Propranolol for Panic Disorder User Reviews

• Tur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2020

"I had major issues with SSRIs. I think it’s because I didn’t need an increase in serotonin so they gave me horrendous side effects. I found this webpage and asked my Dr to try propranolol as my most common symptoms were a racing heart and an intense adrenaline rush. It had been months of my fight or flight 'switch' being turned on and this medication was able to switch it off. Along with meditation, deep breathing, and positive thinking, the anxiety is practically gone. I truly felt that I was going to be stuck feeling AWFUL for the rest of my life. I’m so thankful for this medication and I encourage you to try it if you have had issues with SSRIs. I"

• A...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2023

"I have lived a life of absolute total quiet desperation. I can't even begin to describe the overwhelming anxiety and panic that I felt every single day of my life. I'm now 54 years old and my life has been basically destroyed from my fear, anxiety, and panic attacks. Anytime I was in social situations, especially around people I know, and the focus would switch to me in normal conversation, my face would turn beet red, and I would sweat, along with being totally horrified and embarrassed about it. It is the worst thing I've ever dealt with. Right now, I'm going through a divorce with my wife who cheated on me several times, and we've been separated for a year. I've been thinking about suicide quite a bit, and every morning when I work up, the overwhelming panic and pain, and fear that started in my heart was unbearable. I don't know how it does it, but propranolol has changed and probably saved my life. I know that might sound extreme, but it's true. If you suffer from extreme anxiety, then just try it."

• Can...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 15, 2021

"I had suffered for 6 long years with panic attacks, to the point I was suicidal. I could hardly go to work, did hypnosis, went for walks in the middle of the night to fight the attack that would wake me out of my sleep. By misdiagnosis of probable thyroid disease, I was given Propranolol. It took about 3 weeks for it to help with the panic. This drug literally saved my life. I have been diagnosed with a severe general anxiety condition and I have been panic attack free. I have been on this drug for approximately 20 years, and although doctors suggest this is far too long, they decided to keep prescribing it as I have had no adverse reactions in this time frame. To the makers, I thank them for this drug."

• lou...
• December 22, 2019

"I've been on propranolol 80mg for 2 years along with mirtazapine 15mg. On these two meds, I will say I feel absolutely amazing. It stops my panic attacks like a cure and helps with stopping me thinking about the panic disorder. I used to get fast heart rate, hot flashes, turning stomach, and racing thoughts, but not anymore. It's a miracle combo, yippee! So yeah, it works differently on different bodies. It's how your body responds to the medication. For me, it slows my heart rate down, not dangerously low, but low enough where I feel more relaxed, yet with energy. I feel happier with a mild euphoria, and my sweating goes away. My sweaty hands have stopped, and the shivering has gone. If anyone is suffering from anxiety, please try propranolol first. It will make the difference. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"

• MAN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

"This drug is a miracle to me. I have been in and out of hospitals for months nonstop with panic attacks that really feel like death is near. I was taking benzos here and there to keep anxiety and panic away. Then I was introduced to propranolol. It has completely changed my life, my anxiety is in check and panic attacks are gone. I do get a little nervous sometimes, but this drug helps keep it in check. This drug has changed a lot of fears I have. Thank you."

• Hjm...
• April 27, 2020

"I’d suffered on and off with panic attacks for years, oftentimes worsened by prescriptions (particularly Citalopram). My doctor recommended I switch to Sertraline after regular panic resurfaced, but after such a bad experience with Citalopram, I asked if there were any options besides antidepressants. I felt that my problems were oftentimes worsened by physical issues such as palpitations and shortness of breath (for example, running up some stairs too fast would obviously raise my heartbeat which I oftentimes struggled to differentiate from the beginnings of a panic attack, and thus it would escalate into one), and my doctor suggested I try Propranolol. It has been a game changer for me. I feel more secure in the knowledge my heartbeat is more controlled (or at least it feels this way). I’ve been on this for over a year now and wouldn’t try anything else. I would definitely recommend it if you experience panic attacks that are often triggered by more physical problems."

• GBe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2023

"For the past three months, I have had severe panic and anxiety attacks which triggered vertigo attacks. These attacks were so severe that I fainted twice, which led to agoraphobia and derealization. I have been in a state of pure panic. I didn’t feel safe anywhere. I called the ambulance and even went to the ER. I felt hopeless that I would never recover. I am deathly afraid of taking any medication, especially antidepressants. My doctor recommended Lexapro, and I couldn’t conjure up the courage to fill the prescription. I came across an article on beta blockers, and in a desperate attempt, I asked my doctor to prescribe them. She did. I was given 20mg of Propranolol, and within 30 minutes, I felt calm. The racing thoughts were still present, the derealization was still present, but my body didn’t react to it anymore. The dark cloud from my brain lifted, and I could think clearly again. It’s worth it! This is day 1 :)"

• Ric...
• January 9, 2019

"After waking up with panic attacks more days than not lately, my doctor and I tried sertraline for a few months with no success. I got a prescription for Ativan from the ER, which is a miracle drug, but obviously wanted something else for a long-term solution. I asked my doctor what he thought about a beta blocker and he was onboard and gave me 60 mg of the extended-release formula (the lowest extended-release dose) so it would be in my blood 24/7. I’ve only been on it a couple of days, but I love it so far! I actually did wake up in the middle of the night last night feeling anxious, but my heart wasn’t racing! I kind of laughed because my body was almost unable to produce a panic attack, and went back to sleep. Today I went to the gym for the first time in forever and was able to get my heart rate up to 120, but it didn’t feel like it was going to beat out of my chest."

• Ros...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 29, 2020

"Been taking propranolol for around 3 years. It has worked wonders for my panic disorder. I take it every morning at 10 am at 40 mg. As soon as I've taken it, I feel calmer and my anxiety and racing thoughts go away. I can control my anxiety attacks a lot better, it takes away the racing heart rate associated with panic attacks. There are some common side effects of this medication, these are drowsiness, a slow heart rate, and mild dizziness when you stand up, but apart from that, it has been very effective at dealing with my panic attacks. I highly recommend it to people with anxiety issues or fears of going in for a job interview or on an airplane. It works really well for these things."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2015

"I've tried Buspar, Xanax, Ativan, various antidepressants, antipsychotics, and even cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant). Propranolol (20mg daily) has been the best medication of ALL of these for generalized anxiety. No 'swimming head', no dry mouth, no ravenous hunger... almost no side effects, except I feel a bit slow before my morning shower. Propranolol gives a nice 'body calm' - heart rate steady, no sweating palms, and no jittery feeling. I now use low doses of Propranolol and Imipramine for generalized anxiety and panic, and Lamotrigine for cyclothymia, and (rarely) Ativan. I feel like a new man! They also use Propranolol to treat PTSD patients... it blocks the 'fight/flight' reaction and allows processing of trauma."

• diz...
• September 21, 2019

"I have had panic disorder my entire life, and racing heart never used to be one of my symptoms. About 23 years ago, when my mom was in the hospital, I had a horrible tachycardia attack with my heart racing over 240 bpm. I was in the hospital visiting my mom at the time, and they wrote it off as anxiety related. I have had benign tachycardia as a symptom ever since. When I'm anxious, my heart races and I cannot do anything. Getting on propranolol was the number one best thing I have done. I am also on a very low dose of Xanax (two to three quarter mg's per day). I take three to four 10 mg tablets of propranolol, more as needed. If I have something difficult to do or have to drive far, I need more. But if my heart isn't racing, then I feel more comfortable doing things. If I didn't have it, I would be completely housebound agoraphobic like I was when I was 18."

• Kte...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2024

"This medicine I have called my “miracle pill.” I had suffered from severe social anxiety for years and also Benign Essential Tremors. The only word I could think of when I’d have an anxiety attack was “sensory overload,” that’s what came to mind when I’d be asked what it felt like. My tremors had also started to get noticeable to where my body shook from my head to feet. I literally felt like a freak. My social anxiety got so bad that I went to self-medicating with street drugs, which actually only made my life worse. I ended up in drug rehab about 2 hours from my home, and was referred to this clinic for my tremors, and that’s when my entire life changed. I was seen by a Nurse Practitioner who prescribed me Propranolol, she said this medicine is gonna help me AND WOW does it help!!! My life has gotten better ever since that day. I am a server at a restaurant, never ever did I see myself working with the public and here I am 5 days a week!!!"

• Ori...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2019

"My panic disorder often works this way. I will just be sitting there, and all of a sudden, I feel a surge of adrenaline. My brain starts worrying about the physical response to a surge of adrenaline, which sets up a feedback loop during which my mind accentuates the physical response, which heightens the mental fear, which worsens the physical response, and so on. Propranolol does a very good job of blunting that type of attack in my case since there is nothing going on in my head to cause panic except for what is going on in my body. It's not quite Xanax, which doctors are increasingly unwilling to prescribe, but it really does work to greatly lessen the physical component of a panic attack."

• Ein...
• December 21, 2016

"I've had major depression, severe generalized anxiety, and a hefty helping of social anxiety too. Working in the medical field, I've tried nearly everything. Benzos had breakthrough panic attacks nearly daily, and they are so addictive I didn't want to go down that path, so my doc switched me to propranolol. I took my first capsule that night and slept past 3 am for the first time in 5 years. I honestly think it saved my life. I've been on propranolol 60mg extended-release (combined with my antidepressants) for two years. The only side effect that I've ever noticed is that sometimes I feel a bit groggy in the morning until I get in the shower. I can live with that. I recommend it over benzodiazepines to anyone with panic or anxiety issues."

• Rob...
• December 6, 2014

"After 6 months of severe panic attacks and anxiety, I was prescribed propranolol. Wow, what a huge turnaround! I was very paranoid about taking ANY medication, but I sucked it up and dealt with it. I'm so glad I did because my life has now changed because of it. My heart rate would beat out of control triggering panic and anxiety. I should mention that I am a strong believer in medication to only be a guide into creating a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically."

• Mit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 21, 2020

"Propranolol is great at stopping the physical symptoms of a panic attack. When I have a panic attack, I start feeling terrified inside, then bad physical symptoms follow that make me feel even more terrified. I still get panic attacks, but thanks to propranolol, my panic attacks aren’t as scary as they once were, barely noticeable physical symptoms. My panic attacks have gone from 10/10 to 5/10. I take 40 mg three times a day."

• Tim...
• February 10, 2018

"I take propranolol (40mg) twice a day-one in the morning and another at lunch (early afternoon). It’s not a miracle pill that will take away your anxiety and panic for good, but it certainly helps. I don’t feel so 'panicky' throughout the day (it takes the edge off the anxiety), and although I still get panic attacks, they aren’t as intense or terrifying as before. For me, the surge of adrenaline and the physical symptoms of a panic attack were very distressing: my heart felt like it was going to explode, I would shake terribly, my body would feel very weird (numbness/tingling/hot-cold flushes/muscle tension). However, thanks to propranolol, these physical sensations that occur when I have a panic attack have significantly decreased in intensity. They are very mild now, barely noticeable, and I no longer fear having a panic attack as much as I did before. It’s helped me face my fears and given more freedom to my life. I highly recommend."

• LSM...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2024

"I had about 4 years ago developed sudden rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure that hit the roof, and anxiety and panic attacks! Never had them all my life, and my GP said all this was caused by perimenopause. Took so many meds to treat my fast heartbeat, but none really worked to calm and stop my anxiety and panic attacks. I was in my darkened room, lying in my bed, couldn't do any work, as even the sound of a bell ringing would set my heart beating too fast, and I felt like passing out. Then one day, my GP gave me Propranolol, just 5 mg to take 2-3 times a day… Wow, it was like a magic pill! All of those effects went away. Much calmer, happier, more confident, and no more symptoms… till this day ❤️"

• Anonymous
• April 13, 2015

"Over the last 6 months, I've been suffering from panic attacks and severe anxiety. Accompanied with frequent fear, I experience daily physical symptoms (pain in chest, dizziness, rapid heart rate, etc.) which started to control my daily life. I started taking Propranolol 10MG 3 times a day. Within about 2-3 days, I felt so much calmer and could cope with day-to-day life a lot better. Over the course of a few weeks, my anxiety attacks and panic were becoming fewer and fewer. This medication has been a big turning point for me. Fingers crossed this continues."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2021

"Propranolol is a game-changing drug with a really safe side effect profile. It’s worth remembering, too, that the majority of people don’t experience side effects with any drugs, and people tend to be more inclined to share negative experiences. I first tried propranolol a couple of years ago for panic disorder, and oh my days did it work. I felt SO relaxed. Yeah, the intrusive thoughts tried to push through and start the cycle of panic, but with no physical response for them to hang on to, they simply fizzled away. The cycle broke. I’m a bit of an anomaly in that I was unfortunate enough to experience a (very unlikely) interaction with fluoxetine, which made my heart rate drop to below 40. (This was following taking two 40mg doses.) Needless to say, I wasn’t allowed this drug anymore whilst taking the fluoxetine. Remember, you will likely not experience any side effects. I got unlucky - it happens. Please give this drug a try, it absolutely works."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2020

"I'm 29 years old, I have suffered from panic disorder, among other things like agoraphobia, for about 10 years to the point I wake up in panic attacks, phone ambulances regularly. And generally think I am going to die. My whole days are generally me in my home panicking. Yesterday, I started propranolol. I could feel my body wanting to panic at first, the fear of taking a new medication. But I had no panic attacks yesterday. I struggled to sleep last night and woke up a bit spaced, like today. Also, it messes up your stomach a bit."

• mel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2013

"I have panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Before I started taking propranolol, I would have fast heart rates and the shakes, I could not function. This medicine enables me to live a close to normal life as possible! It does give me cold hands and a little morning dizziness, but so what. Compared to a life without it, that's nothing."

• Boi...
• November 8, 2013

"I tried Cipralex for 6 months, then Wellbutrin XL for 4 months. They helped, but still not able to function. No work, moved home, no friends, not willingly leaving the house, avoiding social activities. I was then prescribed Propranolol with the Wellbutrin, a gradual build-up to 20mg over 1 month. Now I am as cool as a cucumber. Still a bit nervous to head outside, but that is just thoughts and not a physical reaction. No side effects besides weird dreams, but that might be from the Wellbutrin. The first time in a year since this all started, I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I am 28, male, heavy drinker. Alcohol might be why this all started. I went from traveling extensively to never leaving the house overnight."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2021

"Today is the first time in my life I have zero anxiety. 20 mg is my sweet spot. A few hours ago, I was dying with panic. It is like I've been set free. I've had high doses of Ativan and just felt stupid, like my mind was muddled up and impulsive, this... this is different. Thank you, God, for answering my prayers."

• KPa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2020

"Propranolol saved my life! I was suffering greatly from panic attacks and constant anxiety (on a daily basis) until I started taking this medication. The only side effect I had from it was I struggled with some insomnia the first few months, but then that side effect seemed to disappear."