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Original poster

Anyone taken Propranolol for nerves?

17 replies

HighlandWorrier · 07/05/2019 16:50

Started another thread asking if anyone had taken Diazepam and a few people suggested Propranolol which is what my doctor has just prescribed me. 80mcg long acting dose to take in the few days leading up to my next piano exam which tends to make me incredibly nervous, shaking hands etc. Not generally nervous in day to day life but anything like exams, interviews etc get me worked up.

Just wondering how it has helped any others any good or bad experiences?

OP posts:

Cocolapew · 07/05/2019 16:53

I've taken and found it helped with the physical side of anxiety very well. My DD has been on it for 5 years and its helped her a lot .

Bobbindobbin · 07/05/2019 16:54

I do on and off, I always ask for a prescription to get through Christmas.

Mumoftwo1980 · 07/05/2019 16:58

I have taken this for a few years on and off on the lead up to events. I have found it to work really well and would recommend it.

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Gingervitis · 07/05/2019 17:01

Yes, I actually take it long term for migraine but I've been known to take an extra one on the morning of a big presentation. It really helps, it reduces the shakes and that breathless panicky sensation.

Mumsymumphy · 07/05/2019 17:01

I was on it for a couple of months when i had post natal panic disorder. My mum used to take one before she went on stage in dance shows, swore by it.

ChodeofChodeHall · 07/05/2019 17:04

I take it long term for anxiety. It is a very safe drug with minimal side effects. You'll be grand. Good luck in your exam!

ThePerturbedPenguin · 07/05/2019 17:07

Yes I take it, it completely calms down the physical effects of anxiety - shaky hands, unsteady breathing, increased heart rate, feeling clammy etc.

flameycakes · 07/05/2019 17:15

I was given then for severe migraines brought on by stress x

Karmin · 07/05/2019 17:19

I take 80mg twice a day, it enables me to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, no issues if I miss a dose as it is short lasting. Didn't see your other thread but I also take up to 10mg of diazepam as and when. I prefer the propanalol as I feel in charge of my brain, whereas diazepam is very effective, but takes me out of reality

Bringbackthestripes · 07/05/2019 17:20

Same experience as pp have said, it stops the shaking, shallow breathing and panicky feeling and palpitations. I don’t take it all the time -I did take it twice daily for a couple of years whilst suffering bullying at work- but it really helps when I have something big to get through. I hope you find it works for you.

conhill · 07/05/2019 17:27

I took propranolol for my piano exam, but just one tablet on the day. It did the trick and stopped the hand shaking which was great. I still felt nervous but in a good way IYSWIM. It's the only time I have taken it as I had terrible handshaking in a previous exam. Will be taking it for next exam!

Original poster

HighlandWorrier · 07/05/2019 18:18

Thanks all for the positive stories. I will try one or two out before the exam date to make sure I feel ok on it. DH is shaking his head he thinks a bit of nerves is good and I'm silly to want to medicate for it. But if it's the difference between feeling relaxed and confident instead of a bag of nerves surely it's worth it for the odd occasion?

OP posts:

ThePerturbedPenguin · 07/05/2019 18:41

If your anxiety means you are unable to function properly and do not perform as you would usually, then absolutely you should take them and there's no shame in it. It's certainly not silly. Is your DH supportive usually?

ThePerturbedPenguin · 07/05/2019 18:42

Longer term obviously I think it might be a good idea to look at some talking therapies, perhaps, but there;s nothing wrong with taking medication in the short term.

SpaceCadet4000 · 07/05/2019 19:17

I was prescribed short term whilst I waited for and completed CBT. It helped me get through a tough period, but the CBT was the game changer for me. If I struggled again, I'd definitely use it though.

polarpig · 07/05/2019 19:30

I would not have coped without them

Peacocking · 08/05/2019 07:11

I'm prescribed it too. It's been very useful, the one time it did negatively affect me was when I was doing some very strenuous gardening. I nearly fainted and was out of sorts for quite a while. Otherwise it's been fine and been useful. I'm on 80mg slow release up to 2 x daily as required.

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