Propranolol

Propranolol 2021-01-16 Person 4 5 0

I was prescribed propranolol because I was experiencing seemingly random panic attacks, as well as for generalized anxiety coupled with being mildly tachycardic (110bpm resting). All three of these have been completely quashed by the drug. The anxiolytic effect is from it suppressing your adrenergic system, which all but eliminates the "fight or flight" fear response. This also makes it very useful for public speaking engagements. Unlike benzodiazepines, it won't address the mental aspect of the anxiety but rather the physical, allowing me to rationalize my way out of it. So let's talk side-effects. In the short term, I experienced an unusual loquaciousness -- a strange urge to vocalize ALL of my thoughts, even when no-one else was present. This passed with time. I also experienced restless legs for a good while. Long term, I feel like it has affected my memory. Time feels like it's going way too fast and I have some trouble recalling memories. I'm told this is reversible and indeed, when I took a little break from the daily pills my memory did return much more clearly. I've also been experiencing shortness of breath from even slight amounts of physical activity, as it artificially lowers your heart rate/blood pressure meaning that your heart can't quite keep up with your body's demand for oxygen under strain. My anxiety was quite crippling so I feel that to be rid of it is more than worth the side effects. I couldn't speak to people, couldn't get a job, and I was an alcoholic from trying to self-medicate. It's solved these problems for me at minimal "cost" so I'm quite satisfied with the results. Yours may vary of course.

Propranolol 2020-08-27 Person 2 5 0

Started propanol for slight anxiety and heart beating too fast and headaches, started on them for a few days I’ve never felt as spaced out and dizzy, felt like I was going to pass out any second, did help with feeling anxious but the side effects are so bad and it’s a real struggle to work specially stood up all day in a dental setting

Propranolol 2020-01-26 Person 5 5 0

Well I have been taking proponorlol for 3 years now it works really well for me before I wasn’t taking these tablets I would have severe anxiety attacks where my heart was beating to fast which scared me I kept getting chest pains and high blood pressure but since taking these I feel more calmer and really helps my anxiety I take 40mg 3 times a day feel very spaced out would highly recommend if you have severe anxiety attacks

Propranolol 2020-01-04 Person 4 5 0

I’m in my 30’s and have only really had mild, manageable anxiety before. I started a new job 3 months ago and it’s just gone into overdrive to the extent that I ended up having full blown panic attacks, couldn’t sleep, would be thinking about work constantly, even first thing at a weekend when I wasn’t working. I’m having counselling (which helps to a degree) but have also been given propranolol. It works really, really well for me. Within an hour of taking a 40mg tablet I will go from thinking my job is completely beyond me and I’ll never be able to be successful, to thinking it’s entirely possible and positive about the future. Back, neck and shoulder pain that is had for years also went, which made me think I’ve been living with anxiety far longer than I actually realised. The effects only last about 6 or 7 hours, so I’m currently taking 1 X 40mg tablet 3 times a day. For people also taking it, if you’re only taking 1 tablet (and unless you’re only taking it to be able to sleep) I wouldn’t recommend taking it in the evenings because the effects will likely have worn off by the morning. I had mild headaches initially, and the odd period of nausea but all very manageable side effects. I don’t think propranolol is necessarily the “long term” answer and I’m speaking to my doctor about going onto a course of anti-depressants but for the time being these tablets are a life saver. I’ve also struggled with public speaking / being centre of attention most of my life. I’d go red, get a sweaty forehead, dry mouth etc. This tablet also stops all that - it won’t turn you into a polished speaker, but it make it much easier for you to get your point across as you won’t be displaying physical symptoms of anxiety. I’m really pleased I found this tablet, and even if/when I come off it in the future I think it’s something I’ll use periodically for the rest of my life, when I have things that are causing me anxiety. For anyone struggling with anxiety, please don’t struggle alone, or in silence. We are fortunate enough to be alive at a time when there are all sorts of medical solutions available and they really do work. There’s still a stigma associated with people that have anxiety / depression and some people think they’ve somehow failed because they’re taking medicine. Please give it a go, the worst that can happen is it does nothing. Good luck.

Propranolol 2019-10-05 Person 4 5 0

Ok iam two weeks into 40mg taken on the evening for anxiety,.....anxiety is still there but only in my head, it has become more manageable because the physical symptoms are held at bay therefore my panic doesn't get supercharged!. Iam still on the fence with this drug at the moment because i feel so tired all the time, going to stick with it hoping the tiredness passes. propranolol also dropped my blood pressure by 10 points systolic and 5 points diastolic.