What does propanolol do?

[hotchocolate86]

I appreciate this may sound like a bit of a silly question but I have been prescribed propanolol for anxiety. The thing is I don’t really understand how it works or how it will make me feel. Does it work instantly? I have a tight chest through anxiety and intrusive thoughts? Does it work to relieve those symptoms? I haven’t taken it yet as I just don’t know what to expect and I’m scared it’s gojng to make me feel weird.

Thank you for all these responses. I definitely have a better understanding of how they work and it’s really helpful and interesting to read other people’s stories of how they have helped.

Just to say that nowadays I take it as and when, if I know I'm going to be in a situation that causes anxiety to me I'll have one.

As per my post below my GP told me I shouldn't take it on an adhoc basis. He thought it wasn't good to take it some days and then not others. Sounds like other posters were given different advice- maybe speak to GP OP......

I take it as and when as well. I can even take more than prescribed if I need it.

It takes about 40 minutes to kick in. When I first started taking it I remember describing it as this sudden wave of enforced calm. Your stomach unknots and you heart stops racing and the shakes settle. It's really quite pleasant.

am late to this thread, but have been prescribed propanolol 10mg tabs 1 or 2 twice a day, is this the lowest dose to take?

am confused as this means I could potentially take either 10mg a day or 40mg a day, which to me is a huge difference, so not sure what to take?

and does it help with occasional headaches as well as anxiety?

sorry meant either 20mg or 40mg a day

Saved my life and transformed my life it did, and continues to.

I find I can cope with the mental parts of anxiety when the physical sides are controlled.

can I ask how much everyone takes, am very confused what to take, either 20mg or 40mg a day