Propranolol and Fatigue: What Users Say

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

For Anxiety "Ok, here we are 3 months later. I've been taking 40mg of propranolol for anxiety, and they worked for the first 2 months, leaving me with fatigue but taking the edge off it, like a horse with blinkers on. Now, I take it and I feel worse with excess sweating and nonsensical thoughts whipping up my anxiety. I am at a loss, the doctor said to increase it, and my thoughts are, where does it end! I personally think I am going to decrease it by biting half the tablet and try something else. It is dreadful. I really do feel for people suffering from anxiety, there is no easy fix. I tend to use alcohol which works but is short-lived and comes with its own payoff. I am stuck. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks."

• Bar...
• February 10, 2013

For Benign Essential Tremor "I have taken Propranolol to treat Benign Essential Tremors for over 20 years now. I finally saw my PCP when not only my hands would shake but, under stressful situations, my head began shaking. He prescribed 40mg once daily. Twenty-some years later, I am still on the same dose - though I am just beginning to realize I need to increase the dose as the tremors are rearing their ugly heads again on occasion. The only side effect I am aware of is that I had less energy and, in the beginning, I recall a weight gain of about 20 lbs. If memory is affected adversely, I don't recall. Haha!"

• Nel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 21, 2019

For Anxiety "This drug has helped some with my anxiety. I've taken it for several years, and it seems to be losing its effectiveness. I take 80 mg ER daily. Now my BP is ridiculously low: 70/50. The doctors don't seem concerned, but I think it's making me feel like garbage. Always fatigued and lightheaded. Anyone else had this problem?"

• Myc...
• February 26, 2013

Propranolol for Benign Essential Tremor "I have had good luck with this medicine, but as I age, it appears to be less effective. Or it may be that my tremors are getting worse and the dosage needs to be increased. I have tried an increase in the medication and have become very sluggish. All in all, it is working rather well, and the cost is low."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2023

For Anxiety "This is the second time that I have been on propranolol. I suffer from PTSD. I take 40 mg three times a day for the effects of my condition (anxiety, loss of confidence), and these tablets are having the desired effect. Heart rate has calmed, headaches are fewer, and as a result, I’m starting to feel better. Panic attacks (multiple daily when they come) have stopped overnight. The tablets and dosage may make you feel drowsy or sluggish, but push through this. Long walks and exercise solve this for me."

• Zoe...
• June 8, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am taking propranolol for hemiplegic migraine and anxiety, I am on 80 mg/day, and I feel more calm than ever. The migraine attacks happen less often, are less aggressive, and I can generally socialize normally. On the other hand, I feel depressed, tired, I lack energy to get up in the morning, although I was a very active person. I suffer from insomnia and don't feel like going out of the house anymore. I totally recommend it for extreme cases of migraine such as mine, but if I'd have regular migraine with aura, I'd rather have the attacks than the side effects of this."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 21, 2015

For Anxiety "I used to take 10 mg before public speaking/presentations in school and shakiness when performing certain medical tasks at work. I have high blood pressure, anxiety, and shakiness during certain presentation tasks. My doctor was concerned about my blood pressure sometimes being 158/90, usually when I knew it was going to be taken. After discussing with her, I'm now taking 60 mg SR, it keeps me stable without the peaks and crashes. I feel a little more energy physically because the fight or flight responses I felt were exhausting my body, although just not much will to get up and at it, and it does make me feel a little lazy/apathetic/foggy, but my doctor said it's still okay to drink coffee. And I feel not as irritable with my boyfriend."

• Pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I am prescribed to take a 10 mg tablet 3 times a day along with another BP medication as well. I have been on this medication for 2 days thus far to help with my high blood pressure and fast heartbeat. I do feel a bit calmer, my blood pressure is doing a bit better than before I started it, and my pulse rate is slowly coming down. My biggest issues with this medication are basically the same as with every blood pressure (BP) med I've ever taken before: fatigue, dizziness, makes me get hot, it messes with my appetite, and it makes me really nauseated after taking it. I have absolutely no idea why BP meds come with such a large amount of side effects, and it's like when are they ever going to go away. I am going to continue to stay on it for now, but the side effects are a real downer for sure. It's a shame how a lot of these medications are just poisoning us anyways."

• Mig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This drug is a lifesaver. I tried all sorts of medications for my migraine headaches before landing on this miraculous drug. Gabapentin, Topamax, aka Dopamax, nortriptyline didn't help much with preventing it or had side effects I wasn't willing to live with. Maxalt and Imitrex didn't help much with the pain either. I've been on propranolol 80 mg ER for more than 3 years, and I rarely get migraine headaches. Only complaint is the tolerable fatigue and that it doesn't help much with the associated tension headaches I often get, but I'm more than impressed with the results so far."

• Can...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 8, 2018

For Anxiety "As with everything in life, I found that propranolol makes a significant difference to anxiety symptoms and helps me personally calm down/perform to my ability when public speaking. I work in the banking sector and experience extreme pressure and stress on occasions. It is a major game player, and I would highly recommend it for people that suffer and feel hindered by this awful condition. I also found my confidence significantly improved. However, occasionally after use, I do feel worn out, tired, and emotionless. Also, I can get headaches and chest pain. Therefore, I would suggest to only use it when you really need to and under extreme pressure. It will make a significant difference for you."

• Kin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2015

For Benign Essential Tremor "I have been using propranolol for a few years for essential tremor (right hand), taking 20 mg twice a day, however, shortness of breath and fatigue are now an issue, and I am wondering if the shakes are worth dealing with versus shortness of breath and fatigue. I have read that taking the pills at different times of the day makes some changes, which is something I may try. I do quite a bit of presentation work, and I find it does help with anxiety and the stress of getting in front of people, but I am now questioning the side effects as well as weight gain. I walk three miles a day, and believe me, it is hard breathing, but I am on the fence about which is the more questionable condition: shaking or difficulty breathing with fatigue. What to do?"

• Anonymous
• December 31, 2009

Propranolol for Migraine Prevention "This medicine has helped my migraines significantly. I had been having 4-5 migraine attacks per week and now am down to 1 or 2 every few weeks. Some weeks I don't have any. A huge relief. I had migraines for years. I missed work, severe pain, and this medicine is a huge relief. I do feel tired and sluggish, and it may be related to this medicine, but I don't know for sure. I will take that side effect over the pain of a migraine any day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "My blood pressure was very high, 150s/100s. Started taking propranolol, and it immediately brought it down. I've been on it for about a month, and my BP is now 90s/60s. I'm on the lowest dose, so I might need to go off of it if my BP goes too low. It also helps immensely with anxiety! Side effects are poor circulation (makes Raynaud's worse), fatigue, and nausea when you first start taking it. The nausea does go away after about a week. Overall, it's a good medication and works well!"

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I have been prescribed 60 mg of Propranolol once a day for a slightly elevated BP and headaches. My life has been miserable since taking it. A couple of days into it, I had horrible insomnia, felt irritated, had no energy, and just felt miserable. The doctor took me off of it. However, I've had some scary problems trying to get off it, like a high at-rest heart rate and heart palpitations. I would strongly urge people to do your research prior to taking a beta blocker. I've been miserable for the last 6 weeks over this stuff. Praying my life gets back to normal. The problems I was having before taking this med are nothing compared to the misery I've been dealing with since taking it."

• Sie...
• March 7, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "After my pregnancy and returning to work full time, my migraines started anytime of the month. And during that time of the month would include vomiting, vertigo, motion sickness. And just about any time ocular disturbances and flashing lights. I tried birth control pills continuously without a break, Imitrex, Maxalt, Amerge, Excedrin Migraine, many recommended vitamins, Preventa Migraine Herbs, and nothing worked on a regular basis. Blood pressure spiked up very high about 2 years ago. Decided to try propranolol, and it has worked for anxiety, migraine, and blood pressure amazingly! However, I have all the side effects - constipation, sometimes depressed, nighttime hallucinations, severe weight gain without change in diet or exercise (25 pounds in less than 2 years), lack of energy, sensitivity to exertion, bloating/water retention, etc."

• kik...
• January 13, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "Taking propranolol has significantly changed my life. I was averaging one migraine per week. It would be a two-day event with nausea and stomach issues. After starting on 80 mg, the migraines were twice a month. Now, on 120 mg, they occur about once per month. I am due for a medicine check in Feb. I do not know if my doctor will recommend a dose increase again, but the goal is to eliminate the migraines regularly. Missing one dose will cause a pounding, throbbing headache that may last for several hours upon taking the missed dose. This is not doubling up on the dose! There was some fatigue in the very beginning and very odd, vivid dreams at the start and again when the dosage was increased. This has allowed me to live a better life!"

• Gar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I was prescribed propranolol by my psychiatrist for anxiety to take three times daily at 10 mg when I was a teenager. Now that I'm in my mid-30s, my primary doctor had to taper me off. It was causing a major drop in blood pressure along with fatigue and confusion. After 15 years of being on the lowest possible dose, I now feel like a normal, functioning human being without it. I didn't realize Inderal was causing me to act like a zombie. I would come home from work and literally take two-hour naps. Made it difficult to fall back asleep at night. Please be careful or perhaps ask for an alternative if you're in need of a beta blocker."

• hyp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and extremely low levels of vitamin B12, which were wreaking all kinds of havoc in my body, so my doctor prescribed me Propranolol for high blood pressure and rapid pulse/palpitations, and it did really work for both problems, helped a little with my anxiety too, but I quit it after ten weeks because I was so drowsy all day long. I also started breaking out pretty bad in the face, scalp, and hairline, not sure if it's related to Propral, but at least the fatigue and general 'depressive mood' subsided instantly when I stopped taking it."

• gho...
• June 14, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Propranolol once a day at bedtime to help control my migraines. It has been exactly a month that I’ve been on it. It has helped me immensely with keeping these awful migraines at bay, with the exception of only having one migraine the entire month. About two weeks ago, I started having signs of depression. I have no appetite, no energy, and I’m always fatigued. I feel really terrible about myself, and I haven’t a clue why. I lost eight pounds, and on my small body frame, that is a lot. I have absolutely no urge or desire to eat whatsoever, things I used to enjoy, I no longer care about. I’m at a very low point from this medication. I have had no other changes in my life that would be causing these side effects, therefore, I know it’s from the Propranolol."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2017

Propranolol for Benign Essential Tremor "March 22, 2017 - I took Inderal from October to December 2016 for hand tremors (never helped). I was prescribed 40 mg, but one month later, I complained of side effects and was prescribed 10 mg. While I was on it, I experienced major fatigue (especially with the higher dosage), I was constantly freezing, I just was not myself. I don't know when the short-term memory loss started, but it is horrible, and while taking Inderal on the lower dosage, I experienced an episode of what I think was acute psychosis. I read that acute psychosis and short-term memory loss could be temporary or forever. I'm very scared. I want my memory back, and I'm afraid for my life and others' lives."

• Aku...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2019

For Anxiety "Worst drug I ever took. I was so sick for one month: nausea, low energy, throwing up, couldn’t sleep, hallucinations when I closed my eyes, nightmares, fatigue, blurred vision, chest pain, couldn’t breathe, fast heartbeat, depersonalization, loss of memory, libido disappeared, no appetite, couldn’t concentrate, fainting, body pain."

• Aku...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2019

For Anxiety "Worst drug I ever took. I was so sick for one month: nausea, low energy, throwing up, couldn’t sleep, hallucinations when I closed my eyes, nightmares, fatigue, blurred vision, chest pain, couldn’t breathe, fast heartbeat, depersonalization, loss of memory, libido disappeared, no appetite, couldn’t concentrate, fainting, body pain."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 16, 2017

For Arrhythmia "I have been taking propranolol for about a year, and my muscles are very weak, especially knees/legs. I stay in bed with extreme fatigue several days a week. My vision is blurry most of the time. I don't find enjoyment in things I used to love, and I stay home most of the time. Could these side effects be caused by the propranolol? They are getting worse. I also have some memory confusion and occasional irritability. These side effects are quite debilitating."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 16, 2017

For Arrhythmia "I have been taking propranolol for about a year, and my muscles are very weak, especially knees/legs. I stay in bed with extreme fatigue several days a week. My vision is blurry most of the time. I don't find enjoyment in things I used to love, and I stay home most of the time. Could these side effects be caused by the propranolol? They are getting worse. I also have some memory confusion and occasional irritability. These side effects are quite debilitating."

• lge...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2016

For Anxiety "For many years, I have suffered from debilitating panic attacks. I have taken anything you can fathom: benzos (which do work but only for about 2 hours), antidepressants, etc. I was hesitant to take this medication, but I'm glad I did/do. I noticed a significant decrease in anxiety attacks (which I was having every day) on the first day! Try getting that from an antidepressant! I currently take 30 mg a day. I do get 'anxious' but haven't had a full-blown attack for months. I also take buspirone. For any mild anxiety, I take gabapentin and hydroxyzine (together). The only complaints I have are the weight gain and overall lack of energy. I find myself wanting a nap on the daily. I'd rather have the extra lb than ever live like that again."