park figure if that is possible, or if you or anyone else would hazard an educated guess.) Just so I can have some kind of an idea what I may be working with. To resolve this matter is of the utmost importance for myself and those who are involved in my life at this time.

Thanks again for your time and insight.

OldeJim

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posted 11-04-2002 04:23 PM            

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Oldejim,

That is a difficult question to answer as it will vary between individuals. The best guide for you is when you do not suffer from the side effects you mention. Or when you experience side effects infrequently.
As your body adjusts to these medications side effects should start to reduce.

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posted 11-04-2002 05:19 PM         

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Greetings,
Thank you very much for your insight, I will continue to seek out more information on what options may be available to me. I did check my BP today on the way home from work, even with the medication I was 147/91.

Thanks again,
OldeJim

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