Can someone please talk to me about propranolol?

[Mushroomburger17]

Hi, I've recently started having panic attacks and obviously it's horrendous and affecting my life. There's been some pretty rubbish low level things happening and some big life events etc. so I do kind of understand where it's come from. I've had some CBT which was wonderful but came to end, and I've felt panic every day since the counselling ended.

I'm seeing a new private counsellor tomorrow so hopefully that's the start of something good.

Meanwhile I've had a panic attack today that disrupted everything. I feel like my chest is tight and I can't breathe. Had ECG and all fine. Blood pressure all ok. I've been given propranolol but I'm scared to take it as I understand that the side effects can mimic panic attacks. Can anyone offer any knowledge? I've calmed down somewhat and am reluctant to increase those feelings again. Should I try and deal with it through relaxation first?

I was on propranolol 3x a day when my anxiety was at it's worse. For me personally it really helped, and over time my doesage has been reduced. The only side effect I experienced was feeling more tierd than normal, I only experienced this for the first 2 or 3 weeks. I also used to listen to relaxation before going to sleep which helped settle me.

I used to take 40mg in the morning and it was amazing stuff.
I would strongly recommend you avoid taking after about 4pm as it inhibits melatonin production so messes up sleep.
What worked for me was propranolol in the morning and a glass of wine at night!
It is brilliant and not addictive.

Thanks both. I've been told to take it when anxiety is bad I.e. a panic attack, and not for everyday use. Do you think it would work? I get a horrible tight chest rather than palpitations at the moment. These days I have a fear of medication, previously I'd have necked anything!

I was on 3x 40mg daily at first, maybe this is why I experienced side effects.

I used to be on propanorol, although used to treat my essential tremor.
I could take daily in the morning or just as and when I had a bad day.
Tbh it did nothing for my condition and made me feel a bit spaced out.
Granted I needed them for a totally different reason to yourself.
Give them a try, you can always ask for something else

I take it - it works pretty much instantly. I take 80mg every morning. Recently due to an illness I've had really severe panic attacks (up to 20 a day) and have just been prescribed Mirtazepine which i take at night - also works instantly and has a long lasting effect. I feel for you!

Thanks. I think I'll end up having to take one.

I love it. When my anxiety was very bad I was prescribed 3x40mg per day. This was for a couple of weeks. Then once it went away (with help from homeopathy too) I just needed it when I was in stressful situations which could cause a panic attack. I take one now if I have a big presentation or job interview.

Thanks. This all sounds really positive. Not sure whether to go on sertraline too. The gp kept pushing it. I've had it for pnd but didn't really want a long term drug. I suppose it depends on how bad the anxiety gets.

Had a right chest for 2 days. I guess it will wear off eventually.

*tight.

I had both setraline and propranolol. Just think of them as a short term solution, things will hopefully improve and then your dose can be reduce( under the guidance of your GP)

Thanks. I'm back at gps next week so will probably ask for sertraline and have a think about it. I think it gave me nightmares but I have those anyway!

Did anyone gain weight with it? I realise that's not "important" but hand in hand with my anxiety que some pretty heave self esteem issues, gaining (more) would be shit right now

I couldnt tell as i was carrying lots from my previous pregnancies and probably wasnt trying hard enough to lose as i thought i was. I agree though, it would be really bad for me to put weight on now.

I absolutely loved it - really helped me get through a period of anxiety. Didn't work initially, dose was increased and it was brilliant.

Propranolol, CBT, counselling and citalopram actually cured my panic attacks completely. I found the propranolol really helped
Weirdly what also helped was exercise, it sort of reassured me that heart racing, sweaty and out of breath could be good

Mswater, I found that I was eating more whilst taking it but I had lost a lot of weight so I'm a way it was good for me 🙂
But can understand why people don't want to generally put on weight.

I take 80mg a day for my essential tremor and haven't experienced any side effects plus it works.

Mushroom, try not to focus on the negatives of these medications - i do too sometimes and that's ironically mainly because of my anxiety - but they can help so much, giving you back your equanimity and calm and helping you to deal with the issues underneath. I battled having them, but we can withdraw from them slowly when the time is right. Think of it like a painkiller for your mind which will help you deal with the pain while your mind recovers. Good luck today x

Lovely post and well timed. Sitting here trying to be positive. Trying to be positive about meeting my new counsellor later but scared yesterday's panic will come back. Ive decided to take a propranolol if it does. At my gp appointment next week ill get the sertraline and keep it in my drawer and assess how things go and if i neef to take it. Therapy has always been a winner for me so fingers crossed.

Some big life changes in the next few weeks and months so need to be at the top of my game. No pressure!

I'm sorry to hear you're going through such a rough time.