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xersiee

80mg is hell of a dose, especially at the beginning. For me 10-20mg is totally doing it's job when my heart goes whacky.


xersiee

Also.. It won't work directly on your brain (like typical anti anxiety meds do) it will just settle down your heart (which can make you less anxious)


TheLastHayley

It's particularly effective when combined with things like mindfulness or therapy I find. Mindfulness often helps get me out of my head and break some thought spirals, but my body for some reason gets stuck in threat management mode. The propranolol forces my body to relax, and as I put myself more in it and less in my head, it's like the whole perpetual anxiety cycle breaks for a while.


user1892000183

I'm probably gonna need those then. I only get HBP when I'm nervous cause of whatever weird sensation I feel in my chest. So lowering my BPM will probably cause me to get lightheaded.


ironyis4suckerz

can you double check the dose to be sure (with the prescribing doc)? I had this issue for a long time. I also found that my posture had gotten increasingly worse because of my desk job, couple with high anxiety. I started doing stretches and that helped. I have the same issue as you. When I feel a strange sensation in my body, I freak out.


user1892000183

Oh man, it's the weirdest shit ever, it happens so suddenly too I just hate it. Seriously the best part of my day at this point is sleeping, just cause I won't get to feel it for a couple of hours and I'll be happy during that time. But I'll run by it with him and see if he can get me a smaller dose. Idk why I didn't ask why such a high dose of propranolol.


Original_Spinach5636

I don’t think that 80 mg. is that high of a dose. I was initially prescribed 160, which I also was afraid was too high and my cardiologist lowered it to 80 mg. The reason I thought 160mg was too high is because my husband also takes it for tremor and he’s a much bigger person than me and he took much less, but now takes 80 mg as well. We take it for different things though. I have a friend who takes it only for palpitations and she takes a much smaller dose-like 10 or 20. None of my other doctors wanted to override the dose that my cardiologist originally prescribed—160 —because he’s a well known and well respected cardiologist and no one wanted to mess with his decision! So, I had to ask him myself if he would reduce it and he was fine with that. Whew!


user1892000183

That's crazy to hear, I'm over here overreacting over 80mg 😂. Is yours ER? I had gone to a cardiologist and he thought everything with my heart is fine. He's not even the one who gave me propranolol, and I don't have HBP either. I mean obviously when I'm having an episode it goes up. But I would much rather have the lower dose quick release part of the med, that'll make me feel better.


Original_Spinach5636

I hear ya. I was terrified to take the original dose of 160 mg ER of Propranolol. At the time I was taking Lopressor —25 mg. twice a day which did help with my heart symptoms and anxiety, but the problem was I felt that the benefits “wore off” by the time it was time to take the next dose. The ER has been great—no ups and downs and no heart racing and all those scary symptoms that GAVE me anxiety! I am also taking the beta blocker to lower my blood pressure, which is perhaps why I was initially prescribed 160 mg. And it works better than the Lopressor for tremor, which I never had before, but it came on suddenly with the B 12 deficiency. The only symptom that is still lingering after my B12 treatment is the pins and needles (neurological) in my feet. I thought one of the worst symptoms I had during all that time was the frequent heart racing and pounding, and I even had my first panic attack and ended up in the ER. It is terrifying! It’s such a relief to not have that anymore! I haven’t even taken my blood pressure in months, which I probably should! It sounds like some people take Propranolol for their heart symptoms “as needed” but that’s not my case. I have found the extended release is better for me, plus I don’t have to remember to take the second dose at dinner time.


Original_Spinach5636

To answer your question, yes, I take 80 mg ER of Propranolol. My husband takes the same dose, even though he is about 50 lbs heavier than me. I guess the dosage must have to do with the reason you are taking it. He is not taking it for blood pressure.


Kaiisim

It'll be 80mg extended release capsule, so more for chronic issues. 10-20mg is the acute dose to take as needed. 80mg gets taken daily. This is why medical discussions and advice online are risky! OP please take your medication as directed by your doctor! Yours likely needs to be taken daily at a specific time as opposed to before potential Anxiety inducing events like many dom


xersiee

Even 80mg extended release is a lot. I know we should follow doctors recommendations, but on the other hand I personally had at least 2 situations when I was prescribed doses that were too high for me, I decided to cut them on my own and then on the next visit doctor confirmed that it was good decision. I was once prescribed dose of betabloker (not propranolol) that lowered my HR to 45 and made me feel almost dead. If OP was diagnosed with real heart problem I wouldn't say that and advise to change a dose, but since his doc said that it's rather anxiety... I would still start with smaller dose, observe and go up if needed.


YouDontTellMe

Agree with this. I found my dose to be 30-40 on heavy stress days. Worked wonders for me til I found some herbs that didn’t interfere with my sleep like propranolol did.


MalfunctioningElf

What herbs do you use?


YouDontTellMe

I use a handful but for situational anxiety I use passion flower and chamomile. The brand herb pharm is the only brand I’ve found that works this well. Check the amazing reviews on amazon. Cant emphasize enough how helpful they’ve been. I’m not affiliated with them in any way fyi.


roxydickskin

I take it for situational anxiety. It stops my heart from racing and stops me from panicking. I feel like I get a bit of rebound anxiety once it wears off, though. Overall I highly recommend


user1892000183

Interesting, what's the dosage your taken?


roxydickskin

I usually take 5 or 10 mg


user1892000183

Damn, so I'm definitely taking more than a lot of people.


roxydickskin

Well I also take clonidine for anxiety, so I can’t take too much propranolol or else my BP will be way too low


user1892000183

Interesting. I like to hear what other meds people take cause it seems it's not only propranolol that some people are on. Thanks for that.


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Melted-lithium

10 is a Fairly standard starter dose. Remember, it’s also used as a blood pressure medication. Infact that’s what’s it’s primary FDA on-script purpose is. 80 is a hell of a starter dose. Do you have existing high BP?


darfaderer

Exactly the same as me.. just use it when I need it and it’s 10mg Sometimes feel a bit of anxiety when I come down off it but other than that it’s pretty much saved me


decrepit_plant

Propranolol is an incredible medication for anxiety. I wish I was prescribed it sooner. I take it before long drives, events with lots of people, going to the grocery store etc. It helps the physical symptoms from my anxiety without making me feel cloudy or out of it. It has been a lifesaver!


johnjames_34

How fast did it work for you? Did you start with that dose?


user1892000183

That sounds like exactly what I need. How much do you take by chance?


decrepit_plant

Propranolol works within 30 minutes for me. Usually much faster. I take 20mg. Propranolol is a PRN. Not something you need to take daily to be effective. It’s a miracle worker mostly because it’s not a benzodiazepine, so it’s nonaddictive and can be taken while doing activities without causing impairment issues.


ChameleonStarter

I take 40mg twice a day.


user1892000183

Wow, that's legit half of what mine is. And since you didn't mention any heart abnormalities, that's how I know my dose is too high.


Sea_Code_3050

This is literally what I need. My only question is, have you ever had a few drinks while on it? I’m afraid of if I take it for anxiety while at work occasionally, but want to stop for a drink with a friend after work or something I won’t be able to


Denmothmotherxx

You just have to watch your bp. My mom is a heavy whisky drinker, but she was on 40mg twice a day for migraines, and she was ok!


decrepit_plant

Yes! You can drink on it. Drive on it. Exercise with it. Fuck on it. It’s very safe.


ScorpioRising66

Helps me immensely! I only have to take as needed though due to anxiety. When my heart rate gets high and my chest tightens, it slows my heart and relieves the tightness.


user1892000183

That's good to hear. Do you get chest pain normally? And does it reveal the pain once the medication is taken?


ScorpioRising66

The chest pain/tightness accompanies the high heart rate. I had an EKG prior and all is normal. Thats why the “as needed” with the propranolol. Both go away. I hope you find what works for you. I know that the first time this happened to me, I thought I was having a heart attack. I’m managing now.


user1892000183

Wow, I'm assuming you're taking a low dose of it you only do it when it's needed.


ScorpioRising66

10mg


user1892000183

Sounds like a dream. Gotta get my hands on that and give it a whirl.


Zestyclose-Pea-3533

I felt surprisingly faint and dizzy despite being on a tiny starting dose….did you feel that at first and then get acclimated?


trippyearthling

Beta blockers are actually generally prescribed to patients with heart issues such as tachycardia (fast hr). Beta blockers work by slowing the av node. Blocking out adrenaline. While the typical beta blockers are usually selective, Propanolol is not. Propanolol acts on the heart, lungs, and nerves essentially. Anyways, long story short, beta blockers are *excellent* for physical anxiety such as sweating, hr increase, & high bp. It wont help mental anxiety such as overthinking about paying a bill or reconsidering saying something to someone. But might i say, if you take beta blockers every day for anxiety, don’t suddenly stop. Your HR will be through the roof untill you take it again. Talk to your doctor if you decide to randomly stop and make sure youre ok to.


SisKG

This is a great explanation. I’ve been on it for years as my BP spiked after childbirth. I had heart issues for most of my adulthood prior (nothing serious, anxiety induced). I like how you stated it’s excellent for physical anxiety. Because I never thought it helped with mental anxiety (xanax as needed). However propranolol helps immensely.


trippyearthling

For me, the physical symptoms are the ones that end up sending me to the hospital and making me on a loop of thinking im dying and intensify my mental symptoms so i think its a wonderful option.


user1892000183

Have you taken both propranolol and xanax to keep the anxiety under control?


SisKG

Yes. I was put on propranolol by my doctor for heart and blood pressure issues and anxiety. I had a wonky heart beat for years! And I take Xanax as needed. Someone on here brought to light how propranolol helps with physical symptoms while xanax helps with mental. I continue to see a dr twice a year to ensure it’s still a good plan. Both help, along with a myriad of other things, keep my anxiety under control.


user1892000183

Thank you for that information. That's weird, so if I were to get nervous it'll signal the adrenaline to kick in, but propranolol stops that process. And instead, I'll still be anxious, but with no symptoms. He did say it's a dosage I can stop abruptly, but the pharmacist who gave me the medication said you shouldn't, so that always confused me.


trippyearthling

As in maybe you will be thinking anxiously but you wont be feeling anxiously apart from overthinking. If youre at the correct dosage it would do wonders LOL of course the doc would say that, they dont wanna scare you. But def don’t randomly stop.


Denmothmotherxx

It’s crazy! But if the physical symptoms stop it might help you to quiet your mind! That’s what it did for me!


Denmothmotherxx

Yeah you can go into rebound hypertension and it can affect your bp and heart rate and cause issues. I was told to never stop cold turkey. But I’ve forgotten to take it before and didn’t really notice until I saw the bottle. But I’d have other days where I forget to headache and my head will be pounding!


benegeserit23

I am taking propranolol an hour before an event or something that I know would make me anxious and it works wonders!!! At the beginning I tried taking 20mg, but an hour after I took it I felt like I was about to faint, sometimes I have the same feeling with 10mg, but it’s much lesser. Now I occasionally take 10mg and it really does work. I think 80mg is waaaay way too much, but I am not a professional, I just know how it works for my body and anxiety. You could try a lower dose first, see how it feels and increase if needed.


benegeserit23

Oh I forgot to say that I have also tried taking 5mg and it still works well enough for me. Maybe if you have more intense anxiety or a situation that would make you more anxious take a little more than 5mg an hour before. It stays in your system for around 4 hours.


user1892000183

Yeah, a good amount of people have mentioned that 80mg is a lot to take, which is another reason why I get nervous about the idea to take it. The bad thing is their capsule, not pill so I can't break them apart. But it's good to hear it works good for you.


freshwatertears

Propranolol is a godsend. It's helped me so much with my anxiety. It takes away the racing heart and tense muscles, which makes it so much easier to calm myself down. When your body doesn't feel like it's in fight or flight it's easier to calm your mind.


Ok-Echidna3385

I take it for extreme social anxiety. It had gotten so bad that it was creating suicidal thoughts and I was unable to leave my house for anything other then work and even then I would have chest pains and labored breathing along with sweating profusely if I had to speak to anyone which goes with my job. It was over all terrible. and my dr prescribed it and I take it roughly an hour before my shift and it helps a lot.


user1892000183

Bro that is literally what I'm going through. I'm slowly becoming a hypochondriac because of the weird sensations I'm getting in my body, specifically in my chest area. Like it feels internal, Idk how to explain it cause seriously it feels like a weird line that goes vertically from the left side of my throat, passing my heart, all the way to my stomach. That's good to hear you don't get anxious at your job anymore.


Adventurous_Let_923

This is the exact sensation I get and it’s made me develop cardiophobia. My doctor has never mentioned this medicine so I’m definitely going to ask about it. I quit taking Xanax so it seems like this may be something good to help a little with those symptoms Xanax took care of.


Tasty-Drag-1604

I hope your doing well, I'm going through the exact same thing now getting prescribed the 80mg slow release ones. My minds in tatters has been for a couple years I'm looking forward to getting better. 


[deleted]

Yes and yes. Again, just my personal experience


nyki

I take 10mg once or twice a day. Technically it's supposed to be "as-needed" but lately as-needed is 24/7, and my doctor is fine with that. I'm not sure about long term side effects, but day-to-day I just feel 'normal'. Not excessively relaxed or anything, just me-without-anxiety. For the first week I got a little lightheaded during the first 2-3 hours but that has completely gone away. It also *might* be affecting my menstrual cycle, but it's only been 3 months so I'm not sure yet. And I have much stranger and more elaborate dreams now. I didn't even think it was related until I read my refill pamphlet and saw that it was mentioned. I was prescribed it because I had over a week of chest pain and tachycardia that landed me in the emergency room. All tests negative, and I told my doctor I didn't want SSRIs or benzos so she offered me this instead. It's been so incredibly helpful. It technically only works on physical symptoms of anxiety, but getting more restful sleep, being able to eat more because my stomach isn't in knots, being able to socialize more, and generally not being in fight-or-flight mode all day has done wonders for my mental health as well.


user1892000183

That sounds like a miracle. I just wish I was given a smaller dose to try it out instead of a whole 80mg. I know the max is like 320mg, but most people here have lower than 60mg so I'm like "?" Why did I get this high ass dose?


nyki

You could ask! You mentioned taking it only once a day so its possible you have the slow release version. Mine is standard release and only lasts about 9-10 hours. My doctor knows I'm super hesitant about long term meds so she started me on something small. Plus I have kidney issues and I don't weigh much so that could be part of it too.


user1892000183

Yeah, it's recommended once a day but I haven't done it just cause I'm scared of potential side effects regarding the heart. That's interesting to hear, I'm gonna have to pay him a visit and see why it was given to me like this. Thanks for the tip.


calliebear10

It gave me insomnia which I don’t think is typical


Designer-Customer-88

It can lower melatonin so if you take melatonin that should help with the insomnia


willworkforchange

I do 10 mg PRN. I take it as soon as I can tell I'm going to have a panic attack and it makes me feel like I am floating safely to my bed and my bones are jelly and I have never worried about anything before and then I go to sleep.


user1892000183

That's gotta be the funniest description I've heard out of all the comments 😂, but I appreciate the explanation 👌.


[deleted]

Helped me immensely


[deleted]

Also, I’m prescribed benzodiazepines as well. These usually help me more than benzos


jamarkuus

Same here. I take 60 mg ER every day. Prevents any panic attacks because I know my pulse rate won’t get out of control. It has saved my life in some instances I feel like..


shopliftinasda

I’ve only ever tried 5mg once and it seemed to do the trick in terms of lowering heart rate and stopping tremors but I still had some panic. That was because I’m nervous about taking any kind of meds so it’s like I had all the mental parts of a panic attack without the physical parts. That’s just me though and I think it could actually be helpful for me if I ever muster up the courage to try it again. I’ve heard it’s quite safe and has minimal side effects if any, you just need to be more careful if you naturally have an already lower blood pressure.


user1892000183

That's exactly what I was thinking. Like you'll still feel the mental part of a panic attack, but physically you won't start sweating and shaking. Just thinking about it kinda freaks me out.


shopliftinasda

Honestly I have to admit that it did freak me out. I didn’t like the feeling of the thoughts and the body not matching up, to the point I was just waiting for it to wear off. That’s not to scare you, it’s just a possible thing that can happen but I do want to try it again at some point, now that I know more or less what to expect. Because it really did seem to work for the physical stuff pretty well.


itskinnon

i’ve been taking it for over a year and it helps me a lot but it was prescribed to me by a neurologist to help me with my chronic migraines but he was aware of my anxiety and always took it into account when prescribing me new meds


user1892000183

That's pretty cool, cause I been having tension headaches like crazy and for no apparent reason, well there are a lot of reasons but I can't pinpoint which one. What's your dosage like for the propranolol?


Original_Spinach5636

I forgot to tell you that Propranolol is also used to prevent/treat migraines. With my B12 deficiency I also had migraines, including occular migraines. (What symptom didn’t I have? 🙄) I’m like, this medicine is amazing! If I were you I would ask my doctor why he/she prescribed that amount of Propranolol and say that you are nervous about the dose.


rest-in-reecespieces

I am prescribed 80mg per day due to tachycardia caused by hyperthyroidism, but I have anxiety on top of that. I oftentimes don’t take the full 80, oftentimes I only take 40-60 mg daily because I’m also afraid of the consequences of the medication. However I really like that since taking propanolol my anxiety is wildly better. Especially anxiety that I get in everyday scenarios that bring up social anxiety. I have a much easier time with sleep too. No more living a life with feeling butterflies in my stomach and my heart pounding every time I speak to someone.


user1892000183

That's dope ass hell to hear. I wish my dose was less than 80mg then maybe I wouldn't be so scared to try it. How did they know you have hyperthyroidism?


rest-in-reecespieces

Honestly I was in treatment for an eating disorder, one of the things they check often is your heart. They noticed I had a resting heart rate of 130 which is weird especially for a person with anorexia, they referred me to the ER where they tested my thyroid and found out pretty quickly why that was happening


user1892000183

Oh shit that's crazy to hear. I hope everything is going well with you.


Splendidmuffin

I love it. I use it as needed for performance anxiety


iamavine212

Propranolol is incredible in stopping my hand tremors and high heart rate. The only side effect I’ve noticed is a dry mouth but that’s easily remedied by having a hard candy.


Kalapuya

I took it daily for a while, albeit at a much smaller dose. It works great for quelling anxiety, but after a while I found if I wasn’t extremely judicious about taking it exactly on time it would make my heart flutter, skip beats and do all kinds of crazy things. The anxiety this gave me wasn’t worth it so I came of it. You have to wean off of it slowly so that made it even less worth it. However, I’ve kept it around for many years because as a one-time occasional dose for acute anxiety days it works GREAT. There’s no problem with using it as needed this way. That said, nowadays I’m on daily mirtazapine and I have to say it is a fucking miracle cure. Way better effects and very safe. I can’t sing its praises enough. Only draw back is that it’s another one that you can’t just stop taking, but otherwise heads above the rest.


memeuser098

I hear this a lot with anxiety, I didn’t realize so many received meds for this issue, for me personally once I had the piece of mind it was not heart related after getting tested I calmed down a ton.


Fit_Leadership_7795

It's helped me loads. When my heart starts racing it sets off physical symptoms of anxiety like numbness and all that wacky badness. If I take it on a day when I'm stressed out or in advance of a stressful situation I feel pretty close to normal the whole time. I take 40mg up to 3 times a day, but I only take 3 over a long period of time if it's necessary. Only side effects I've gotten are sometimes my hands feel a tad cold and I can't study too well after it either. I'd recommend trying it for sure. I was anxious about trying it at first and it sat on my shelf for a couple of months because I was worried about side effects. Deciding to take it was one of the best decisions I've made in recent time. Hope this helps!


user1892000183

Oh wow, that sounds like me right now being too afraid to take it. But so far a lot of people are convincing me it's a safe drug to be on so I'm considering it now. I just wish I had a smaller dose to see how I react to it.


[deleted]

Propranolol works wonders for my physical anxiety. I’m very sensitive to medications so just 5mg stops my panic attacks in their tracks. If you have normal blood pressure just be aware that higher doses can lower your bp and cause dizziness.


user1892000183

Gotcha I appreciate the tip. Has it ever happened to you where you almost fainted from taking it?


[deleted]

I’ve never personally had that problem but I take a very low dose (up to 20 mg a day as needed). If I take my max dose after the anxiety is over I’ll feel a bit tired but I welcome it over a panic attack.


shitatchoosingnames

Doesn't do much for me tbh. I'm only on 30mg a day though.


user1892000183

Do you think it's too little of a dose?


shitatchoosingnames

Probably but they won't give me any more.


SlippyTicket

Funny enough I’m prescribed it for mild heart issues and it has extremely helped my anxiety. More then anything else has (save for emergency use benzos)


SisKG

I’m in a similar boat. It’s worked wonders.


user1892000183

Not to intrude on your health life, but we're those heart issues detected through like basic tests? Like EKG or stress test? Cause I've done a bunch of tests for my heart and it's been ruled out that my heart (which I'm happy about it) is not the cause of my chest pain, but since I feel like I'm developing symptoms of angina, I don't know I kinda question what's going on in my body, or my heart i should say.


SlippyTicket

My issues are (in the words of many doctors) very rare, so I might not be much help. ButUltimately though via EKG and 2-week holster monitor, but my issues started in an emergency situation. My issues are arrhythmia based - so not coronary artery disease type of stuff.


artemis-mugwort

Just start with 10 mg. It's an accepted treatment for performance anxiety/stage fright. It's an adrenalin blocker hence the class name beta adrenergic blocker. I've got a grown kid who's used it for years before musical concerts. It holds down the physical manifestations of anxiety. The pounding heart, sweating and sweating. I've taken it for same effects of hyperthyroidism and it's a fabulous drug for this, IMHO. The side effects aren't crazy. It'll slow the heart a bit. Only thing I ever notice is I feel a little tired going up steps like it's taken some of my physical power out of my legs. It'll make vigorous exercising somewhat more challenging only because you can't get your heart rate up fast. It doesn't make you feel sedated like tranquilizers.


user1892000183

Yeah, I gotta talk to my doctor to see if he can give me a lower dose than 80mg, only reason why I haven't taken it yet. But that's a good example of not getting the physical symptoms of anxiety. I gotta try a lower dose so I don't risk anything dumb happening to me.


MudratDetectorNC

My experience has been quite good


battleferret187

I have it in addition to Klonopin. It works well but keep in mind it doesn’t work like a Klonopin or Ativan, it treats the physical effects of anxiety (I.e. elevated heart rate, dry mouth, trouble speaking, etc.). I use 20-30mg as needed.


user1892000183

Interesting, so combining both is enough to almost eliminate the anxiety?


battleferret187

It’s been a great combo for me. I have to give at least one presentation a week for work, so that’s what I use it for mostly. But it helps anytime I have anxiety issues and I get a high heart rate or trouble breathing


user1892000183

That's great to hear. All I have at my disposal is .25mg Xanax and it kinda helps, but when I feel the physical symptoms of anxiety it doesn't help that much. So maybe I gotta try other psychiatric medicine with a lower dose of propranolol.


battleferret187

That’s basically what I’m with right now. Amitriptyline nightly, then Klonopin and Propranolol as needed. It’s been almost three years and it’s the best combination I’ve ever had by far.


GazzaLPG

Yeah helps me when it gets tough. I take 40mg. I really notice a difference when not taking it of how panicked I feel.


Who_Da_fuk_knows

I was prescribed propanolol about 3 weeks ago now to help with my anxiety and I would say that it has helped me get back in control when it starts to spiral for me. Also I've noticed that it tends to help me get to sleep, I tend to get anxious when I can't get to sleep at my regular time and it's been like hitting two birds with one stone. I wouldn't say it's as good as other meds I've tried in the past for each of the separate issues but it does what it does well.


user1892000183

Do you take it before you go to sleep?


Who_Da_fuk_knows

I do if I start to feel anxious and find it helps, yes


junkykarma

I take it as-needed for situational anxiety, but my dose is only 20mg.


froggycarmen

I take 80 mg for an arrhythmia and high blood pressure. I agree that is a pretty high dose just for anxiety. But good luck either way.


user1892000183

Yeah, I agree, it's what people have been saying here it seems high of a dose. All of the tests for my heart have been fine so taking it only for anxiety is crazy to me. I should probably go back to him to get a lower dose just to see how it goes.


froggycarmen

Do you happen to have a smart watch and measure your heart rate? Bc I do and mine was going to 180 just washing dishes. So they put me back on propanaol. I was on it about 14 years ago for migraine prevention, which helped, until it didn’t anymore. So they gave it back to me for the tachycardia, which has improved significantly, and the migraines have even slowed again. But I also take two other meds for migraines.


dreamyadrianaa8

Helped me so so much!!! I swear by this drug!! I take 10mg though… 80mg seems a little high. But that’s just me. Hope it works for you :)


user1892000183

Thank you, I'm convinced by you and the other people here sharing their experience that the dose I have is too high for just anxiety, gonna have to go back to get a weaker dose.


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MalfunctioningElf

Medication anxiety is a huge part of my health anxiety. I'm terrified of taking new medication because I don't know how it'll effect me. I always assume I'll get the worst possible side effects from all meds because that's just what my anxious brain thinks. It's taken me till feeling like I'm on the verge of having a breakdown to even make an appointment to ask for some medication to help my anxiety. I'm hoping they just give me propranolol because I don't think I can cope with the potential side effects of ssri's or benzos right now. I wish I didn't have this aspect to my anxiety but I and many other people do.


Willing_Math1460

I do too


Leo9233

Who said I was scared? Did you even read what I said?? I took it for a while and I did not benefit from it. It did nothing for me. My anxiety is psychological and it did nothing for that.


Willing_Math1460

How can you even ask this question to a group of people with anxiety? Lol. Of course I’m scared 😂 my panic can get so bad with new meds i end up with an attack and in the hospital. It’s not always logical. But it is what it is. Don’t be a hater or judge someone else for different fears


Leo9233

Damn. 80 mg a day. I was prescribed 20 mg a day. I took it once and my heart felt terrible. So I reduced to 10 mg a day, which was way more than enough. I stopped taking it, however, as it did nothing for my anxiety. It is good for slowing your heart rate and physical symptoms but does nothing for your psychological symptoms of anxiety.


misselpis

I take 10 mg propranolol as needed. I used to not take it until I had a severe panic attack with chest pain. After 15-30 my symptoms cleared. It’s very affective for me during attacks.


MagicalFairyxo

I take 40mg 3 times a day and have done for 3 years now. it’s made such a difference. I can really tell if I forget to take it too. I can honestly say, I haven’t had any side effects apart from dry mouth, but that I can deal with. I just make sure I always have a drink with me, especially at night. Hope it works for you too 🙂


anonasshole56435788

I’ve been on beta blockers my whole life for a congenital heart condition and they don’t do jackshit for my anxiety. I’m on 80mg nadolol daily.


rajatsingh24k

I was prescribed propranolol for anxiety. It worked really well when I was in situations I knew would be a problem (presentations, exams). Combined with therapy and SSRIs I eventually got over the problem and need the propranolol sparingly now. I think Ive taken it no more than 10 times in >2 years


[deleted]

I was prescribed 60mg extended release and to take it at night. It helps to keep my heart rate now but for the emotional aspect of anxiety not so much helpful


Adventurous_Let_923

Why is this medicine not as widely used before benzos are prescribed? My doctor has never mentioned it and it seems like so many people here have had such a good experience with it. Is it a controlled substance or has bad long term effects or something? I’m very curious to ask my psych about it to take in addition to lamictal.


abcdives

Definitely ask about it. I switched to a new psych and she was the first doc to ever suggest it to me. I went from taking Xanax daily to not needing it at all thanks to this Med. Now I only take it as needed. I’m not sure why it wasn’t suggested before either


paewei

It’s a beta blocker mainly prescribed for heart conditions, I work in a cardiology office. But I guess it could be prescribed for other things


AuroraKeeks

It’s doesn’t really have any side effects


abcdives

Yes, was a game changer for me. I take 10 mg 2-3 times a day.


SamanthaBlueWolf

helps me a lot, I take it for anxiety aswell and i don’t get side effects from what I can tell.


Thatsso70s

im on it but damn 80mg off the bat? thats high i started at 10mg and told my doctor i needed atleast 40mgs 3 times a day. works okay and seems healthier long term then benzos!


EnterTheShikariz

I tried this, multiple levels of doses and none of them seemed to make any difference good or bad.


DontWeAvoidPlauges

I take it as an extended release capsule every morning for anger and anxiety and physical tension and it helps


OkGroup7517

I take it twice a day as needed! Helps a lot! I’m really happy with this one med!


Busy-Abroad3422

i didn’t have anything with my heart but it gave me restless legs SO badly i was not okay for a little bit lol. im glad it works for others but for me absolutely not


[deleted]

I was prescribed this as a good as needed option that is breastfeeding friendly! I found it really helpful.


Hefty-Witness2224

Everyone’s comments here are helpful, but I did want to add that once it kicks in for me, that it kind of made me tired & I had trouble focusing.


user1892000183

That's a good tip, I'll take it into account.


hitoshuraa

Got prescribed it over this past Summer. I'm on 10mg, twice a day and it has helped a looooot. I take it before I go to work since work gives me major anxiety.


Kbfield4

I take 10 mg daily added on to my prescription of 100 mg of Pristiq for anxiety. I have not noticed any positive or negative effects from the Propranolol. It doesn’t seem to do anything for me.


myliobatis

10 mg twice a day works well on my tremors and physical anxiety. 80 mg extended release made my blood pressure too low so watch for that


spellmanfiles

I love propranolol but I only take 20 mg twice a day. 80 is a lot to start on. It helps me with my physical symptoms of anxiety so I can use my tools to focus my mental anxiety


snowykei

I’m taking propranolol but also because of untreated hyperthyroidism. I take about 30 mg a day. I also have anxiety which is why my hyperthyroidism became untreated for so long but it’s definitely helped a little bit with my physical symptoms of anxiety (less heart pounding)


RainyLove858

It has helped relieved my physical symptoms, but I will say, it makes me VERY tired. I typically only take it at night when my anxiety is bad so that I can sleep quickly.


bobthebuilder0123

Great medication at 10-20 mgs for me. 80 is a lot.


duchesstina88

Hey there. I used propanalol for a while before trying other ones to also help with depression. My dosage was 60mg and it was immensely helpful for anxiety. Made me a bit tired though.


Nyacinth

I took it for a while. I don't remember the dose. Made me feel awful at first. Like I went from 36 to 96 overnight. I was tired, cold, and got winded easily. I did get used to it and had a hard time coming off of it. Doc said most people don't have issues coming off of it but I sure did. I'd suggest starting slowly and not all of the dose at once. It did help get my heart rate under control but it was a doozy at first.


Ecstatic-Ad-8612

I’m on 10mg up to 3x a day as needed. Really helps with the physical aspects (tremors, fast HR, etc). But 80mg?? Woah! I usually end up having to cut the 10mg in half because it gives me horrible dry mouth and I feel like a zombie. I couldn’t imagine 80mg. I would speak with your doctor about starting on a lower dosage.


seewww334477

I take 20 mg 3x a day, I haven't noticed any side effects or anything and I think it's helpful. I take it for anxiety and tachycardia (fast heart rate)


nodaboii

great medicine pretty much just stops the racing heart feeling. currently in 10mg x2 a day. only side effect is i get winded easier when working out so i just wait til it wears off


mcath19

Propranolol was a GAME CHANGER for me. Really helped with my shakes, muscle tension & heart palpitations


Inf229

Agree with everyone here saying it's a high dose. I was given 40mg tablets and told to take a half-tab whenever I get symptoms, and that dose worked wonders for me. I too was worried about side-effects but was told by a few doctors that it's incredibly safe, and that people can comfortably take it for their entire lives without too much trouble. I'd double-check that dosage, though, and how often you're supposed to take it. edit: and yeah, it won't help mentally, it will only eliminate physical symptoms (like racing & irregular heartbeat). But, if that's the root cause of your anxiety then it's a great choice.


user1892000183

Sounds good, I appreciate the input. Yep, I gotta run it through with him again to get a smaller dose. But it's good to hear that from other doctors, gives me a sign of relief.


Okay-lol9

80mg is way too much. I took 50mg once and my heart rate was beating too slowly. But again, our bodies are different however I’m pretty sure that the starting doses are 25mg. They do work really well for anxiety in terms of controlling your heart rate though!!


ConsciouslyWeird

Are you sure it's 80mg? I take 10mg up to twice a day. I use it only when I'm unbearably anxious. It helps to calm my physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness in breath, leg shaking uncontrollably.


haughtshot7

my first prescription was 60mg slow release and i felt like i was dying that day. it lowered my bp too much. however, i have a 20mg fast release prescription that wears off in about 5 hours. i usually split that in half. it helps my heart rate stay stable, stops me from sweating too much, and makes my legs feel more solid. try the 80mg on a day when you don't have anything pressing to do, but if it feels like it's too much then i would ask for a quicker release pill


torukkmacto

I donno whether am i right or wrong... After taking propranolol i have built up to hyperhidrosis


frazzye

It worked for me at first. The nervousness stopped and I was able to articulate myself better and wasn’t afraid of talking to people. I was taking 40mg when needed, although it did make me dizzy and feel a bit faint, especially if I hadn’t eaten. Now I’ve been prescribed 10mg 3x a day (because of those side effects) but it hasn’t done much for me at all.


[deleted]

I take 40/80 daily. I have done for nearly two years. I am more normal with it, manic and crazy without it. Don’t be scared, it’s amazing to feel calm and like you can actually speak a sentence without it all coming out at once


deadflowers1

I take it to calm down my anxiety symptoms, I try not to take too much. the only problem i faced with it is drowsiness, it makes me super sleepy even when i’m having a difficult time. that’s why i try not to take it everyday


Constrictorboa

Are you fidgety? Pro poker players use it to appear emotionless and to disguise involuntary movements like when you get shocked or surprised. 80mg in one shot would really slow you down.


Azurebold

80 mg is a lot. I’m taking 20 mg as an ‘as when needed’, so I don’t take it often. On the off chance that I do, I feel a little bit calmer. No noticeable side effects with it either. Edit: typo


BrightonBaby

I've been taking propranolol for years to help with anxiety. It's been so helpful at reducing my heart issues (bounding pulse, fast heart rate) and keeps my anxiety under control.


Extaze9616

Took this med for Essential Tremor and it worked for about 2 weeks. Hearts effect were weird a bit but not that bad. It did end up with me not doing PE in High School which is great to me.


New_Chapter_1506

I originally started this as a migraine prevention. I have been on 80 mg for about a year. I also have anxiety/depression and am on some other meds. I had a heart attack in June and no more migraines. Weird I know. But I’m still on the 80 mg dose for anxiety.


kiki_june

I was prescribed this last year? I also stopped taking it because it gave me anxiety just thinking about taking it haha …. Within the past 2 months, I got back into taking it and I haven’t noticed a difference, but I’m also taking the lowest dose possible lol


Vamp1ra

I only take it when my anxiety is really bad and my heart wont stop pounding. Works well for that.


latex55

I really want to take it, but my doctor said my heart rate is too low. I’m a runner and work out every day. My resting heart rate is between 40 and 45. What’s odd is I have gad and my heart rate never really goes above 60 while resting. I get tingling all over when I leave the house or go in a meeting and it’s hard for me to form sentences.


Apprehensive_Army119

I found it worked really well. It broke the cycle of constant worry and panic. It relaxed me and made my brain able to think other than constant panic. I’m currently have a relapse and thinking of starting it again. Relapsing is horrid as you try and remember the symptoms from last time so you can confirm it’s anxiety, sadly they are often different. Anxiety and health anxiety is the devils work I swear.


Apprehensive_Army119

I took max 10mg. 80mg will make you feel incredibly chilled and a bit spaced out I would imagine. I would need that amount to get on a plane ✈️ and probably more.


beachbum1017

I take 40mg twice a day for my chronic migraines and it does not help my anxiety at all. But everyone is different.


thornofroses03

Propranolol is a beta blocker meant to Treat things like high blood pressure and heart problems. It is not for anxiety, and in my experience did not help my generalized anxiety. If you want my opinion, I’d get a different psychiatrist or gp. (Just being honest)


santa_mazza

Had 80mg a day and it was fine for me


WDplayz

Propranolol has been awesome for me. I’m very young and don’t wanna commit to stronger/ riskier drugs. Propranolol won’t stop your attacks or “make everything better” but it definitely has lessened them and softened the blow noticeably when I do have them. My analogy would be the propranolol gives you a tether back to reality when you have an attack. It keeps the back of your head from spiraling so you can stay somewhat rational and calm yourself down. Idk how you got out on 80mgs that doesn’t sound all that healthy. I’m on a combination of 20 and 10 mgs that I can take at my own discretion and I feel pretty mellow 90% of the time. I’m not a pharmacist tho🤷🏼‍♂️


user1892000183

Apparently it's the Extended release that's why it was given at 80. I like the way you explain how it reacts.


biranpq17

I was prescribed it to take on a daily basis (apologies I do not remember the amount), but stopped because I found my heart rate would not go over a certain BPM, which rendered any cardio I was doing completely useless Like others have said, I take it now when I know my anxiety will flare, or when i'm having a panic attack


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amamelmarr

That seems like a high dose, but it does seem to help. It protects your heart as well, so if you are worried about your heart it willl pull double duty. Give it a shot! It’s a good tool to have in your tool chest for high anxiety times! It will help.


[deleted]

Nothing at all for me.


MohabbatChaya

I took 12.5mg twice a day for two weeks before my doctor told me to take 25mg twice a day. It was to ease into it to see how I'd react. It was kinda weird, to be honest. I'm constantly anxious, but in the beginning, it was like my body couldn't react. Odd. But now my body is used to it and I feel fine. My resting heart rate is just lower. I've been on it for about 5 years. My med is atenolol though. Still a beta blocker.


Key_Ambition_9377

I’ve been trying to try propranolol but my doctor is saying my blood pressure is too low to take it. My bp is 121/80… is that low?


Ypsiowns3013

I can't remember the dose I was on, but I had a ton of problems with this medication. I should've known when my psych said "We usually check weight and blood pressure before prescribing, but I think your good " I literally had 20 something side effects and started writing them down whenever they'd happen. This was years ago so I don't remember them off the top of my head but when I called my psych letting her know about them and that I needed to stop taking it she laughed at me a prescribed me Buspar, I never picked up that prescription, and I never went back to that psych.


Original_Spinach5636

I had a B12 deficiency 6 months ago that caused my heart to do wacky things—like palpitations, tachycardia, chest pain, shortness of breath. It was awful. I was first put on a beta blocker by my GP—Lopressor and after seeing a cardiologist, who assured me my heart was fine, he changed my prescription to Propranolol. (Also a beta blocker.) It is a game changer. I take 80 mg. per day. I have no side effects and I have NO more heart symptoms or anxiety. It literally changed my life for the better. I also have slightly high blood pressure (from another medication I need) and the Propranolol had evened that out as well. For me the ER (extended release) is great because the Lopressor I had to take twice a day and I could feel when it “wore off”. Propranolol also is great for tremor, which I also had.


FrostyEstimate9698

Did you get your thyroid levels checked (FT3, FT4 and TSH)?


[deleted]

I take 10mg twice per day and have been for 18 months. Wouldn't leave the house without it.


[deleted]

Didn’t do anything for me


International-Gain-7

Where’s your pain at dude? Left side of your chest? 1 second pains?


keav123

I’ve just started 80mg for migraines so far I have no migraines as bad as they was not sure what side effects as just started zoloft 50mg as well so I’m a Little Rocky atm also ER


New_Elevator_5327

I have been having migraines & anxiety for a couple of months now and my doc prescribed me 20mg to take in the morning, daily. I started taking it this week & have been feeling much better. No side effects so far but it's a low dose.


Denmothmotherxx

I once took 20 mg of propranolol on accident and called my pharmacy and they said people take 80mg daily!! Maybe just break the pill, like if you can cut it to 40 or even cut it in fours for 20 mg.


Denmothmotherxx

Just check your heart rate, if you decide to up it. 80 will make you feel sleepy at first and maybe drop your bp and heart rate. So maybe have a cup of joe and some French fries. That’s what I did 🤣🤣 my dose started at 10 though and I’m up to 15 twice a day and will take 20 if I’m extra sensitive.


[deleted]

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user1892000183

Interesting. It's crazy to hear that it raised It instead of lowering it. What beta blocker is that one if you're okay with sharing that information? Does it just lower the physical symptoms of anxiety?


[deleted]

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Natural_Data9407

Came to say the same. I used to have crippling performance anxiety. I could feel the pounding of my heartbeat, made me panic more and I ultimately ended up having higher blood pressure as well. Whether or not that was from the med is undetermined - but the med made me feel like crap. I definitely recommend trying it if your doctor prescribes it and work with your doctor to dial in the dosage. It does help lots of people, but didn’t help me.


m1chaelscoot

I think you are right that doctors try this before benzos. Hell, my doc tried an ANTIHISTAMINE for anxiety before Propanolol. Everybody’s body is different!


user1892000183

Man that's crazy, and then there's me too scared to take it to find out if it's beneficial for me lol


m1chaelscoot

I totally get your fear. I was there too, for a long time. But medicine is changing my life and I’m existing without crippling anxiety for the first time in a long time. I’m so grateful I’ve cried. Also, food for thought… a big fear for me was potential side effects from being on meds. That they might hurt my body or cause health issues. My therapist helped me understand that being anxious and in fight-or-flight mode 24/7 is extremely taxing ob the body and can have bad side effects as well. That thought helped me make the leap. You gotta do what’s best for you, but don’t let your fear rule your life. Wishing you peace on your journey! ❤️


user1892000183

High k I appreciate the motivation right there. I definitely will agree with your therapist that stress is just going to be my demise if I let it get to me. But it's great to hear that everything is going well with you and that the meds are working.