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Original poster

Propanolol for migraines - what dosage?

35 replies

Sendpegs · 14/05/2023 21:22

I have chronic migraine for which I'm prescribed noritryptiline, that used to work but not any longer.

I'm also prescribed beta blockers to take as and when for panic attacks (10mg) but have read alot of anecdotes about how propanolol really helped peoples migraines.

If you were prescribed Propanolol for migraines what dose was you (or somebody you know) on?

I'm thinking of asking my doctor if we can increase the Propanolol in line with what is helpful for migraine. I'm at my wits end with the daily pain atm.

OP posts:
Spinningscrewdrivers · 14/05/2023 21:32

I take 10mg twice a day - migraines have decreased from once a week to once every 6-8 weeks

Original poster
Sendpegs · 14/05/2023 21:39

Spinningscrewdrivers · 14/05/2023 21:32

I take 10mg twice a day - migraines have decreased from once a week to once every 6-8 weeks

That's a great improvement!

I take 10mg in the morning and occasionally another one later in the day but the second one isn't consistent so I haven't really committed to a fixed dose iyswim?

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 14/05/2023 21:43

Propranolol did nothing for my chronic migraine at all I'm afraid. I think I was on 40mg twice daily.

USaYwHatNow · 14/05/2023 21:44

I was on 40mg twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening

SecretVictoria · 14/05/2023 21:44

I was on 10mg 3 x a day. I’m now on 20mg 2 x a day. Not been on it for long enough to tell if it makes a difference yet.

Mummydoctor · 14/05/2023 21:45

I take 80mg modified release but have been on 160mg in the past. Mine are much better controlled on this than on amitriptylline.

USaYwHatNow · 14/05/2023 21:45

It sorrrrt of helped my migraine but what it really DID do was made me realise how highly strung I was 😂 as soon as I started taking them nothing bothered me I was sooooo chilled out 😂

Original poster
Sendpegs · 14/05/2023 21:46

PinkFootstool · 14/05/2023 21:43

Propranolol did nothing for my chronic migraine at all I'm afraid. I think I was on 40mg twice daily.

Did you manage to find anything that did help?

OP posts:
bryceQ · 14/05/2023 21:50

I take 2 tablets twice a day so assume that's 40mg.

Its changed my life.

But I know my migraines were caused by stress so it's understandable it's helping me

Original poster
Sendpegs · 14/05/2023 21:50

A mixed bag it seems!

I've heard amazing things about Ajovy but can't have that due to the risk of it rapidly increasing BP. I've got a condition which makes that potentially fatal so that's a no go.

Noritryptiline worked great for a few weeks but would always stop working shortly after and I kept having to titrate up.

I'm currently on 50mg. I don't think I want to go any higher than this if its going to keep going backwards after a week. I know it's a hard drug to come off withdrawal wise.

OP posts:
KingPrinceCharles · 14/05/2023 21:50

Does Sumatriptan work at all for you OP?

Original poster
Sendpegs · 14/05/2023 21:55

KingPrinceCharles · 14/05/2023 21:50

Does Sumatriptan work at all for you OP?

It works very well usually yes, I've been told not to take it any longer though as I've been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Hopefully I'll be able to take it again after I've had my operation.

OP posts:
KingPrinceCharles · 14/05/2023 21:58

Oh, I'm sorry to hear you have an aneurysm. Do you know what specifically triggers your migraines?

WouldYouLikeYourMuffinButtered · 14/05/2023 21:59

I had it for heart problems. It gave the awful side effect of my hands itching on the inside. Apparently quite common

PinkFootstool · 14/05/2023 21:59

@Sendpegs well yes, but it's taken a good 20yrs and multiple medications.... I'm now under neurology, I used to have Botox with them and I'm now on monthly CGRP injections which are a very new treatment in England. This has been life changing for me.

I've previously tried a huge list of medication, you name the latest fad and I've tried it, every alternative therapy, every gadget, daith piercings, pilates, massage, acupuncture - I can't think of it all. I've spent an absolute fortune over the years.

However, lots of these things work for other people long before they get as ill as me - I just seem to be either resistant to lots of treatments or they wear off very quickly!

Try the propanalol - it works for lots of other people.

Melonportal · 14/05/2023 22:09

80mg modified release. It works very well for me. I get far fewer migraines and the ones I have are more manageable.

Original poster
Sendpegs · 14/05/2023 22:20

The theory of neurology is that sepsis triggered the migraines, either the sepsis itself or the stress that period had on my body and mental health as the migraines started as soon as I left the hospital after a 2 week stay.

I've been a abandoned by the headache specialist I'm under unfortunately. I was due a follow up appointment after nerve blocks that didn't work, I emailed her the other day and she said she was off for an extended period. No offer to have me seen by anyone else.

There seems to be so many triggers. Perfume, deodorant, stress, the lighting in supermarkets, bright sun, spending too long sat at my desk on the computer, lack of sleep, chocolate.

I've tried to eliminate what I can from that list but am still getting them almost daily, often with no identifiable trigger. I'm currently on an 8 day streak of having a really bad one every day. I sleep it off during the night but by lunch the next day its back.

For me they affect the base of my skull, my neck, behind my eyes and upper back.

My posture is quite poor due to the work I do, sitting at my desk, so I do need to work on that.

OP posts:
KingPrinceCharles · 14/05/2023 22:34

OP I'm so sorry to hear how badly you are suffering and the amount of triggers you have. Hopefully your GP can advise what you can try or whether additional propranolol is suitable until after your surgery, when, as you say, you may be able to resume the sumatriptan. I hope you feel better soon.

RedSnail · 15/05/2023 23:20

I take 40mg propanolol 3x a day for migraine prevention and anxiety

Original poster
Sendpegs · 16/05/2023 08:38

I've added an additional 10mg to my 10mg morning dose and touch wood.. I had less pain yesterday than the last week. Not perfect but definitely better. I've also bought some feverfew supplements as I hear they do good too.

Got a doctors apt on Thursday to discuss.

OP posts:
Primulabrandyb · 16/05/2023 20:58

I was on 80mg extended release once a day. To be honest it didn't help much and I felt groggy and low energy when taking it. My migraines are mostly hormonal so that might be why it didn't help me.

Whirlwindinacup · 16/05/2023 22:06

I was taking a really low dose, I can't remember how much, I think 10mg 3 times a day but starter experiencing night terrors and walked off the end of the bed and hit my head on a desk! As soon as I stopped, they went away. I saw a chiropractor and have never had migraines again, apart from when my posture is bad so think it's a warning sign and the medicine will cover up something that needs to be addressed.

headache · 17/05/2023 23:26

Did nothing for mine
I now take topiramate and sumatriptan

bluetongue · 18/05/2023 09:59

I take triptans for my migraines but tried propranolol for interview anxiety and it gave me awful insomnia. Does anyone else have this issue with it?

gamerchick · 18/05/2023 10:00

40mg here. I didn't take it for migraine but I didn't get one while I was on it.

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