Propanol 80mg ?

[stillballin]

Hi there I went doctors as soon as I found out I was pregnant I'm on 80mg slow release propanol for anxiety I have very bad nerves and been on this medication for 3 years, the doctor said to continue taking it for the next 2 weeks but I have read online you should not take it at all, I think it's bad how she never even tried to give me a lower dosage, ive also read that it causes still births and now I'm scared to take it but without it I'm an absolute nervous wreck!! Baby is more important to me but I just find it hard to go to work when my nerves are bad! :( any advice

Also I am 5 weeks pregnant *

It can be more dangerous for baby if you don't listen to your doctor. Honestly, most anti-anxiety or depression medication is just untested during pregnancy (because it wouldn't be ethical) and so it's not possible to determine if it's safe or not.

I'd make another appointment to discuss your fears and develop a long term plan. It might help you to know what happens after the two weeks of your current medication.

Please don’t panic and don’t stop taking it cold turkey. I was taking 160mg SR propanolol when I found out I was pregnant. I spoke to the specialist who advised that while it is less than ideal as it causes growth restriction in the baby in 3rd trimester, it’s a cause of if mother needs it then it can be taken. I take them for chronic migraines prevention and neurological aura that accompanies it. I could not function without it... I have reduced my dose to 80mg to try to minimise the risks as much as I can. I have to have extra scans to monitor the babies growth from 28 weeks onwards. If baby is small then they will induce earlier.
The consultant never said that it causes still birth - just that it causes poor growth in last trimester.
If you need the meds then take them - your health is just as important as babies. Don’t feel guilty about taking what you need to get through x

This is the current research on propanalol from the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy site
www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Propranolol/

There is no evidence that it can increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

However high blood pressure in pregnancy can increase these risks, so it's important you continue to take the propanalol as prescribed and do not stop or reduce it unless your doctor advises you to do so.

My doctor told me to stop taking it when I asked at 5 weeks pregnant as not safe , I’m not telling you to stop just saying what mine said , I also stopped cold turkey I was on 20mg for anxiety, I felt really shakey and heart beating fast for a couple days then was fine. I don’t know what the dangers are from taking it obv all Docters say different things x

I was on 40mg of propanalol and the doctor told me to stop taking it - they swapped it for promethazine which is an anti histamine that can also be used for anxiety. I find it makes me feel jittery so have stopped taking it (I'm quite sensitive to most things) but you may find it can be a good alternative for you.