Propranolol

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Propranolol

Propranolol is a medicine belonging to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. Other beta blockers include medications such as metoprolol, atenolol, and carvedilol. Propranolol is used to treat several problems related to the heart, including:

  • Performance Anxiety
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain due to angina
  • Prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease
  • Irregular heartbeat, such as with atrial fibrillation

Propranolol also has several other use cases, including treatment for anxiety, migraines, and thyroid problems (1).

Propranolol acts as a beta blocker in the body. This means that it prevents production of certain stress hormones, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. In turn this slows your heart rate and lowers the strength in which your body pumps blood throughout the body (2).

Propranolol comes in several strengths and in different formulations. For example, propranolol is provided in immediate release (IR), sustained release (SR), and extended release (XL) formulations. Most dosing for performance anxiety starts at 10 mg up to 40 mg depending on your tolerance and symptom severity. You can be prescribed 40mg taken once a day which can be increased to 40mg taken 3 times a day(3). The dose you take and how you take it will depend on your reason for taking it and the type of propranolol. Therefore, you should consult with your provider what dose to use and how often to take it.

You can take propranolol with or without regards to food. If taking the capsule formulation, do not break, chew, or crush the capsules.

Commonly experienced side effects with propranolol include:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Cold feet or hands
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

While the above effects are fairly mild, there are other serious adverse events that can also happen with propranolol. These include:

  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin
  • Dark urine or pale stools
  • Nosebleeds lasting longer than 10 minutes
  • Bruising (1)

If you experience any of these issues, contact your doctor right away.

Certain individuals should not take propranolol. Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know of your full medical history. In particular, the following conditions may affect your ability to take propranolol:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Worsening heart failure
  • Liver or kidney issues
  • Asthma
  • Lung disease
  • Diabetes
  • Circulation problems
  • Pregnancy
  • Metabolic acidosis (1)

 

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