Propranolol and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Isk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2016

For Performance Anxiety "Lord have mercy! I never expected that a drug could have a life-changing impact on my life. I have struggled with social anxiety all my life and have usually avoided any situation that would require me to speak, even amongst friends. Recently, my job requires me to make presentations all over the country. This should be good news to any normal person, right? WRONG! It's been a nightmare for me, and I've even contemplated resigning. I was desperate and turned to Google and my destiny to stumble upon propranolol. I read all the reviews yesterday and immediately got a prescription from my doc. I went into my presentation this morning feeling confident, but a little cautious, and it was flawless; no increased heart rate, no difficulty breathing. Thank you, Prop!!!"

• Bla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2019

For Anxiety "Seems to work well for an as and when, it helped my mood to begin with, but that effect has waned over time. Now it helps me fall asleep and helps with my random cardiac episodes. I do suffer from anxiety, but I do not believe these particular episodes are related because I know how a panic attack feels. Most recently, I was sat on the sofa with my son asleep on my lap, and it suddenly came on: chest pains, breathlessness, feeling weak but not overly faint, lifting my left arm hurt. The tablets eliminated all cardiac symptoms and helped me feel more comfortable with my anxiety issues. I would not recommend taking any medication every day, but for an as and when treatment, it has worked very well for the most part. The only issue is it only treats the physical symptoms and helps calm you to an extent, but the worry is always there."

• kat...
• April 10, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "I just started this medicine a month ago. Am I amazed. I had tried almost every migraine medication out there, and nothing worked very well. I went from having 15-20 migraines a month (some lasting for days) to now about 1 per week. I am just so relieved! The only thing is, I do notice some side effects. I am on antidepressants for depression and anxiety, and my doctor did say it can sometimes make depression or moods worse. I also get some shortness of breath or wheezing a bit, which I might have to talk to my doctor about. But I'm scared she is going to say I have to stop the propranolol. I would rather have the other effects than the awful debilitating migraine pain. (I lost my job over my migraines, too)."

• kat...
• April 10, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "I just started this medicine a month ago. Am I amazed. I had tried almost every migraine medication out there, and nothing worked very well. I went from having 15-20 migraines a month (some lasting for days) to now about 1 per week. I am just so relieved! The only thing is, I do notice some side effects. I am on antidepressants for depression and anxiety, and my doctor did say it can sometimes make depression or moods worse. I also get some shortness of breath or wheezing a bit, which I might have to talk to my doctor about. But I'm scared she is going to say I have to stop the propranolol. I would rather have the other effects than the awful debilitating migraine pain. (I lost my job over my migraines, too)."

• 996...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 22, 2023

Propranolol for Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed Inderal around 7-8 years ago due to a persistent migraine aura following an allergic reaction treated with steroids. Recently, I was guided by a medical professional to wean off it about three months ago. In hindsight, I regret starting the medication in the first place. I believe that taking Inderal triggered asthma symptoms that have worsened over the years, which my healthcare provider didn't realize was not suitable for someone with asthma. Additionally, it disrupted my sleep and caused insomnia, leading me to take medication for years. I became weak, tired, and short of breath while running, which was a favorite activity of mine, and I eventually had to stop running altogether. Now, after being off Inderal, I have developed hypertension that has persisted for three months despite not having a history of it in my family. I believe this medication should not be prescribed for migraines or anxiety due to the long-term effects I've experienced."

• 996...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 22, 2023

Propranolol for Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed Inderal around 7-8 years ago due to a persistent migraine aura following an allergic reaction treated with steroids. Recently, I was guided by a medical professional to wean off it about three months ago. In hindsight, I regret starting the medication in the first place. I believe that taking Inderal triggered asthma symptoms that have worsened over the years, which my healthcare provider didn't realize was not suitable for someone with asthma. Additionally, it disrupted my sleep and caused insomnia, leading me to take medication for years. I became weak, tired, and short of breath while running, which was a favorite activity of mine, and I eventually had to stop running altogether. Now, after being off Inderal, I have developed hypertension that has persisted for three months despite not having a history of it in my family. I believe this medication should not be prescribed for migraines or anxiety due to the long-term effects I've experienced."

• mra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2017

For Anxiety "Just found out after 4 months of using this drug, 40 mg a day for anxiety, that it can cause heart failure in otherwise healthy adults. In low dose, this drug will definitely stop the pounding heartbeat, but I notice if I have a panic attack, my heart still races. I'm sure if you took 80 mg a day, that wouldn't be a problem, though. Shortness of breath too after taking, I'd strongly advise against this drug. Find something else."

• Joe...
• August 3, 2008

"Propranolol only takes a matter of minutes until you feel it 'kick in' and slow you down. Watch out for the first time, it's like somebody hits your brakes! I've been on it for 5 years now, and the extended-release capsule (160 mg) lasts right at 24 hours on me. Only big side effect I have is short breath sometimes and impotency at first. After a few months, my body adjusted, I feel normal. Don't miss a pill though, or you'll feel your heart race and a little anxious. Benefits outweigh risks."

• Ami...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2020

For Benign Essential Tremor "Used propranolol only when public speaking. Once I finished college, I didn't need it. Was diagnosed with familial essential tremors, my head specifically at night as I was trying to sleep. The neurologist started me on 10 mg; eventually, I was using 60 mg ER during the day and 10 mg at night. Alleviated my tremors; however, I began to experience extreme fatigue, breathlessness, profuse sweating with exertion, and inability to get out of bed. In addition to gaining 38 lbs, excess belly fat and hip fat. Saw oncologist to rule out anemia, reoccurrence of thyroid cancer. All bloodwork was fine, so I stopped the propranolol. It took a month to get it out of my system, but the adverse side effects ceased. Atenolol was prescribed, and I've refused it."

• DGa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2018

For Performance Anxiety "Great medication! I've used it several times for important meetings and presentations. Previously, my voice always started to tremble during presentations, which then made me panic and short of breath. I was constantly gasping for air and couldn't stay focused on the content. This med helps keep you relaxed so you can focus on the content and deliver with confidence. It doesn't make the anxiety go away leading up to the event, but I feel with enough positive experiences that will eventually diminish too."

• DGa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2018

For Performance Anxiety "Great medication! I've used it several times for important meetings and presentations. Previously, my voice always started to tremble during presentations, which then made me panic and short of breath. I was constantly gasping for air and couldn't stay focused on the content. This med helps keep you relaxed so you can focus on the content and deliver with confidence. It doesn't make the anxiety go away leading up to the event, but I feel with enough positive experiences that will eventually diminish too."

• Rag...
• July 6, 2016

For Anxiety "Dr. prescribed Propranolol 10 mg twice a day for mild anxiety and stress/panicky feelings. Noticed a difference in hand shakiness, tight chest, shortness of breath, and feelings of extreme stress, but my vision was badly affected, and I literally could not read words that beforehand I had no trouble reading! Everything was blurred and very disconcerting. I stopped taking it after 2 weeks as I wanted my sight back."

• mrh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 20, 2016

Propranolol for Migraine Prevention "I'm a 61-year-old man. I took Inderal LA 60 mg for a year. For about 8 months, it worked well, migraines would start and then go away after 5 to 10 minutes. It caused me to gain 15 pounds even with dieting and exercise. It also causes ED, but I was able to fix that with 5 mg Cialis. In the last 2 months, it has stopped preventing the migraines and causes problems with fatigue and, at times, shortness of breath, and the Cialis is no longer working (a big problem as far as I am concerned and my girlfriend too). It never stopped migraines caused by food triggers, of which I have many."

• Abd...
• February 16, 2016

For Performance Anxiety "I've been suffering from anxiety for the past 20 years. My anxiety reaches its peak when I perform in front of a small group of people, I can't breathe, and my heart is beating out of my chest. I read about this drug and tried it many times. I've found that it works wonderfully for me when I take 60 mg an hour before presentations or any other anxiety-triggering situations. It's really a miracle, I thankfully don't feel any more shortness of breath, shaking, or any annoying feelings."

• 135...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2018

For Performance Anxiety "I have always gotten very nervous prior to presentations and public speaking, but I was usually able to get through them pretty well. However, recently my anxiety has gotten pretty bad after one embarrassing public speaking moment to the point of having internal panic attacks, with my heart beating out of my chest, extreme shortness of breath, and a shaky voice while presenting in front of others, even if it's a short presentation in front of a few people (which is really embarrassing). I have taken propranolol 20 mg twice now, prescribed by my doctor about an hour and a half prior to presenting, and it has helped a lot! I still get really nervous prior to my turn and a bolt of fear as I am walking up, but my heart doesn't race and my voice does not sound shaky (which makes a huge difference), and within 5-10 seconds, the fear goes away and I am able to speak very well and confidently! I was so relieved that this drug worked for me!"

• Pro...
• June 9, 2018

For Performance Anxiety "Discovering this drug has been a career saver. Like others, I promised I would contribute a review to help others if the drug worked. I’ve always suffered bad fight-or-flight symptoms (racing heart, shortness of breath) when public speaking. Unsure when or why this kicked in, but likely due to stress and a higher profile role at work. Been using propranolol situationally (once a month) for a year, which was effective for smaller talks. Today, used it for a large presentation (audience of 100+) and just as effective. Worked myself up into an anxiety frenzy weeks as I wasn’t sure it would work for such a big event, but it came through and did the trick. Get the dosage right. Experiment with dosage that works for you, then relax knowing it’s got you covered. It’s great there’s a way to manage the crippling fear of public speaking and get on with life."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2021

For Anxiety "Been taking this drug for about 2 months, on 3 x 10 mg a day. Was working great until I tried sertraline. After I took this tablet, I stopped immediately after it gave me awful side effects, this triggered my anxiety. Started getting panic attacks again. Doctor put me on 40 mg in the morning, worst mistake ever. Never been in so much discomfort with chest pain and breathlessness, not to mention nausea as well. I think the drug affects everyone differently. Going to speak to my doctor about coming off this, as the side effects are too much. Be safe, people, works for some, but I’m only 18 and it’s almost too much for my body, as I am quite petite."

• Ume...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Around 6 months ago at 1 a.m., I started feeling dizzy and everything was spinning. It was without a headache. It was scary. I went to the emergency, they said it was vertigo. The doctor recommended an MRI for the brain. It was clear. After a month, it came back again with the same intensity. I went to an ENT to check if it's a kind of vertigo, and the doctor said he didn't find anything. One family friend was a neurologist. When I consulted with him, he said that it's a basilar migraine and asked me to take propranolol 40 mg twice a day, so a total of 80 mg. It has been 4 months now that I am migraine-free. Thank goodness I have never felt dizzy since then. In the beginning, I had weird dreams, but now I sleep without weird dreams. The only problem is that when I walk, I feel like my chest is burning and I breathe heavily, but I understand that I have to face it. People with migraines should consult with their doctor to take it. Highly recommended."

• Mac...
• March 24, 2018

For Performance Anxiety "I have struggled speaking in front of large crowds over my career in leadership. Specifically with the first couple of minutes from adrenaline, which would noticeably make me talk fast, be short of breath, cracky voice, etc. It hasn’t been horrifying over time. Recently, I had to speak for 30 minutes in front of every leader in my region, which was over 100 people. I came across this site and figured I would try this pill based on the high reviews. This pill is a miracle! I killed the presentation and never suffered from the effect of high adrenaline when I was speaking. Now, this will not fix the anxiety leading the presentation, however, once you build confidence that you are able to communicate effectively when in front of everyone, the anxiety will become less and less. I experimented with different dosages before the presentation and decided to go 20 mg two hours before and 10 mg an hour before. I am 180 pounds, so this might differ based on your tolerance."

• Blo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2021

For Anxiety "I've been taking it for a few days now, and my anxiety has worsened. I feel my heart thudding in my chest really hard, and I can't stop crying each time I take it. I took diazepam with it one time, and I still was hyperventilating."

• NCa...
• June 22, 2018

For Performance Anxiety "I've had a debilitating fear of public speaking my whole life, and it has affected my career. I resigned from two jobs because I feared having to present. Every time I've had to present, it's been a nightmare and so humiliating to the point where I've had terrible panic attacks. What started as a fear of presenting has evolved into anxiety from conference calls, leaving voicemails, meetings with 2 or 3 people, interviews, etc. I'm female, weighing 51 kg, and was prescribed 40 mg. I took it 1 hour before an interview, and it was too strong for me. I felt like I had been tranquilized (very slow and spaced out). I had to really make an effort to concentrate. It worked though! I was still nervous, but the physical symptoms were gone, which made me feel calm. While this drug is life-changing, it's not without side effects. I've had headaches, dry mouth, lack of concentration, insomnia, and shallow breathing. These side effects aren't enough to keep me from using it though. It really is a miracle drug!"

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2021

For Anxiety "I have been on these for a year now. Started well, but now hardly keeping my anxiety at bay and lack of sleep. No good if you need to go out, as it makes you very sleepy. And don’t touch if you have hay fever or asthma, as it can cause breathing problems."

• Alf...
• November 22, 2019

For Performance Anxiety "This propranolol medicine is good. I am a musician, a singer. I don't have much problem when performing on stage for a song or playing my musical instrument, but if I have to make a presentation at work, I will be terrified and will think about it for days because of bad experiences with panic attacks and extreme anxiety, palpitations, dizziness, etc. Make sure you know the right dosage for you and don't take it with other hypertension meds because it will lower your blood pressure. I took 20 mg 1.5 hours before my presentation, another 20 mg 1 hour before, and 10 mg 15 minutes before. It didn't really calm me down, I still felt a bit of anxiety during my presentation, but I was scared to take more because of the aftereffects of lower pulse, blood pressure, dizziness, tiredness, and a little wheezing throughout the day, which I experienced before."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 31, 2021

Propranolol for High Blood Pressure "Excellent, was on it for 25 years until I had to change to Bisoprolol because of my asthma."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

For Anxiety "Can't stand propranolol, it gives me chest pains and makes me out of breath if you have it every day. Don't touch it."