When does Propranolol kick in and can it play a significant role in treating symptoms of Anxiety?
Your symptoms may include chest pain, heart palpitations, cold sweats, shortness of breath, panic attacks or phobias.[1]
If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, your doctor may want to explore the possibility that you have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is a condition that affects many people. While many treatments are available, not all of them work for everyone. One treatment that is effective for some people is Propranolol.
This post will provide all the information on how Propranolol can help relieve anxiety symptoms, and answer questions you may have, such as ‘when does Propranolol kick in?’ And ‘How much propranolol should I take?’
What Is Propranolol and when does Propranolol kick in?
Propranolol is a medication used to treat heart problems, anxiety, and migraines. It belongs to a group of medications beta-blockers.[2]
Also, it treats several problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Prevent future heart issues and strokes
- Prevent chest pain caused by angina
Propranolol is a prescription-only medication. It comes in several forms, including a liquid that you swallow and slow-release capsules.
How can Propranolol help with Anxiety?
Technically, it’s not an anti-anxiety medicine. But it helps to prevent the physical symptoms of anxiety, including:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Palpitations
- Shaky hands
- Sweating and shaking
When you feel anxious, your brain produces chemicals called adrenaline and noradrenaline.[3]
These chemicals make your heart rate faster and make you sweat or shake.
Propranolol blocks the effects of chemical messenger adrenaline and noradrenaline. So this is how it reduces the physical signs of anxiety.
When does Propranolol kick in?
Propranolol starts working instantly to relieve anxiety symptoms. It takes effect in between 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for about 3 to 4 hours.
Note: You might experience these effects up to 12 hours after taking this drug.
How often can you take Propranolol for Anxiety?
It’s recommended to take 40 mg once a day. You can take it three times a day if your doctor allows it. [4]
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting the medication.
Are there any side effects to taking Propranolol for Anxiety?
As with all medicines, Propranolol can cause side effects in some people. However, most people have no side effects or are just minor side effects.
Common side effects
So let’s take a look at a few common side effects:
- Headache
- Cold fingers or toes
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigued, dizzy or weak
- Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- Stomach pain
According to the NHS, these common side effects could happen in 1 out of 100 people. [5]
Furthermore, these symptoms are mild and short-lived.
Talk to your doctor if any of those symptoms bother you for more than a few days.
When does Propranolol kick in and are there serious side effects?
Propranolol is typically a safe medication to take, but some people can have serious side effects because of it.
Some severe side effects include:
- The whites of eyes become yellowish
- The skin turns yellow (less observable on brown and dark skins)
- Liver problems (pale poo or dark pee)
- Nose bleeding
- Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets count)
If you feel any of those symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions
Propranolol may rarely cause any allergic reaction, such as:
- Skin rash
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble breathing
- Mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
If you feel any of these conditions, stop taking medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
Who shouldn’t take Propranolol?
Propranolol is generally safe for most adults & children over the age of 12. But, It is not officially approved for treating high blood pressure in children under 12 years old. [6]
The medication is not safe for everyone; make sure to tell your doctor before taking Propranolol, if you:
- Ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine
- Have slow heart rate or blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Have kidney or liver problems
- Have severe blood pressure problems
- Have metabolic acidosis
- Asthma or lung disease
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
What else can Propranolol tablets be used to treat?
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can treat a variety of conditions. Besides anxiety, It’s used to treat other conditions as well, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Excessive thyroid hormone (Thyrotoxicosis)
Where can I buy Propranolol for Anxiety?
Propranolol is a prescription-only medication, which isn’t available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. However, you can order it online from our online pharmacy E-Surgery if you have previously been prescribed.
Simply follow these three steps:
• Go to the product page (Propranolol)
• Complete the health questionnaire
• The medication will be delivered to your doorstep (find out more about how it works!)
It’s recommended to talk to your doctor before taking any new medications.
Conclusion
People who suffer from situational anxiety may find relief from Propranolol. The medicine belongs to the beta-blockers, and it’s also used for other conditions including, heart problems and migraines. It starts working within 30 to 60 minutes.
The medication is safe to use for most people. But, if you feel any side effects, stop taking it immediately.
It is always recommended to speak with your doctor before starting a new medication.
Sources
- Anxiety Symptoms | Healthline
- About Propranolol | NHS
- How Propranolol Works | NHS
- Dosage | E-Surgery
- Side Effects | NHS
- Who Shouldn’t Take | NHS