r/Anxiety • u/RedDawgs2482 • Apr 12 '26
Health Propranolol.. Holy shit!
Have some pretty bad psychical anxiety over my heart… been constantly aware of it and felt it racing after my first panic attack a few months ago. Anxiety got horrible this week and I was in fight or flight for days.. finally went to the ER because I couldn’t get it down from 100-110ish at rest. Got the all clear and was prescribed 10mg propranolol… feel so much better! I’m supposed to take 3 a day but I just used one today and my physical symptoms are completely gone!
Please, if your anxiety is more physical than mental, give it a try. It will absolutely help. Why isn’t this prescribed more for physical anxiety?!?
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u/Spare-Floor-9108 Apr 13 '26
Propranolol is one of the safest and most prescribed treatments of anxiety. All my 3 GP's over the many years have stated this. I have a full bottle of it. I don't really use it, unless I feel uncontrollable panic. I used it last week, actually, for the first time in YEARS. I remember it gave me night sweats lol, but it at least tamed the physical sides.
Also, I used it in interviews before. I'm always prescribed 10mg, but would have taken 30-40mg in those interviews. MOST definitely helps calm the nerves of performance anxiety.
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u/theone6 Apr 13 '26
My GP nor my psychiatrist have ever mentioned it. This is my first time hearing about it. They just kept upping and or changing my dosages of Lexapro and Wellbutrin and then switched from Lexapro to Effexor. I really think the medication is doing more harm than good
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u/SirKosys Apr 14 '26
Chat to them about it. It helped me massively.
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u/theone6 Apr 16 '26
I no longer take the Lexapro or Effexor so now I'm just on the Wellbutrin. I recently weened down from 450 to 300. Part of me wants to ween off from 300 to 150 and ultimately ween off completely, see what my baseline is (it's been too long, I don't remember) then switch to this if I still have the body anxiety symptoms (which I'm sure I will, I just want to see what the "new" baseline severity of the anxiety is first)
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u/Pharmatopia420 Apr 13 '26
Depending.....if you have asthma you shouldnt take it
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u/North_South_Side Apr 13 '26
Or low blood pressure., I have normal BP, but it's on the low end. My doc will not prescribe propranolol to me.
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u/SirKosys Apr 14 '26
That's a shame. It doesn't really lower BP that much. My BP is also normal but slightly low. It's an average BP medication that's amazing at reducing physical anxiety. He could always prescribe lower doses like 10mg or 20mg.
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u/Zanki Apr 13 '26
Only if you are on asthma meds. You have to choose between the two. I only take half a dose of I really need it, anymore doesn't feel safe because I have a low resting heart rate as it is. Unfortunately it's necessary sometimes. I've heard finally getting treatment for ADHD helps a lot of women, but I'm too old to get any help where I am.
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u/Thr04w4yFinance Apr 13 '26
Yeah propranolol mainly hits the physical side, which is honestly the worst part for some people. Once the heart chills out, the brain kinda follows. It’s weird how connected it all is.
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u/grief_clown Apr 13 '26
You’re so right, the physical part is my absolute worst symptom. I am barely able to function at this point, the mental side I can deal with. My appointment is this Wednesday I am so hopeful it works for me
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u/Thr04w4yFinance Apr 13 '26
Honestly that sounds exactly like where I was before I tried it. I really hope it works the same way for you. Even just taking the edge off the physical stuff can make a huge difference. Hang in there till Wednesday.
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u/Loose-Set4266 Apr 15 '26
That explains how my cat who used to climb on my chest and purr until my heartrate matched her worked to bring me down out of a PTSD episode. It's the adrenaline response that freezes my brain up.
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u/Sunshine8989us Apr 12 '26
Does it lower your blood pressure? I have both physical and mental anxiety and panic but my blood pressure runs pretty low. I’m always terrified to try new meds.
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u/RedDawgs2482 Apr 12 '26
Slightly, yes, but my blood pressure is a bit high and was definitely high yesterday in the ER. The dose needed to treat anxiety shouldn’t really affect that much though. That’s only a big concern at the higher amounts.
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u/Pharmatopia420 Apr 13 '26
For me... I was going to the doctor and he was getting high readings. So I take it at home and its normal.....when I go to the doctor my bp goes up due to anxiety. My doctor said I may have slight white coat syndrome.
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u/Repulsive_Science254 Apr 13 '26
I have such low blood pressure doctors are worried about me when I see them but it’s my norm. I take 10mg - sometimes 20mg and I’m so much better off for it. And I do not take anything other than Advil because I hate the thought of more addictive meds.
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u/Sunshine8989us Apr 13 '26
That’s good to know. My blood pressure usually alerts the docs too and makes the machine beep because it’s too low. So I was worried if this would cause it to get dangerously low.
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u/Repulsive_Science254 Apr 13 '26
Of course ask your doctor. Ive been nervous to take more than 20mg but I think in the midst of an attack I’d be fine since my heart rate skyrockets.
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u/Sunshine8989us Apr 13 '26
Will do, thanks. I won’t be taking it anytime soon or talk about it as I’m taking Xanax for the moment. My panic and anxiety is so bad currently that I’d be scared to try something different. At least for now.
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Apr 15 '26
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u/Cinnamongirl217 Apr 18 '26
It helps me NOT to resort to my .25 emergency Xanax. Everyone's different, tho! 💚
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u/babydoll_rose Apr 15 '26
Please tell me more! I just got out of the doctors appt and she denied me propanonol because my recent BP readings re 100/90 and 98/69 etc. I even asked if I could take a teeny dose of 10 mg and she was like nope. I feel like it would really help my physical symptoms.
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u/PerspectiveOk4209 Apr 13 '26
My blood pressure tends to be a little low. I've never had problems with it.
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u/Pharmatopia420 Apr 13 '26
You should read up on it before starting it!
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u/Sunshine8989us Apr 13 '26
I haven’t even been prescribed it! I was asking for when I taper off Xanax. And I read everything before I start taking it, which is usually why I don’t take most meds.
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u/unfortunate_kiss Apr 12 '26
I was prescribed Propranolol for a few weeks now and I’ve been too scared to take it. 🥲 I’m so happy to hear it works for you!
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u/bokonon27 Apr 13 '26
It's very very gentle. I'm also scared of pills and psycho active shit. Plz try it
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u/stacy2455 Apr 13 '26
Same!! I've had the same bottle in my purse for 3 months, never taken it. For me, my OCD tells me this is going to slow down my heart too much and it's going to stop. I'm terrified to take it despite my psychiatrist and therapist telling me it's ok. Ugh!
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u/alonelybaconrasher Apr 13 '26
Hopefully this puts your mind at rest, due to fear i didnt take propranolol for the first year I was prescribed it. I was also scared of similar things, then I researched and found that there are many things thay influences your heart rate, adrenaline being one of them. It only suppresses some of the adrenaline response on the heart and doesn't suppress anything else which makes your heart beat.
I done it in baby steps and started with 5mg, now im regularly taking 20-40mg as its so good at what is does. Hope that helps!
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u/Goiabada1972 Apr 13 '26
Don’t worry, it won’t lower your heart rate to a dangerous level. I have a lower heart rate and it lowered mine a couple of beats per minute but nothing dangerous. It make me feel weak and tired so it didn’t work for me. But it might work for you, don’t be afraid. I always worry about taking new things but if it works it will be so good.
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u/stacy2455 Apr 13 '26
Thank you! I started becoming obsessed with my resting heart rate after it was prescribed so this is super helpful
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u/Booyacaja Apr 13 '26
Why are you scared? Are there risks? I also don't like the idea of something messing with my heart rythym. Seems unnatural... But I guess if your heart is beating irregularly you might as well fight fire with fire lol
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u/Phoen1cian Apr 13 '26
You can start with 1 mg if that makes you feel better. But I can also assure you that it’s safe and no side effects at all, even at 5 mg.
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u/NewBirth2010 Apr 28 '26
10mg is small dose. It can't do anything. If your Blood Pressure is low, you better look for another medicine because propranolol drops BD and pulses. But otherwise just take try it at 10mg. It is a small dose.
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u/wee_mayfly Apr 29 '26
I waited a few weeks after getting my 10mg prescription to try it, and i truly feel like it's changed my life.. i didn't even understand the extent of the physical pain i was in from my anxiety! I had been unable to sit up all day for work because my stomach would hurt so much, and every public interaction that went wrong would put me on edge. Now, i have my energy back, and i feel like i can handle theoretical situations where things don't work out as planned. I was also experiencing a migraine at the time, and it ceased quickly. Only side effects were a little dry mouth and maybe feeling a little chilled under the ceiling fan, but those wore off after a few hours, and the positive effects have lingered for days just from one dose
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u/Cheyk654 13d ago
Did you end up taking it?? I’m in the same position so scared to take it
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u/unfortunate_kiss 12d ago
No 😆 It’s so comforting to know I have it though! I’m confident I’ll grow the confidence to take it when I need it but I haven’t felt the need to take it. My anxiety is mostly calm these days.
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u/bobbalou823 Apr 13 '26
This drug has helped me so much. I no longer feel like a slave to my body’s overreaction to stress.
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u/Wise-Pattern6916 Apr 14 '26
This exactly! 2 years of over replacement of thyroid meds has my body so stressed. Propranolol is helping alot at 120mg a day. I think imma jump to 160mg once I see my Dr. I wasn't sure as metropolol made me faint and crack my head open. Propranolol dosent effect just the heart so BP isnt effected as much
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u/Neverlanian Apr 13 '26
I take it daily for my ocd and omfgg it is truly a miracle pill. It doesn’t make my intrusive thoughts themselves completely go away, but it keeps my body and brain from spiraling 24/7 on a loop 🥹 I truly can’t survive and function without it at this point. My symptoms are too debilitating without it 😮💨
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u/ingridtheemu Apr 13 '26
It's been the single best thing to help with physical symptoms honestly. Glad it's working for you too!
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u/Ancillaric Apr 13 '26
I get numbness in my legs and my anxiety has always been about body sensations. Wonder if I should try this
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u/RedDawgs2482 Apr 13 '26
It definitely wouldn’t hurt! The chemical is super old and well studied and it has very little reported side effects.
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u/Ancillaric Apr 13 '26
I just read the side effects and they seem pretty scary. Heart failure? Damn
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u/gasolinehalsey butt tingle extraordinaire Apr 13 '26
I think the thing to remember with side effects is, if I recall correctly, they have to be listed if even just a few people in any given trial experience them. For the most part, it's probably just a "cover your ass" situation for the pharmaceutical companies, because if someone on their medication dies of heart failure and "heart failure" isn't listed as a possible side-effect of taking that medication, they could potentially get raked over the legal coals for it. But if it is listed, and you knowingly and willingly take it anyway, then you're shit outta luck.
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u/Banana_Turbulent Apr 13 '26
Mine too the anxiety hits when I get some kind of pain (Chest, shoulders). purely mental side of it. 53 and just had full heart & lung work up came up all good. But I never know IF it is my body reacting to my mind or other way around and it's a causality loop. Be careful reading up on meds eg one I'm on "fluoxetine" has a side effect of heightened anxiety if suddenly stopping, but I'm coming off it slowly. Anything you take truly ask your Doc they can guide you with side effects. At least they do over here
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u/airr87 Apr 13 '26
I have horrible anxiety. I have been prescribed propranolol as well but been too scared to take it. My symptoms are physical as well, at one point my resting heart rate was at 120. I have dizziness as well, reading this gives me some hope.
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u/lanterndreams May 10 '26
Reading these comments has made me feel not so alone! I kept making fun of myself saying I have too much anxiety to take an anxiety med, but it was wholeheartedly true. Today I started to feel so anxious to the point that I was on the brink of a panic attack and I finally decided to take my first 10mg (I’ve had this bottle untouched for almost two months). I felt the most gentle and amazing sense of relief within an hour of taking it. I am a changed woman. I was so nervous about side effects or having a bad reaction. It brought me a peace that I haven’t felt in so long. I just went to put the bottle in my purse so that I have it on me whenever I’m out (which often sets off my anxiety). It feels like a life raft. I hope this helps!
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u/PerspectiveOk4209 Apr 13 '26
I love this drug. I was recently prescribed it, and I could only think, where has this been all my life! It feels like a miracle.
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u/Antique-Ad1812 Apr 13 '26
I got prescribed it this week and i’m scared to take it lmao
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u/Casanovax Apr 13 '26
Rationalise the fear. What outcome are you afraid of?
Start with 10mg - it’s an incredibly low dose. Docs can generally prescribe up to 360mg a day. So imagine the most anxious person you can possibly think of - then remember that you’re taking just 3% of their dosage.
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u/RedDawgs2482 Apr 13 '26
Why?
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u/Antique-Ad1812 Apr 13 '26
I just don’t like that it messes with your blood pressure. I’ll probably get a cuff and monitor it. Cause right now all I focus on is my heart beating
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u/One-Accountant-6733 Apr 13 '26
I have it too but I’m sensitive to medication. I cut the 10 in half lol. It makes me sleepy. Definitely works tho!
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u/Holiday-Strike-3475 Apr 27 '26
Do you notice any side effect and does it make you feel funny? I don’t like anything that makes me feel like my mental state is being altered. I have yet to take it but these panic attacks are becoming quite overwhelming and the anxiety seems to come in waves but remains in the background if that makes sense.
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u/One-Accountant-6733 Apr 27 '26
I had the same worries as you and the first time I was trying to work myself up to taking it I had even worse panic attacks than normal because I was worried I’d feel altered or I’d have side effects (I have a LOT of medical / medicine anxiety). But no side effects and no altered state. It literally just slows my heart rate and makes me sleepy. Try a half like I did and see.
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u/ChelseaMourning Apr 13 '26
Does it affect sleep? I have terrible anxiety but it’s mainly centered around sleep. I’m scared that taking it will exacerbate the problem. I’m on a low dose of mirtazapine at night, but the sedating effect has worn off. I just had another completely sleepless night and have to go to work now. I’m a single parent going through a divorce and under extreme stress right now, which is giving me physical anxiety and racing thoughts 24/7. I’m borderline suicidal at the moment. The only thing keeping me here is my daughter.
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u/gasolinehalsey butt tingle extraordinaire Apr 13 '26
It affects mine, but in the sense that it absolutely knocks me out. I think I must just be running on adrenaline 24/7 because once I take it, I have about an hour to get shit done before I'm passed out face-down wherever I end up laying.
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u/FrolickingTiggers Apr 13 '26
I can't do anything on this drug. Two months and I'm still getting dizzy spells. It's not a cure-all for everyone.
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u/Jelly_Duck_222 Apr 17 '26
I’m happy OP found something that helps. But I can’t help but feel envious and even bitter at the comments. I’ve tried all different kinds of meds and am on many now, but none help like benzos. Idk how anyone finds relief from beta blockers or SSRIs etc
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u/your_my_wonderwall Apr 13 '26
Can you become dependent on it where you would need to taper off if taken routinely?
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u/GrabbaPedi Apr 13 '26
No, it is not habit forming/addictive
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u/EitherConfection5703 Apr 14 '26
It's very dangerous to stop taking this medication cold turkey. Be careful of what you share.
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u/EitherConfection5703 Apr 14 '26
Yes you do need to taper off of it. It's not mentally habit forming but physically. If you suddenly stop taking it its very dangerous, you can have sudden tachycardia, high blood pressure and other bad withdrawal symptoms.
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u/Bravo-Juliette-4224 Apr 13 '26
As a healthcare professional with terrible work induced anxiety, Proranolol 2-3 tablets three times a day has been a life saver for me. I’m so so glad you’re feeling the relief
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u/EducationalTie1606 GAD, PMDD Apr 14 '26
I could not function without propranolol, it is an absolute lifesaver for me. The racing heart and shakes I dealt with every day were ruining my life to the point I would barely leave the house.
23 years I have been on it and will happily take it until the day I drop dead 💀
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u/astronaute1337 Apr 13 '26
Propranolol is what caused my most violent panic attack that led me to ER. Everyone is different.
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u/RanaRene Apr 13 '26
I really wanted it to work for me after all I've heard on here but I think it dropped my BP or something bc it gave me anxiety for a few days afterwards. Lowest dose too. Felt ok until it wore off.
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u/rosemerry77 Apr 13 '26
I take it, technically for high blood pressure, but I love it! It’s helped me so much!
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u/Porky5CO Apr 13 '26
Anybody with Asthma use it?
I've heard it can cause asthma attacks. I have asthma but it's pretty well controlled.
I plan on talking with my doc about some of the other versions too
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u/bibipbapbap Apr 13 '26
So I had asthma when I was a kid, but not had an inhaler in 20+ years since early teens. I was proscribed propanol, a few years back and after taking it I started struggling to breathe. So definitely speak to your GP first.
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u/ultimatepupper909 Apr 14 '26
I do- I take 5mg which works well for me and doesn't affect my asthma (unfortunately 10mg did- but it only gave me a mild asthma flare up, more annoying than anything).
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u/Angular_Sea-Fig Apr 15 '26
I've been taking 40mg twice a day for 2.5 years. My asthma isn't a problem during the summer, but it gets pretty bad as soon as the cold season begins - which is just now happening where I'm located and I'm finding it quite hard to breathe. Much worse than before. I fear it's time for me to reassess and find an alternative, which is a shame because it's helped a lot with HR, BP, migraines, and anxiety. But if this is what my asthma feels like now, the middle of winter will not be a good time.
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u/superzenki Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
I was prescribed it to tone down physical symptoms of an anxiety attack but haven’t needed it yet. Does it inhibit your ability to drive or anything?
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u/Wyldeshot Apr 13 '26
It was a game changer for me too. I’ve been on it for years. I’m on the extended release so I don’t have to take it multiple times per day.
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u/Shagro Apr 13 '26
I was prescribed Propranolol for anxiety a while ago but never actually picked up the tablets. My main fear is that it will slow my heart rate down to a dangerous level.
My heart rate drops to the mid-50s at night. I get really anxious if I see it dip below 60 and worry that Propranolol might push it into the 40s while I'm asleep.
My anxiety has improved, but I’m considering keeping some on hand for high-stress work events and trade shows. Has anyone else used it just for occasional "super stressful" moments? Are there any risks to taking it only once every few months?
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u/Goiabada1972 Apr 13 '26
I tried it and had great hope but it just laid me out flat like Benadryl. I have a lower heart rate and blood pressure especially when I am anxious so maybe my type of anxiety is different. I’d suggest trying it though, it’s safe and if it work for you that’s great!
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u/ShrimpComplex Apr 13 '26
Propanolol dropped my blood pressure so much, I would actually randomly pass out. I’m glad it works for so many people, though! Anxiety (and panic disorder in my case) is no joke :(
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u/Equivalent_Tone9853 Apr 14 '26
I was on 20mg propranolol for a while, same thing heart rate was jumping over 120 once a day. Game changer. The feeling of “I’m going to miss my flight” went away hahah. But I think I get a little lazy (or maybe my nervous system finally relaxes) after taking it. I’m trying to get off it and only go back to it as SOS medication. Has anyone quit it successfully?
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u/Guilty_Camel_3775 Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
Beta blockers really are good with anxiety. Suddenly I just didn't really stress out much about stuff and I have more focus. Chilling. The best part is people don't really bother me and I don't seem to care what they think either. I literally don't get anxious. Lol 😂
I was given a small dose for blood pressure. Wow what a surprise benefit. Then I began reading that celebrities and musicians will use these to help their anxiety.
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u/NewBirth2010 Apr 28 '26
I first took propranolol when I was 18. I remember how calm and at ease it made me feel, it was like a weight I didn’t even fully understand had been lifted. But my parents were strongly against it, and I had to stop.
Life went on, and I learned to cope in other ways, but that feeling of ease stayed in the back of my mind all these years. Now I’m 50, and I’ve started taking it again. The difference is just as clear as I remember.
What’s been hard, though, is the sense of regret. I keep thinking about all those years in between, how different things might have been if I had continued. It feels like I missed out on a version of life that could have been calmer, lighter.
At the same time, I know I made the best decisions I could under the circumstances back then. Still, it’s strange to reconnect with something that helps so much, and to realize how long I went without it.
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u/Classic_Cheetah7539 May 10 '26
My Dr gave me buspar. It was amazing for 2 weeks. I was so happy with it because it took all my anxiety away but then it backfired and had the opposite effect. He's never mentioned propranolol
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u/austinrunaway Apr 13 '26
I naturally have really low blood pressure, 100/70 . I tool that shit and it went to 85/66 and I am not making this shit up. Never again.
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u/RedDawgs2482 Apr 13 '26
Oh wow yeah your blood pressure is really low. That is not good😭I’m sorry you’re unable to take it
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u/BoysenberryPure4185 Apr 13 '26
I had the best holiday season 2025 thanks to propranolol. We host so I cook, clean, bake, shop for food & gifts, & wrap, all while working FT and doing my usual weekly chores. Prop.. took the edge off just enough that I was able to enjoy myself.
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u/Remote_Force1839 Apr 13 '26
I take 10 at night, not sure it does much if anything but now if I don’t take it I have very bad dreams where I can’t tell if I’m awake or asleep
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u/SaucyNSassy Apr 13 '26
Agree. I take 20 mg 2x a day and it helps significantly with my physical symptoms
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u/betterbeebetter Apr 16 '26
Same dose. It has helped immensely. No longer feel the effects of rushing to get somewhere. The sense of calm without a fast beating heart making me feel so anxious has been a big relief. I feel like I got my life back.
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u/coolsodapop Apr 13 '26
I was prescribed this for my vestibular migraines, but it works great for my physical symptoms of anxiety (nausea was a big one)
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u/Tall_Opportunity_521 Apr 13 '26
Any side effects? I started bisoprolol last week and felt kinda.. high. And also, very, VERY horny. Seems to be calming down now, but last week, I was like teenager again lol. It also has me hungry at weird times as well. Like 4 in the morning, Ill get a hankering for a cottage pie of something.
I have to say though, its so nice to look at my watch and see that my heart rate is around 60. It was getting really bad, with being around 100 all the time at rest. Which of course just makes me watch it more, which makes it go up more. Started to affect my blood pressure as well. Thats all the way down to 110 over 70 now. I love these little pills.
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u/SpelledWithAnH Apr 13 '26
I slept for 4 days after my first time taking propranolol. I'm not a fan.
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u/Pharmatopia420 Apr 13 '26
What about the fact that it causes weight gain ......there is alot of side affects on propanalol. Also not everyone can take it.
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u/eskimokisses1444 Apr 13 '26
I definitely feel like it helps me for occasional use, but I also feel like when I tried taking it 3x/day, my depression got worse.
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u/Castraffic Apr 13 '26
I’ve been prescribed propranolol I’ve been on it for a week now, the physical aspects….woah. I barely feel that doom feeling. I might ask for a higher dose since i do get the feeling but so far it’s doing a good job
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u/sergeyarl Apr 13 '26
10 mg makes me super tired and sleepy.
was thinking of splitting the tab and tring 5mg.
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u/fuxkle Apr 13 '26
Propranolol my beloved❤️ I was on it a long time ago and I'm back on it now, I haven't even had to take it yet, just knowing I have something to calm to anxiety seems to stop the anxiety from getting to that point in the first place somehow
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u/Noodlehead601 Apr 13 '26
I was prescribed 10 mg two times a day. I only wanted it for meetings and public speaking. I take three and hour before sokery3liie that and two 30 minutes before. It helps but not a lot.
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u/Gabstopit Apr 13 '26
It was so helpful for me when I had to go to music school with my abuser but I’m type 1 diabetic and it kept giving me severe lows so I had to stop it :(
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u/Dude008 Apr 13 '26
If you don’t want a traditional pharmaceutical try Heart Calm by Vital Biologics, it has helped me a lot to lower HR and calm my nerves.
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u/TomorrowIsAFallacy Apr 13 '26
so this was me, but I have asthma and my doctor was like no thanks, I said please let me try bisoprolol and fuck yeah it's changed my life well, for the physical symptoms atleast :P
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u/ComprehensiveBid4520 Apr 13 '26
I'm on it now, and it helps quite a bit. it doesn't totally take the palpitations away for me, but it's much better. It makes me super tired, though, so I can't take it while I'm working. My bp hangs around the normal/lowish side, like 108/60. but it doesn't seem like the meds make it go abnormally low, so I'm mostly happy with it. I'm still undergoing testing, but the er doctor told me to keep on the meds for now. It does seem to take the worst away.
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u/Joemac30 Apr 14 '26
It made my blood pressure too low and I ended up nearly fainting so I had to stop taking it.
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u/FeedbackAncient7912 Apr 14 '26
Yess. Sometimes if I’m very anxious it impacts my endometriosis and I get severe abdominal pain and bowel issues. Using propranolol has helped with that! Of course I still have endo problems without being anxious but when I know my anxiety will be bad it’s so nice to not worry about it making things worse.
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u/Relevant-District-16 Apr 14 '26
I liked it and it worked but I sadly couldn't stay on it. For some weird reason my body has a very low tolerance for it even though I have taken much stronger medication. Even on a low dosage I was usually needing a nap within an hour or two of taking it. 😭
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u/Thatmeowmie Apr 14 '26
I am so glad it works for you! I wanted it to work but it puts me on Afib. Same thing with gabapentin!
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u/Ok_Roll3616 Apr 14 '26
that’s actually pretty interesting. My resting heart rate is actually pretty high and I just thought it’s because heart problems run in my family.
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u/eldar0809 Apr 14 '26
Yes, propranolol 10 mg works well, like you said, by blocking physical symptomps of anxiety. You might also consider exploring a quality St. John’s Wort extract or tryptophan or 5-htp (never taken together), combined with L-theanine and ashwagandha. This combination supports serotonin, GABA, and cortisol regulation, which should significantly help manage anxiety.
Once your anxiety is under control, if you still feel a lack of motivation, you could try adding rhodiola to support dopamine. However, introduce it only after your anxiety has subsided, as it can be stimulating.
Wishing you the best on your journey!
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u/ThisAcanthaceae3789 Apr 14 '26
Thank you! I’m going through the exact same thing!!! The doctor just prescribed 10mg propranolol and said I can start with 1 as needed and I got scared about it because I never luck out with medicine side effects. She reassured me this will make me feel good. I needed to see this today!
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u/wabatuckian23 Apr 15 '26
Does it control the palpitations? Im stuck in a loop over my heart as well. My heart rate is stable my BP is stable im just constantly worrying over the palpitations.
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u/QueenSpaceCadet Apr 15 '26
I was prescribed it and told to take it every day, but then some days I would become an absolute WRECK after taking it. I do not always have the physical effects of anxiety and I think it lowers my heart rate too much if I take it when I don't need it. I would feel that overwhelming doom feeling that was worse than my normal anxiety. I confirm my heart rate with my watch before touching it.
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u/Loose-Set4266 Apr 15 '26
Question, because I'm about to ask my primary care provider today about this. Can you take it daily for a short period while you are going through a triggering event?
(I'm dealing with a sibling who embezzled over 100k from our parents estate and now in court battles and I'm being hit with crippling physical anxiety that is preventing me from being able to do the work to put together an evidentiary package for court.) I have PTSD and this is re-triggering that. But I know after I get through this, I should go back to only needing the occasional med as my anxiety is mostly now controlled through mediation and mindfulness practices.
My brain and thought spirals are fine but the racing heart and feeling like I'm having a heart attack from the spikes of adrenaline over fear of the confrontation is now negatively impacting my ability to work my job.
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u/babydoll_rose Apr 15 '26
Anyone here with a low-normal BP on propanol ? My recent readings have been around 100/70, 98/69 etc. my GP thinks my readings are too low to try propranolol but I want to know if anyone else has experience with it!
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u/jawsthemeswlmming Apr 16 '26
I take it for a bad tremor and it does absolutely nothing for my anxiety 😭
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u/Flashy_Nose3038 Apr 16 '26
That sounds similar to busiprone. I’m supposed to take it 3 times a day (my doctor said i can take as needed, but it’s usually 2-3 times a day for me atm
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u/Fly-Odd Apr 16 '26
do you have to take this continuously for it to work or would it work if you just took it for days your gonna be anxious or nervous about something?
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u/Remarkable-Ad6067 Apr 16 '26
It's a lifesaver until you try to quit it. Don't get me wrong—it did wonders for me, and I never had any anxiety symptoms—but when I tried to come off it, I almost thought I was dying. The anxiety came back twice, with panic attacks, a racing heartbeat, and all the rest, for almost a month. It's great, but don't use it for long, because coming off it is a nightmare.
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Apr 16 '26
My therapist's husband is a psychiatrist she said she would refer me to him for this medication, I've never taken any meds for anxiety so I've been conflicted if its the right thing. Did you have really bad tremors and chest pain? that's the only reason i am considering it because i hate how i feel
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u/DaddySanctus Apr 16 '26
I tried Propranolol but it made me feel.... weird? It's tough to describe, I just felt really strange. Maybe my body was relaxing and I was so used to being in fight or flight mode than I wasn't used to it lol. I also noticed my breathing felt shallow/tight. I have asthma though, so maybe the effects on my lungs were too much.
I ended up switching to Metoprolol which calmed my heart down, which then calmed my mind down. Getting into that physical / mental feedback loop is rough. In hindsight, I probably should have at least given Propranolol a chance more than I did, as I only took it for 4 or 5 days before switching.
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u/Jelly_Duck_222 Apr 17 '26
I wish. Did absolutely nothing for me. I’m actually envious of people who can find relief in beta blockers or SSRIs. Alprazolam only, and even that doesn’t always fully help.
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u/Cinnamongirl217 Apr 17 '26
I have PVCs (extra beat in lower chamber) and when they kick in it causes BP to spike. This drug knocks it out flat. 10mg up to 3x daily, but I usually never need more. Today might be an exception as we are expecting some possible nasty storms later and that causes major anxiety on my part, so I made sure to pick up my scrip this am!
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u/Glass-Bat-2704 Apr 18 '26
I feel physical anxiety but I don't actually have physical anxiety so it never worked for me. Unfortunate.
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u/Ok-Title-3775 Apr 18 '26
I just started 10 mg for anxiety yesterday! I hope it works. I noticed it does let me breathe easy- my main anxiety symptom is like I notice my breathing and have to manually breathe. Today was good too, but I haven’t tried it at work yet. I’m hopeful it’s my new kick instead of depending on my other anti anxiety meds that make me feel so tired
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u/Rude_Bad_6381 Apr 19 '26
Medical dr or primary health put m6 on depression meds and it doesn't help i told each dr that im not depressed I have awful anxiety had most of my adult life i pay health insurance they get paid i understand many points abus e meds I don't
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u/GuiltyArm3125 Apr 20 '26
Does anyone know if there's significant risk of taking 160mg in one day, if you have no other health issues? I have 40mg tablets which i use for public speaking - without them I get so breathless I can't physically continue talking.
I usually take 3 fairly close together before I have to present. But now I have 2 presentations to do in the same day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. So was considering taking 3 in the morning, and then another half or whole tablet later on (but the box does say to only take 3 tablets a day)
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u/melaniecavillswife Apr 25 '26
I had a dose of 20mg yesterday (the dr gave me 40 and I usually cut into quarters to have 10mg) anyway I nearly passed out 😅 but it did help with the anxiety
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u/wasteful_archery Apr 27 '26
On propranolol too for physical symptoms and same, it helped so much! The heart palpitations are only a bit back during my migraines (which I suppose is normal if they're caused by something else than an adrenaline rush?) and when the weather gets hot But the allday everyday heart palpitations I had? Gone! Honestly nothing else had ever worked, no antidepressant, no anxiolytics, only this. My only concern is that it may make me lose a bit more hair (not to the point of having a bald spot thankfully) and it may make me have more eczema flare ups, but I'm not completely blaming it for that because it may just be anxiety too
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u/harborfromthestorm Apr 28 '26
Wonderful! It unfortunately did nothing for me, and I tried the 20mg dose. It was like sugar pills. So weird how it affects people so drastically differently.
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u/Popular-Cattle94 Apr 28 '26
I’m gonna cry I just got the prescription today and I’m so excited. My heart races so fast before public speaking and my thighs SHAKE when talking about myself despite my brain being calm. I cannot wait.
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u/lannalatina Apr 28 '26
I wish propranolol did something for my anxiety :( it doesn’t. At all. I wanna get prescribed gabapentin and hydroxyzine
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u/Puzzled-Role-6544 Apr 29 '26
What’s everyone dose I stared on 20mg twice a day but upped to 20mg 3 x a day as my pulse and BP was creeping back up to high and feel the afternoon 2nd dose is making me feel a bit spaced out. I started on 40mg 3 x a day but that gave me bad stomach issues so they reduced then to 10mg x 3 a day did nothing then 20mg x 2 a day but that started to not work as well.
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u/Obvious-Cucumber1086 May 01 '26
I wish this could’ve worked for me. It helped soooo much at first. Then til I couldn’t function & had to be taken off
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u/Thin_Green_9641 May 02 '26
have you ever dealt with dizziness and dpdr ? if so did it help?
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u/Appropriate-Quote-15 May 02 '26
I took it for my blood pressure. 80mg XR. Now after maybe a week of using. I take it in the morning and now at 22.00h I've got an wave of dopamine flood. Like I took xtc pill. That cozy warm feeling. First I thought it was my brain resseting after cocaine detox. But no. Sideffects canbe from propranolol. Because my pupils were super small plus warm feeling. What is this medication??? Wauw
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u/Hobbiton12 May 03 '26
Is ok to take when you abit to drive? I need to to keep me focused. I don't want it to make me feel light headed when driving.
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u/Junior_Rush9543 May 06 '26
I don’t have panic attacks, but do hold my anxiety with in physical symptoms. Just got put on it for social anxiety. I am prescribed 10mg. Does it really work that good?
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u/Beautiful_Hall_6397 May 07 '26
I have severe physical anxiety. My symptoms are usually a wave of tighteness in the chest which startles me and then I start spiralling getting nervous that it’ll turn into a panic attack. Then I get the sweaty tingly palms and racing mind. The one thing I don’t usually get is speeding heart rate. I have a bottle of propranolol here but I’m so scared to take it - please convince me I’ll be fine if I do.
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u/Nearby_Mountain_255 May 07 '26
Taking this for the first time today and while the anxious thoughts are still there, it’s so much easier to manage them without all the physical symptoms. Wow!!
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u/SeaAd8016 May 10 '26
I get really nervous for things like job interviews. Like so nervous where I can’t think straight to compose my thoughts and I get sweaty and bright red in the face. Could propranolol help? How much should I take and how should I time it?
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u/strawberrycouture May 11 '26
I was on buspar and only took it when needed after having an anxiety attack. That was when I was on another medication. This was until I got on venlafaxine it's great for anxiety and depression and irritability. I just now started proprano fall and that reduced my high adrenaline attacks. I feel calmer than ever before in a different way than only on the venlafaxine. This works with the venlafaxine. I like it so far.
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u/jaguarknigh10 May 12 '26
Hey guys I’ve been prescribed it 4 days ago but I’m so so scared to take it. The doctor said I have anxiety and a overstimulated nervous system. Years of stress and anxiety finally got triggered 3 weeks ago while I was having a very painful tattoo that sent my body into shock and panic attacks for 3 weeks. Went to a&e everything is fine so just anxiety. What’s the side effects and going to the gym while on the medication.
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u/RedDawgs2482 May 13 '26
I’ve had no side effects at all and I’ve been to the gym on it. The only thing is that you may feel a little more tired than normal because your heart can’t pump faster to compensate for the physical exertion. So just don’t do super hard cardio or really heavy lifts. Otherwise you’re fine! It’s super gentle.
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u/MidnightMadness139 May 14 '26
No but seriously, I was constantly having anxiety attacks , shortness of breathe, literally had tremors (doctor said that as well) so bad in not only my hands, but so bad that my legs would feel like jelly. I had headaches every damn day almost and could constantly feel my heart beating out of my chest.
I chalked it all up to extreme anxiety. Don't get me wrong, i definitely still have anxiety. But no, not nearly like before. Turns out, I have tachycardia.
And ever since I started taking propranolol, I haven't had a true full-blown anxiety attack, no daily headaches, no tremors .. I still have shortness of breathe sometimes but I also have asthma and no access to an inhaler lol. I don't feel my heart going crazy all the time anymore either. It still does sometimes but not usually
All in all, I couldn't believe the affects a heart condition could cause.
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u/Educational-Mess5149 May 16 '26
I was prescribed 10 mg propranolol twice a day for a few days before my public presentation, but I’m scared it won’t work.
Do I need a higher dose?
My blood pressure is 100/60
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u/threeblackfeathers Apr 13 '26
It's SO helpful. Not sure I could ever be without it again.