propranolol for anxiety

propranolol for anxiety

propranolol for anxiety is a member of the class of medications known as beta blockers. It is used to prevent migraines, cure cardiac issues, and alleviate some anxiety symptoms.

Propranolol can be used to treat heart problems by:

manage hypertension
address disorders such as atrial fibrillation that result in an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat.
assist in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease in the future.
assist in preventing angina-related chest discomfort

If you have thyrotoxicosis, or an excess of thyroid hormone in your body, propranolol can help lessen your symptoms. In order to treat an overactive thyroid, you will typically take it in conjunction with medications.

This medication can only be purchased with a prescription. It is available as a swallowable liquid, slow-release capsules, or tablets.

• Propranolol slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
• It’s usually prescribed for high blood pressure and other heart problems, but it can also help with the physical symptoms of anxiety, like sweating and shaking.
• Your very first dose of propranolol may make you feel dizzy, so take it at bedtime. After that, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take it in the morning.
• The main side effects of propranolol are feeling dizzy or tired, cold hands or feet, difficulties sleeping and nightmares. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived.

Most adults and children aged 12 and over can take propranolol. But it is not officially approved for treating high blood pressure in children under 12 years old.

Propranolol is not suitable for everyone. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take propranolol if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to propranolol or any other medicine
• have low blood pressure or a slow heart rate
• have heart failure which is getting worse
• have ever had depression or had thoughts about harming yourself
• have diabetes
• have liver or kidney problems
• have severe blood circulation problems in your limbs (such as Raynaud’s phenomenon), which may make your fingers and toes tingle or turn paler than usual or blue
• have metabolic acidosis, when there is too much acid in your blood
• have lung disease or asthma
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding How and when to take propranolol

Propranolol comes as 2 different types of medicine:

• standard release – this releases propranolol into your body quickly, so you may need to take it several times a day depending on your dose
• slow release – this releases the medicine slowly so you do not have to take it as often, once a day is usually enough

If you are taking it once a day, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose before bedtime, because it can make you feel dizzy. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, take propranolol in the morning.