Propranolol and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• It ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2019

For Performance Anxiety "I've always had difficulties when having to speak in public. A lot of people tell you that it goes away with time and experience, but in my case, it only got worse. It came to the point where it was almost impossible for me to do a presentation. After researching through the internet, I found out about propranolol and got my doctor to prescribe it for me. It really helps tremendously with public speaking anxiety, thanks to this drug, I was able to give the first presentation in my life in which I actually felt comfortable and in control of the situation. Definitely recommended for anyone with these kinds of issues. Only bad thing is that you will still feel nervous inside. It won't show in your body, though."

• It ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 22, 2025

For Migraine Prevention "After a number of years with very strange headaches which came on early afternoon and got worse, I finally succumbed to anxiety and depression. One of the first meds I got for that was propranolol. No headache the next day, never had one since. It didn't touch the anxiety and depression, but for the headaches, which nothing else had even touched, it was a literal miracle, and still is."

• Pap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2016

For Benign Essential Tremor "I was diagnosed with essential tremors after I fell flat face first on the sidewalk, followed by several tests. Six months later, the doctor put me on 60 mg Inderal per day, the long-lasting effect ones. The results were so instantaneous it felt like a miracle. The migraines were gone, and my balance was okay after only a week of taking the medication. I still have trouble with anxiety attacks. Now, after years on this medication and after moving cities, my new doctor is decreasing my medication to 40 mg a day to Teva-Propranolol as she is concerned with my low blood pressure. Other than the adaptation for my body to this new drug, my reaction to unpredictable events seems to have improved, and the anxiety attacks diminished. Sure would be awesome."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Prescribed for high blood pressure. I’m African American (which does matter) and was prescribed 40 mg twice a day. It caused me to have anxiety attacks-bad ones! I ended up in the ER twice for pressure numbers being way higher than I’ve ever experienced. I dealt with constipation, no appetite, insomnia, and no sexual desire. This was after 5 days of use! Exercising would cause a panic/anxiety attack. Even taking a shower caused me to have one. I’ve lost 5 pounds in 5 days while on this. I’m done with this medicine as of last night. This morning, I feel a lot better! I made my doctor put me on hydrochlorothiazide for my blood pressure, and I took clonazepam for my anxiety attack that I had yesterday once the propranolol was coming out of my system. I started hydrochlorothiazide yesterday for my blood pressure. This morning, I’m at 129/79 with a pulse of 72."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2019

For Performance Anxiety "Well, what can I say? It’s all true. I’ve read all the posts, and I must say that I agree with those who find propranolol effective. It just works! I mean, I’m so shocked how all my symptoms disappeared. No shaky hands, no rapid heartbeat, no sweating, no anxiety other than the anxiety from not knowing whether it would work. I literally walked to the mic in front of hundreds of people, said my speech, which I prepared diligently, realized I had no symptoms (noted above), smiled, and delivered it flawlessly. I’m so happy. This is a life changer. The sky is the limit now. Thanks, propranolol.....you’re the best."

• Tec...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 8, 2015

For Performance Anxiety "I have been in IT for forty years. As I reached my late 50s, my self-confidence began to decline. My job requires me to do presentations regularly. I started having serious anxiety and trouble getting through presentations. My heart would pound. My throat would tighten up significantly, and my voice was weak and shaky. My doctor prescribed Propranolol 20 mg. If I take it an hour or so before a presentation, I'm fine. None of the symptoms I mentioned above. Most workdays I take it when I get up in the morning, and I'm great all day-no matter what stressful situation comes up. I was skeptical that anything could do what Propranolol has done. It saved my career-and makes personal situations easier as well."

• mat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 25, 2022

For Performance Anxiety "I had my first panic attack when I had to read a text in high school class. The phenomenon has, of course, returned with each intervention. At first, I managed to contain these attacks if I had the time (several days) to prepare myself, I worked on visualization and managed to bury this fear. But if I was asked to read without warning, it was assured panic, the racing heart, and the voice that leaves. This phenomenon has only worsened over the years despite psychotherapies, drugs, or speaking courses. I arrived at the age of 40 to no longer be able to present myself in front of a small group, whether I prepared myself or not. No doctor told me about propranolol, I discovered it on the web. I finally could get it 2 years ago. And there, miracle: 40 mg 2 hours before a well-prepared presentation and everything is going well. Nervous, but no symptoms, as many people here also described. I'm very happy to finally find the cure, but when I think that this simple solution existed all along..."

• elp...
• November 5, 2015

For Performance Anxiety "For me, I'd say beta blockers work well for performance/social anxiety. Reading the comments on this page sounds so familiar to me. They will not stop you from being nervous but will bring you to a level where the physical aspects of your fear won't manifest, i.e., pounding heart and trembling voice. So once you start and realize this, usually things will go better. I have found, though, that certain brands are better than others. I order mine online, but yes, they have been a lifesaver in certain situations, such as introductions in meetings or big interviews, etc. Normally, for me, around 30 mg works well about 45 minutes to 1 and a half hours before."

• Siz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2015

For Performance Anxiety "I used to have no problem giving presentations or speaking in high-level meetings, but one bad experience, and I developed classic anxiety symptoms. It was debilitating, and I briefly considered having to quit a job which I love. The doctor suggested propranolol - I took 40 mg the next day and felt dreadful. Dizzy, mouth went dry, and my anxiety levels actually went up. However, I continued to take 40 mg once a day, and after about 48 hrs, the side effects stopped. The benefits massively kicked in too. While I still felt nervous just before speaking, when I opened my mouth, I was calm and my voice was clear. Still works great, but I massively advise not to take it for the first time right before an important occasion. Test it out first!"

• Jer...
• September 17, 2019

For Anxiety "During my whole life, I was so scared to give a speech in public. It affected a lot my scholarship, then careers. I would find all excuses to avoid doing any speech. Pass the details. For sure, if I had known this product a long time ago, my career would be different today. Anyway, these pills don't take away the stress before the speech, so don't escape the room. But when it's your turn, you realize it works, and you can go on. I had a 15-minute presentation to give, I wanted to stay and continue for hours. But to bore your public. (Try at home the right dosage, it's a strong pill. When I saw my heart below 60 during a busy time, I was a bit scared. But all good."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2019

For Anxiety "Sorry to say this, but I find this drug a menace. Yes, it helps anxiety should you not mind being up all night through wanting to go to the toilet every hour, dry, itchy skin on hands and face, a bit wobbly and bad balance should you take it regularly. But trying to come off from it is twice as bad as the anxiety I had from a cancer operation in my nose. The doctors must know something better. I would leave it well alone given the choice. No, no, no!"

• jri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 30, 2021

For Benign Essential Tremor "Propranolol was the best thing for my essential tremors in my hands that began in my 30s. I am now 52 and was taking 10 mg daily, which was very effective, but my doctor advised me to try taking only 5 mg and see how it goes. So far, I have tried this for 3 days, and no tremors have returned as yet. It also helps me with anxiety, and I am taking citalopram for depression also."

• MrD...
• August 13, 2016

For Anxiety "For the last several months, I was having what you call 'blushing attacks' at work. Uncontrollable intense blushing when I had to socialize with several people at one time. However, after my doctor prescribed this drug to me, I took 10 mg today before my shift, and just like that, there was nothing. I felt nervous sometimes, but my body just remained in total control with no sweating or embarrassing red face. I would have taken 15 mg on further thought, but it basically did the trick. I didn't really feel drowsy or anything, just way more rational in thought and more or less laid back, and less stressed at the end of my shift."

• Exp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2022

For Performance Anxiety "This worked for me as well. Overachiever, perfectionist, always got through, but terrible anxiety and some panic attacks public speaking somehow got through it, but would haunt me for weeks and months ahead of time. Had to do an event for 50 people for an hour presentation. Try different doses to make sure it works for you, but for me, the best dose is 10 mg 2 hours before, then 10 mg 1 hour before. Zero fight or flight and 10/10 great feedback said it looked easy."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2017

For Performance Anxiety "I was deathly afraid of public speaking to the point that I would almost throw up while I was in front of a group. I would find out about a presentation in college and think about it every day for the next few months, getting sick at the thought. I found this drug, and it changed the game. I started using it in graduate school, and I had classmates come up to me after and ask me how I learned to speak so well. It takes away the fear, the nausea, the trembling, the shaky voice and just allows you to think about what you are presenting rather than what everyone else is thinking about you. This is a MIRACLE drug, and I endorse it 100%"

• Pro...
• December 5, 2016

For Performance Anxiety "Ever since I was in middle school, I completely dreaded public speaking. Now that I am in college, I decided to do something about it, I went to my doctor, told him about my experiences with public speaking, and prescribed propranolol. I started taking them but realized nothing really changed and assumed they were not working because I still had mental anxiety. Finally, the day of my presentation came (I took 80 mg-maybe a little too much but better to be safe than sorry!), and as I walked to the front of the class, I still had anxiety, but two slides in-everything changed. I did not care about the fact that I was presenting, it's almost like I became a different person! Public speaking was the activity I dreaded the most! 100% RECOMMEND."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2013

For Anxiety "Didn't do much for my anxiety. I still had shortness of breath and that 'pit' in my stomach. There was maybe a little less shakiness, but other than that, I still felt anxious. Now I'm on lorazepam, which works much better for me. However, I could understand why many people do not want to take benzos, might want to at least give this a try. It just wasn't for me."

• Ale...
• October 1, 2016

For Performance Anxiety "Propranolol (Inderal) has been a lifesaver for me. As I progressed in my career, I had to present to groups (20 to 100 people) on a much more regular basis. I'm a confident professional, however, my adrenaline reactions when presenting would cause me to shake and have shallow breathing. I'd feel like I could barely talk and would want to run out of the room. I also felt like I was about to burst into tears, most unlike me. With Inderal, I'd just take 40 mg 90 minutes before presenting, and all physical symptoms of anxiety are gone! This drug is unbelievable. I recently presented to 500+ people at a major conference, and while my mind was freaking out, I didn't have any physical symptoms of anxiety. An absolute miracle, game changer for me."

• bec...
• October 1, 2016

Propranolol for Benign Essential Tremor "At first, it was wonderful. The tremors stopped within 24 hours. The dose was 60 mg in a capsule. After 2 weeks, nasty side effects started happening. First was vomiting and diarrhea. Then anxiety, nervousness, trouble sleeping, difficulty talking, and poor memory and concentration. Two days ago, my doctor reduced the dose to 40 mg/day. I still feel miserable but will try the lower dose for another few days. Can you give me any advice? Would there be a problem with just stopping the medication? I also take Prozac daily."

• bec...
• October 1, 2016

Propranolol for Benign Essential Tremor "At first, it was wonderful. The tremors stopped within 24 hours. The dose was 60 mg in a capsule. After 2 weeks, nasty side effects started happening. First was vomiting and diarrhea. Then anxiety, nervousness, trouble sleeping, difficulty talking, and poor memory and concentration. Two days ago, my doctor reduced the dose to 40 mg/day. I still feel miserable but will try the lower dose for another few days. Can you give me any advice? Would there be a problem with just stopping the medication? I also take Prozac daily."

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2022

For Anxiety "I used propranolol 20 mg for physical symptoms of anxiety (fast heartbeat). It helped to slow down my heart but gave me tons of mental anxiety and a headache. So I decided to stop taking it after 1 week. Not a good option for the treatment of anxiety."

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2021

For Performance Anxiety "I have had a fear of public speaking since I was in my late teens, it just hit all of a sudden while I was reading out loud in class. Since then, it has really gotten in the way of my studies and work. I literally would fill with dread, go red, feel a choking sensation, go blank. Well, reading these reviews was so comforting, just to realize I'm not alone and so many others are going through exactly the same. I tried 40 mg propranolol before a work video call where I was to be presenting. Normally, doing any form of formal speaking sends me into a spin, I fret for ages and feel that horrible, gnawing nervousness and panic. Well, this time was different! I took 40 mg an hour before, and I was cool as a cucumber - I love this stuff! My plan is to only use it for when I have to present and to eventually not need it, but this allows me to not avoid the situation and train myself to lose the fear! Thanks, propranolol."

• kaa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2019

For Performance Anxiety "I take Propranolol on an as-needed basis, so only when I have something like a presentation or job interview. I used to get very shaky and sweaty hands, rapid heartbeat, and a very shaky voice. I now take 20 mg of Propranolol 30 mins to an hour before the event and I am a-okay! It's amazing. Of course, there is still mental anxiety, but it is not manifesting physically in the body, so I am much more confident. I don't have the added anxiety of worrying that everyone can see how nervous I am. This was a lifesaver in college and helped me out tremendously. Would highly recommend talking to your doctor if you suffer from this kind of anxiety. After taking this pill and doing many presentations in college, I can now do presentations without it (smaller ones anyway). It is truly a game changer."

• SAS...
• June 16, 2016

For Performance Anxiety "I had my first experience with this today. Took 20 mg 2.5 hours before and 20 mg 1/2 hr before. I weigh about 130 lbs. I have avoided all occasions where I had to speak in the past, it's unavoidable at this point in my career. I would wish for awful things to happen so I wouldn't have to speak... not healthy. Results: I can't believe how I handled it today-no anxiety. Zero signs. I felt on top of the world after. Tomorrow is the big one, please, please let it go as well!"

• Can...
• April 7, 2009

For Arrhythmia "Controls A-fibrillation, but be careful about it dropping blood sugar. I felt extremely jittery, anxious, disoriented, and numbness in the hands and feet on a relatively small dose of propranolol (20 mg three times daily)."