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Propranolol

Posted , 5 users are following.

erin41253
erin41253

I've been prescribed some Propranolol by my doctor, it says to take 1 twice a day but I feel a littl weird taking one twice a day. Is it okay? I know my doctor told me to but It says not to take it if my heart rate is slow, I'm assuming that means if I've been lazing about and it is really slow, I'm just teribbly frightened that it will slow my heart rate down to a complete stop and I will die. I donlt really know when my heartbeatis slow or at normal speed It's probably me overreacting but I need some reassurance. If i take 2 of these a day, will I be okay? My doctor said to take them before I feel I'm going to have a panic attack but I was hoping I could get into a routine of taking them and I have panic attacks regularly and I am very forgetful and under pressure I will not think to take them before a panic attack. I just want to know that if I do take 2 a day, will I be alright? Also when should I take them, I was going to take one in the morning before school and one throughout the day

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • amy89817
    amy89817 erin41253

    Posted

    Propranolol generally isn't prescribed as a regular daily dose for anxiety, it is normally prescribed to be taken just before you go into an anxious situation (which stops the possibility of bradycardia) 
    • erin41253
      erin41253 amy89817

      Posted

      But I tend to find everything an anxious situation so I'm not sure when I'll be fine or not
  • keepgoing
    keepgoing erin41253

    Posted

    I think it would be best to check back with your doctor.  I'm not a doctor but if you think you might have a panic that day then you could take one and see how you go.  Then the next day, see if you think you'll have a panic or if you don't think that you're doing anything that will set one off, don't take one but keep it with you just in case.  If you keep them with you, you'll soon get into the habit of reaching for them when you're about to have a panic.  But, if you're in any doubt about what to do, go back to your doctor and ask them to explain.  That's their job.
  • tinytitch22
    tinytitch22 erin41253

    Posted

    I totally get what you mean about being scared to take them because of the pace of your heart as I'm exactly the same.

    I've been prescribed propananol as well to take 1 twice daily but I have yet to take them.

    Mainly because of my heart and also because my attacks come on quickly and I don't know how long it will take the tablet to have an effect.

    Plus as I have several attacks a day I don't know how long they'll last and I don't want to have to rely on them.

    I've been prescribed other meds as well.

    • erin41253
      erin41253 tinytitch22

      Posted

      I was hoping to start out on these for 2 weeks and then if I still suffered from bad anxiety try a medication that I could take daily that would make my general anxiety not be so bad. I'm just not really sure when my heart rate is normal, it sounds silly but I'm terrified I'll take them when my heart rate is slow and something bad will happen? What other meds were you prescribed if you don't mind me asking?
  • sally56219
    sally56219 erin41253

    Posted

    Hi

    I took propranolol 10mg which my doctor told me was a piddly little dose, 3 times a day. The doc told me that they only stay in your system for 2-3 hours so perfectly ok to take regularly. Also 10mg is tiny dose, I was perfectly fine whilst taking them. They are widely used so don't worry, take them as your doc has prescribed and enjoy the benefits. xx

     

    • amy89817
      amy89817 sally56219

      Posted

      What dose were you prescribed, Erin? Propranolol does have a short half life, but most people are prescribed 40mg. 
    • erin41253
      erin41253 amy89817

      Posted

      I was prescribed 40mg and it says, take one twice a day!
    • amy89817
      amy89817 erin41253

      Posted

      Yes, but propranolol is a beta blocker ( heart medication) not anxiety medication, it's usually used for tachycardia, hypertension etc. Maybe double check with your pharmacist or Dr? Like I said, it's usually prn (when needed) for anxiety, people generally are told to take it when going into an anxious situation, rather than a regular dose, unless you regularly have a high heart rate or high blood pressure. If you take a regular dose, you can't just stop taking it, you need to lower the dose before stopping or you'll have withdrawal symptoms. 
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