Can I take propanolol with low BP?

[Hannahbt582]

As it says in the title, is it safe to take propanolol with low BP? I have performance related anxiety and I have a big presentation to give soon. I've been prescribed propanolol to take an hour before the presentation but my bp is currently around 100/55 so I'm worried the propanolol will lower it further. My hr is around 75bpm.

Has anyone with low blood pressure taken propanolol for anxiety without any adverse effects?

When you say ‘soon’ OP, do you have time to ask your GP about it?

@Sevenamcoffee unfortunately not. My presentation is on Thursday and the next available appointment is in 2 weeks! I can't even get a phone appointment

I’ve got high blood pressure and take a different beta blocker (bisoprolol) and that lowers my blood pressure a lot. I would have thought it would lower your blood pressure. Have you ever taken beta blockers before? What about a private gp appointment to ask their advice?

I've taken propanolol quite a few times before but my bp was always more normal at around 115/65, but recently its been lower which is why I'm not sure whether or not to take it. I'd be taking 20mg, so not a big dose.
Can't really afford a private appointment at the moment...

I'm not a doc, but I don't think propranolol lowers your blood pressure that much. I know people who take propranolol + a blood pressure pill. If you're worried could you split the pill in half and only take 10 mg?

I have low BP and take 40 mg slow release propanolol.

Hi OP

I have always had naturally low BP. I am on Propranolol up to 20mg 3x a day. Personally it has never affected me in anyway other than intended. My BP usually sits at 100 systolic and I was just told not to take it again and to book an appt with my GP if I had any dizziness, weakness or blurry eye sight.

I've been on it several years now.

DD2 had to take it for a bit and has low to normal BP like me and it was fine but seemed to make her slightly drowsy to start with.

I would try it the day before to see how it makes you feel.

Why don't you ask a pharmacist? They will hopefully be able to advise you

If you speak to a pharmacist they should be able to advise you. I’m a nurse and could give you my thoughts but I don’t think it’s appropriate to take medical advise from strangers on the internet!

I have low blood pressure and take it daily - surely it wouldn’t have been prescribed to you if it was unsafe?

Thank you all, I will definitely try to speak to a pharmacist today.

@Cloudberry24 @Alohamora7 @Fraggeek can I ask how low your bp is?

Mines never anymore than 110/80 on average unless I'm unwell.

I don’t have a home monitor, but every time I’ve been in hospital overnight the nurses have told me I won’t be allowed home with such low BP (I was) and the two over-50s checks showed low BP - it’s my ‘normal’ but definitely considered low. I’ve taken propanolol on and off for 35 years for anxiety such as before exams or public speaking.

I know this post is old but I'm in a similar position to Op. I have a few big events coming up where I need to speak in front of 100 people. When this happens, my voice trembles, I shake, go red etc, a complete disaster! Nothing has worked, not even CBT. I've heard about propanolol and I am keen to take it but my BP sits at 100/62 and I worried that taking this might make me feel faint.
Has anyone used thus drug with a similar BP to mine? Just waiting to get an appointment with the GP to discuss further. Thanks