Propranolol and herbal sleeping pills

[whatadrain]

Long story short - I'm exhausted.

I've been taking 40mg of propranolol for heart palpitations and it's been working a treat. However, ever since I've been taking it I've barely slept. Out of desperation, I bought some herbal sleeping tablets (Hops, Valerian, Passion flower) but the leaflet says to avoid taking them with beta blockers.

I can't find anything online that explains why or what the effect would be. Would it really be so bad?

[MagpieCursedTea]

I don't know the specific reason in this case. However I wouldn't discount drug interactions just because one of the drugs is a herbal remedy, they can be just as potent as regular medication. I do sympathise about the insomnia though, what has your doctor said about it?

[FeelTheNoise]

I'm watching with interest as I've taken kalms with beta blockers before

[whatadrain]

I will see my GP but I don't want to waste the OOH GP's time because I'm tired.

Honestly, I can't go until Monday without sleep. I don't think anything dire will happen, I just want to know what the risk is! If I find out I will update.

[Mostlyjustaluker]

Go and speak to a pharmacist at a chemist. They will be the best person to answer your query.

[Mostlyjustaluker]

Sleeping meds are only designed to be a short term solution.

[MerdeAlor]

How about trying an anti histamine instead? The ones without the stimulants can help with sleep as can travel anti sickness tablets.

[MerdeAlor]

Not sure if you can get phenergan without a prescription but if you can, buy those. They are heavy duty anti histamines that have a strong sedative effect. You can take them 90 minutes before bed.

[whatadrain]

Antihistamine is a brilliant idea - I have some Phenergan. I know it's not a proper solution but I just need something in the interim until I can get an appointment. Thank you so much!

[MerdeAlor]

Glad to help

[Reredos]

The heart palpitations and not sleeping could be related. I had both last year and discovered that I was hyper-thyroid. It might be worth having a blood test to check.

[whatadrain]

Wow threeshoes that is scary!!

I've got to go back next week anyway so I will mention it then - thank you!