Propranolol

Propranolol

£11.95

Propranolol tablets have a number of uses, including relieving the signs and effects of situational and social anxiety. The tablets normally take around 20 – 30 minutes to start working and may last for up to four hours. Propranolol is a beta-blocker, a group of medicines that were originally meant for treating heart conditions. This low dose has a small but noticeable effect on the blood vessels and heart. It prevents the heart from overworking in pressuring situations. It also hinders the effects of norepinephrine(stress hormone), which helps to further combat the physical signs of anxiety.

Start Assessment

Description

What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a prescription beta-blocker used to treat a range of heart and anxiety-related conditions. It helps lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and ease strain on the heart. Doctors commonly prescribe it to manage high blood pressure, angina, irregular heart rhythms, and to prevent migraines. It’s also used off-label to relieve physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tremors and a racing heartbeat.

What Is Propranolol Used For?

— Controls high blood pressure
— Reduces chest pain caused by angina
— Helps regulate irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
— Prevents migraine attacks
— Eases physical symptoms of anxiety, including shaking and rapid heartbeat

How Does Propranolol Work?

Propranolol blocks the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. This action:

— Slows the heart rate
— Lowers blood pressure
— Reduces strain on the heart
— Helps regulate blood flow to vital organs

For anxiety, it targets the body’s physical stress response—reducing symptoms like sweating, tremors, and palpitations without affecting mental alertness.

How Should Propranolol Be Taken?

Follow your doctor’s advice and dosage instructions carefully. Here’s a general guide:

— Take with or without food, but stay consistent with how you take it
— Swallow tablets whole with water—don’t crush or chew
— Stick to the prescribed dose and timing (usually once or twice daily)
— Don’t stop taking Propranolol suddenly unless advised by a doctor

Missing doses or stopping abruptly can affect your heart rhythm or blood pressure, so always consult your GP first.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Like all medicines, Propranolol can cause side effects—although not everyone will experience them. Most are mild and go away with time.

Common side effects:

— Tiredness or fatigue
— Dizziness or light-headedness
— Cold hands or feet
— Slow heartbeat
— Sleep problems or vivid dreams

Uncommon or rare side effects:

— Nausea or diarrhoea
— Mood changes or depression
— Shortness of breath
— Impotence or reduced libido

Serious side effects (seek medical help):

— Worsening asthma symptoms (e.g. wheezing or breathlessness)
— Severe allergic reactions
— Sudden swelling of the face, lips, or throat

If anything feels unusual or persistent, speak to your GP as soon as possible.

Who Should Avoid Propranolol?

Propranolol may not be right for everyone. Avoid this treatment if:

— You have asthma or other serious breathing problems
— You suffer from very low blood pressure or slow heart rate
— There’s a history of heart block or heart failure
— You’re allergic to propranolol or any ingredient in the tablets
— You have untreated pheochromocytoma (a rare adrenal gland tumour)

Always let your doctor know about any medical conditions or medications before starting Propranolol.

How Should It Be Stored?

— Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C
— Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light
— Keep out of sight and reach of children
— Don’t use past the expiry date on the pack
— Return unused medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal

 

Directions

Propranolol is an oral medication that must be ingested as directed by the doctor and only after reading the instructions.

  • The drug can be taken with or without meals but it must be taken at the same time.
  • The tablets or capsules should be swallowed with water without chewing.
  • If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the forgotten one to avoid overdosing.

Ingredients

The inactive ingredients contained in propranolol include lactose, magnesium. Stearate, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose among others.

The active ingredient is propranolol hydrochloride.

Warnings

  • If you have asthma or a critical heart condition, do not take propranolol.
  • Before taking Propranolol, speak with your doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant or if you’re already pregnant.
  • Other medicines may counteract the effects of propranolol so you should consult with your doctor if you are under any medication.
  • Avoid alcohol when taking propranolol since an increase in the levels of propranolol in the body can cause massive side effects.

  • Propranolol is prescribed to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, angina (chest pain), and to prevent migraines. It’s also used off-label to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heart rate and shaking.

  • Propranolol usually starts working within 1 to 2 hours after taking a dose. For anxiety, the physical symptoms like a racing heart or trembling often ease quite quickly.

  • Yes, many doctors prescribe Propranolol off-label to help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, especially in situations like public speaking or performance anxiety.

  • It’s best to limit alcohol while using Propranolol. Alcohol can increase the medicine’s blood pressure-lowering effect, which might make you feel dizzy or lightheaded—especially when standing up.

  • That depends on your condition. Some people take it daily for high blood pressure or migraines, while others use it occasionally for anxiety. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.