Experience of Propranolol

Posted , 7 users are following.

I've finally accepted what anxiety is doing to me and I'm not in any danger, I'm not saying I don't have bad days but on the whole I'm good. I have been taking Beta blockers for over a month now and they have sorted the majority of physical symptoms out a treat, no more chest pain which was the main thing for me. I was wonder how people on Propranolol have reacted to the medication. I have noticed my fitness has been struggling a little, I'm a fit active person but I seem to tire a lot sooner than I used to. I'm not out of breath, the fitness level is still there but my endurance is not. Anybody have a similar experience?

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    I'm glad you are feeling better! Not sure if this med affects endurance...what does your doc say?
    • Posted

      I've not brought it up with her as of yet, I will be on my next visit. I thought I would ask people's opinion on it.
  • Posted

    Hi, I was on Propanolol for a number of years and the way in which the medication workds is to limit the amount of energy that you use, ensuring that you don't overwork your heart, raise your bp etc so when you have done so much the effect of the medication will kick in making you want to rest. This is perfectly normal and is the one of the main functions of the tablet. If they are successfully treating your chest pain etc then this is probably a small price to pay.   

     

  • Posted

    Hi I'm currently taking propanolol 10mg I too suffer with the bad chest pain and fast heartbeat I was certain I was misdiagnosed after numerpus ecgs and blood tests but I was certain they was missing something I don't think I'm at the stage of accepting it's anxiety yet because mine came on out the blue about 2 months ago I was so bad with chest pain at the beginning I was certain it was a heart attack I was scared and still am.of going to sleep in case I don't wake up I'm 22 female as I say I have just started propanolol and they have definitely slowed my heart beat down but the chest pain still comes and goes! I get ithe in my left side just above my breast it comes on so severe every time I get it I automatically think "heart attack " no matter what I do, pain killers etc nothing can take the pain away until it goes on its own accord which it usually last around 10minz then comes back again and radiates in my left arm and between my shoulder blades! I'm still convinced it's my heart aand I'm going to drop dead any moment iv had a good experience of propanolol upto now so as I say I have only been on them 2 weeks but I don't know how to get rid of this chest pain I also had chest x ray which was clear my doctor did say I had pleurisy not convinced though because it didn't show in my x ray this is why I think irs my heart! sad sorry for the long reply but I'm at my doctors again tomoro to push him for further tests I would like any advice as to if anyone has experienced this also and how long will I have the chest pain for if I'm on propanolol ? Im so fed up its getting in the way of my work/social life etc as I can imagine it is everyone else who suffers with anxiety I'm just not convinced I really arnt! sad any advice would be great thanks laura
    • Posted

      Sounds exactly like what I was experiencing, I had all the same tests and everything came back normal but I was convinced that something had to be wrong other than anxiety, I kept thinking they're missing something here.

      My chest pain was on my left side most of the time, my shoulders would hurt and between my shoulder blades, I always had a pain in my arm and would not go a day withoit heart flutters and Palpitaions (still have Palpitaions) I'm 33 and kept thinking to myself "this can't be right"

      The doctor put me on 80mg of Propranolol slow realease which got rid of the chest pain right away, I'm not symptom free yet but I feel I'm slowly getting my life back.

      I originally got put on some other Beta Blockers that I can't remember the name of (began with B) but they didn't seem to work and I had my worse Panic attack to date while on them so the doctor switched me over to Propranolol which have been a god send.

      Maybe ask your doctor about the different types of beta blocks available, Things will get better, you're symptoms sound exactly like mine were.

    • Posted

      Also like you this happened for no apparent reason, I'm a happy person with lots of friends and lots of hobbies and really don't feel stressed about anything.
    • Posted

      It is a comfort to know I'm not alone but also bad that your experiencin it too! Yes that's exactly the same as me I don't go a day without heart flutters it's such a awful feeling I wouldn't wish it on anyone! And yes thanks for the advice i will.mention it in morning I'm meant to take my propanolol 3 times a day but currently taking them twice a day morning and night as I was petrified off the side effects as I did the worse thing of reading the side effects but maybe I should take them 3 times a day as requested ill double check with doctor tomoro I just wish the heart flutters and pain would stop I currently have pain under my left armpit and my heart seems to be pounding a lot more tonight which is making me more anxious thinkin what if tonight's the night I have a heart attack! I know I sound stupid but i just can't get these thoughts out my hhead to be hhonest I don't even feel depressed or sad it's this feeling making me feel like this i believe I have a underlying problem and it's causing anxiety that's why there saying oh its anxiety but I just know it's not because this pain is definitely not anxiety related because it's so real sad I just hate thinking my days are numbered I too have lots of friends and family and I am a genuinely happy person I know my partner is so understanding but he just tells me it's anxiety too and my gut instinct is telling me there's a underlying problem! sad sad
    • Posted

      Us anxiety folk have one very bad problem in that we don't trust our doctors, I'm still the same now. There are times when I think it's my heart, my mother grew up without knowing her dad and part of me thinks "what if he had heart problems and I've inherited it" it's completly silly to think that but I do. I guess the worry never really goes away but you learn how to deal with it.

      Have you tried exercising? That really helped me, I felt great after a long bike ride or walk, I know it's worrying to try that as you think it's your heart but it's worth a try.

  • Posted

    Hi Michael,

    I'm on the slow-release propranolol too. I found that especially when I started taking the meds I felt really slow playing basketball - like I'm not out of breath, but everything just feels weighted down - strange!

    • Posted

      Ahh, that's what I feel. Sort of feel sluggish without having peaked?
  • Posted

    I was also prescribed propanolol tablets 40mg.

    I found them to be good for reducing the heart palpitations, panic and tension, but after taking for a week or two made me more depressed and tired and just felt like lying down infront of TV.

    I now take half a tablet 20mg, only on days when needed (up to 3 times a day) and my energy seems much better.

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