Need off propranolol slow release

[Imagineit]

Hi everyone, I was prescribed 80mg slow release propranolol 4 weeks ago for migraines. I need to come off as I believe it's having some nasty side effects. My doctor said I could just come off straight away (no tapering) but I'm slightly paranoid that my already horrible side effects will get worse. I can't sleep, eat and getting panic attacks. I need to feel more normal and feel like this drug is really messing me up so ideally I want to follow his advice and stop. Has anyone done this and been ok?

It's only 4 weeks and it isn't addictive, just stop. 4 weeks isn't enough to form a dependency.

Thanks so much for replying, this is exactly what I needed to hear.

Maybe have a word with your GP? I’m on propranolol for anxiety so it’s strange that it’s causing panic attacks. I’ve been on it for ages so I would need to taper off but not sure you would after 4 weeks.

I did question it and he said because slow release releases such a small amount at a time I can just stop

I take these have done on an off for years (anxiety). Never any bad side effects when I've stopped taking them. If your worried can you not just take half the dose for a couple of days then stop. Sure it will be fine just stopping tho.

I take up to 3 40mg per day. My gp has frequently said I can stop them at any point as the dose is low. I take them for anxiety, they can affect my sleep if I don’t take it early enough.

These are not an accumulative drug. It's like paracetamol, your body uses it and it's gone. So you can take it ad hoc. Completely different to SSRIs etc.

You can stop cold and then take one 6 days from now. It's not a problem.

Propranolol are beta blockers and if you're on a high dosage you can't just stop. It's not about addiction, propranolol isn't addictive

I agree, the leaflet does say to check with your doctor before stopping. My gp said my dose was low enough not to matter and the warning was for those using them for heart problems. Op’s dose is even lower but It’s always worth taking doctor advice with any prescribed medication.