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Can propranolol be the source of my excessive exhaustion?

Posted , 4 users are following.

paige69327
paige69327

Im a 22 year old female and Iwas prescribed 20MG of propranolol about a month ago for my rapid heart rate and ever since I've been exhausted and dizzy almost all the time. There are some days I feel okay then others I can't seem to get the energy I need and I feel extremely lightheaded and unable to focus. I don't know what to do, could this be the source?

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • helen65899
    helen65899 paige69327

    Posted

    Hi Paige,

    Im surprised that you are having such a strong reaction to such a low dose. I'm on 80 mg for migraine, and don't have your symptoms. It helps my stage fright too, as I play in concerts and used to get shaky. Is your fast heart beat due to stress? (Sometimes I get a rapid heart rate in the evenings after an extra stressful day.) If so, the propanonlol should help. Has your heart been checked over? I would go back to the GP if it doesn't settle down soon. 20 mg is a very low dose, but maybe there's another beta blocker which would suit you better. Good luck! Helen

  • linda34392
    linda34392 paige69327

    Posted

    OMG Im so glad I saw this.  I v been taking 40mg of propranol for quite a few weeks now to slow down my heartbeat (which I dont think I need) and have barely been able to get out of bed.  I try to clean, shop etc. but inevitably end up lying back down and sleeping.  Twice I have slept for 24 hours.  Its a wonder my heart hasn't stopped altogether.  I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DOC BUT IN BETWEEN RIGHT OR WRONG iM CUTTING OUT AT LEAST ONE TAB.  ACTUALLY, i HOPE IT IS THE TABS, OTHERWISE i HAVE SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG.  i'M  SCARED TO TAKE A BATH BECAUSE i HAVE DIZZY SPELLS..  How are you now?

    • liz75939
      liz75939 linda34392

      Posted

      I was given propanolol for PTSD while being told I had Chronic fatigue . Luckily I never took more than 10mg nd no more than once or twice a week ( was supposed to take 10mg x4 daily). I became more lethargic, and completely apathetic .After several months of wretching , lack of appetite and losing 25% of my body weight I took it daily for only 10 days , and depression and anxiety like Ive never experienced hit me. I discontinued the drug 20 days ago and have been unable to function ever since. I am now wearing a holter monitor and my resting heart rate is 123 . 

      As for treating me with this drug for PTSD, I have discovered it is supposed be used for a single event trauma in conjunction with psychotherapy . I have Complex PTSD from ongoing trauma, so the drug was mis-prescribed and also there was no follow up or instructions on discontinuation from the prescribing dr. 

      I hope tapering off helps you to safely come off this medication, as I agree, I had no quality of life on propanolol, and although I had no prior heart issues I fear I do now. Oh, the depression completley disappeared on day 14 of withdrawl.

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