Propranolol help

[DancingButterflies]

I started taking propranolol for migraines nearly 2 weeks ago. 2 tablets a day.

However they are making me feel dreadful, so so tired, even sleepy, slow, dizzy, faint, scared and generally unwell.

I want to stop taking them but I know you shouldn’t just stop propranolol.

Im on vacation at the moment, in bed, feeling awful and frightened. I know I’m experiencing a blood pressure drop. I’ve had rehydration salts; and plan a nap.

Any advice?
Thank you

Just stop them, they aren't for you. They weren't for me either.

There are loads of other options for migraine preventer but finding the right one can be very hit and miss.

You wont be addicted after 2 weeks, but maybe go to one at night instead of twice a day.

Propranolol isn't addictive.

What dosage is that? You should be fine to just stop though, they are often used for situational reasons.

they also make me go light headed too, I can’t really run if I take them 😔

I would probably cut down to one a day and see how that goes. I’m a nurse - they may just not be the right meds for you x

It’s fine to stop taking it. It’s not addictive and you don’t develop a tolerance or anything.

I was advised to wean off because it's keeping your heart rate low and better not to let it rise too quickly. I also got palpitations when I stopped

What dose are you on at the moment?

You can stop. You're not taking them for heart issues.

However, it took me a few weeks before I got used to them. Maybe half the dose for the minute until you're used to them. What dose are you on?

Thanks all. I've just woken up and feel a lot better. Not going to lie, I thought I’d had it.

To answer your questions, I was prescribed 40mg twice a day.

Funnily enough the first 4-5 days I had no side effects, other than a pleasant calming. But then the side effects have gradually gotten worse until today I thought I was dying.

I will stop them I think. I don’t ever want to feel like that again.

Thank you all, very reassuring to wake up to these messages and feel able to stop the tablets with immediate effect.

I've experienced the same as you -it's a horrible feeling. 40mg twice a day is definitely too much for me. If you want to stop more slowly, I'd have just one in the morning as you're more active during the day, so blood pressure won't fall as much, then stop completely after a few days.

@DancingButterflies I didn’t think they were meant to start immediately on a therapeutic dose, for prophylactic treatment I thought the point was to start low ( about 10mg) then titrate upwards depending on balance of side effects versus benefit? Perhaps do some research and check with a pharmacist (see eg. Example of dosing increases from Cambridge uni hospital trust) https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/propranolol-refractory-headache-pathway/

I would suggest you try a lower dose first. Cut the tabs in half and try them at 20 mg. I was on that does. In fact I think it was even higher maybe 120mg over a day. It was for anxiety.
I did get tired and a bit light headed and got cold easier but it did settle.

So, it’s been over 24 hours since I last took a tablet and I feel good. Much clearer headed. More energy. Happier. Thanks again all.