I started off with a low dose of 10mg propranolol in January. This helped calm my anxiety, heart palpitations and prevented suffering from severe panic attacks. After 4 weeks of taking the 10mg the dosage was increased to 40mg three times a day.
Since taking the 40-120mg, I’ve now started to notice many side effects such as: low heart rate and BP, heart feels weak, tight chest, mild pain/discomfort in left arm, shortness of breath, low moods, mood swings, confusion, negative thoughts, depersonalisation/disassociation, restless/sleepless nights, weak, lightheaded, fatigue, blurry eyes, hair loss.
At first I thought this just sums up my anxiety, however, I’m starting to find this debilitating and don’t have any sense of control. I’ve been reading the side effects of propranolol and I relate to most. I’m extremely worried about my physical feelings relating to my heart and chest!
I’ve avoided getting in touch with my GP since the global pandemic but I can’t carry on like this for much longer.
Should I get in touch with my GP?
Propranolol - Side effects?
Question posted by SB93 on 12 April 2020
Last updated on 19 October 2021 by John Taylor1962
Answers
I would definitely get in touch with your GP. You probably need to reduce your dosage or use one that is extended release at a lower dose
Hello. YES, get in touch with your GP. Send an email or request a tele-visit. If you can’t reach them, call your pharmacist. I experienced your issue in reverse. My doc had me on 20mg twice a day, and I was having many of the same side effects you are having, and I was miserable! I was totally not myself, and it was not fun. Once I dropped down to 10mg twice a day, it’s been great. In my opinion, you had a pretty big jump in dosage from 10mg to 120mg. Why was it increased so much if the dose you were taking was effective? I would definitely reach out to your PCP and get guidance. Oddly enough, my wife takes 40mg twice a day for migraine prevention and never has had any issues. Me taking 40mg I had all the side effects! We are all different. I hope this helps, good luck to you!
Increased dosage because after the 4 weeks of 10mg my anxiety and panic flared back up again. My GP actually advised 80mg straight and I refused such a high dosage. I was then prescribed with 40mg three times a day as and when required. I’ve mostly been taking 40mg in morning and 40mg at night.
I’ve started to notice the side effects in the last couple of weeks or so. I honestly thought it’s just my anxiety playing up until I realised how depressed I’ve been. Are you on propranolol for anxiety or something else? Also did you have similar side effects relating to your heart and chest? I’m extremely worried if I’m suffering from a heart condition I’m not aware of (urgh anxiety!).
I’m on it for anxiety. Basically to calm my body’s response to anxiety; shaking, fast heart rate, sweating, etc. I couldn’t tolerate 40mg a day. I thought it was my heart as well but when they knocked the dose down, I returned to normal in about a week. I have normal blood pressure, 110/70, at 40mgs a day it was dropping to 90/50, and that was a problem. I had ZERO energy and was miserable. I couldn’t imagine taking 120mg a day. I’ve read that your body adjusts after a week or so, but I would ask if you can step up to the new dose. Maybe ask if you can try 20mg three times for a few weeks? My doc tells me it’s a pretty benign drug that has been extremely well studied, but after my experience, I realize it does take some dose adjusting to get it right.
You’re totally right about dose adjusting and as you mentioned, everyone will react differently. I guess I will know better once I reduce my current dose. I will be in touch with my doc soon about this as I know for certain that I cannot carry on like this for much longer.
Thank you for providing all the info and advice and I hope you are doing much better.
Related topics
arrhythmia, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, propranolol, side effect, dosage, heart
Further information
- Propranolol uses and safety info
- Propranolol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Propranolol (detailed)
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