Propranolol - from devestating anxiety to calm in 1 day
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Hi, I am a 36 year old professional male and for the past 3 months I've been suffering with anxiety attacks. I thought the anxiety feelings of panic was actually brought on by low blood sugar but my blood tests came back fine and at that point I realised my issues were linked to anxiety. I am usually a confident person and only ever experienced anxiety when presenting to large groups at work, basically I could feel my heart racing and had an urgent need to leave the room (flight response), I could hold my ground and get through it but it was the worst feeling in the world. Other than presentations I would usually be 100% confident, I go on dates or even interviews with no anxiety but recently I can get the same anxious feelings by just meeting a friend for dinner or taking a phone call. I have had some issues in my personal life which I think have brought these on and also my work has been very quiet lately so I have been pretty isolated - a "big deal" used to be a work presentation and now its just a meeting or even seeing a friend.
My anxiety could range from feeling uncomfortable and uneasy through to a medium panic attack. During a panic attack I can sit there and function but I feel dreadful and its so difficult to articulate myself, I just feel like running out the room. I could spend the weekend with family and my girlfriend and be fine, then head for dinner the same day, with the same people and feel anxious in the restaurant.
My GP prescribed Propranolol, 40mg to take before anxious situations or twice a day, whichever I felt comfortable with. I had been feeling dreadful that week, had a couple of anxiety attacks and had been extreemly restless and unhappy, my sleep was heavily disturbed too and I couldn't eat. I had lost a stone over the past few months, mainly from loss of appetite and from not drinking (due to this making everything worse the following day).
I took a 40mg tab that evening, 2 hours before going out. Within an hour I felt so relaxed, I literally felt like my worries and anxiety was releasing from my body. That evening I had planned to go to the cinema, the building was packed and there was stress getting a ticket. I had felt anxious about this earlier that day (before taking my first Propranolol) but when I arrived I felt in control. I was chatty to the people behind, we got our tickets and I really enjoyed the film - previously I have felt trapped by being in the cinema around lots of people.
I didn't sleep very well that night but the following day I felt fine, I took a tablet with breakfast and headed to work. Certain situations which would cause my anxiety to rise just didn't phase me all day long, I was proactive to try to provoke situations that could cause me to be anxious and nothing happened. I ended up heading to the shops after work and then to visit family at 7pm, by the evening I could feel that the Propranolol was wearing off and I did feel slightly anxious and it was more difficult to talk to family members.
I still need to test the Propranolol during more stressful situations but so far I have been amazed with how effective this drug is. I still feel a little down but my worrying thoughts do not spiral out of control as they used to. When confronted with a tense situation by body just holds its ground like it used to and I seem to be able to get through anything now. I get a little tingling feeling, as if my body is trying to make me feel anxious, but it just gets no momentum and this then gives me confidence to continue. Propranolol is such an amazing drug.
Side effects wise I have had disturbed sleep and a slight aching round by my kidneys. No sweating, sexual disfunction, irritability etc - everything feels fine. I actually didn't take a tablet last night and slept really well but I did feel anxious for an hour this morning until the tablet kicked in. I think I am going to take it twice daily to have some regularity and make sure I take this early enough for it to kick in before my first meeting each day.
I realise that Propranolol isn't fixing the root issue and I plan to have counciling in the next few weeks (GP is sorting that out). I do think that Propranolol has enabled me to get my life back on track, I can go to work, see friends and lead a normal life whereas just a week ago I was thinking I'd have to give up work and possibly move back in with my parents for them to look after me, that seems crazy now looking back.
I would strongly recommend Propranolol to anyone suffering with anxiety, panic attacks or possibly even to help get through tough presentations or interviews.
That's me story, I will come back and add updates - anyone else had similar experiences?
46 likes, 203 replies
BooBoo100 b1001
Posted
Hi for a week now I've been having panic anxiety attacks I've been off work with stress for 2 weeks. I've been drinking a lot of red wine recently to block this. Now I can't go to shops or walk far from house without taking some sort of tremor rushing through me as if I'm going to die. I've got Doctors on Tuesday. I just want my life back. Thanks for listening.
Ninjabiscuit b1001
Posted
Don't worry, you're not alone, this is a really common feeling with stress and panic attacks. Make sure you tell the doctor exactly how it feels (I'm guessing it feels like you're having a heart attack?)
Hopefully, he/she will prescribe something for you that will help you manage those panicky feelings. They'll no doubt tell you to cut right back on alcohol and caffeine too, but that's not for me to say. Just be as honest and open with him/her as you can and know that you're not alone.
sally48438 b1001
Posted
I know how you feel , recently I have felt anxiety more than ever I lost my mum a couple of years ago and have since been thinking about death I know sounds daft but it has been worrying me etc. a few months ago I felt I wanted to be sick I was on my own in the house and suddenly I couldn't quite grasp my breath and it caused me to panic . I have seen my gp and have given me propanol 10mg as and when need it , I had these anyway for when I needed them for dentist and job interviews aswell . speaking to people is helping and trying to find ways of coping with situations also I fund writing down my feelings and triggers has a closure feeling .
tracey85266 b1001
Posted
Hi it doesn't sound daft at all. Iv suffered for years but then sort of just accepted it as I wasn't getting symptoms daily so just 'got on with it' then like a bolt out the blue it hit me with a vengeance??? I'm worse now than ever and scared about everything with vile thoughts constantly about everything and impending gloom. My hearts going 10 to the dozen so talked myself into taking 10mg propanalol and it does help as stops the horrible pounding that hurts your chest but doesn't help the thoughts - that's down to us!!!! Sorry about your loss, I understand and know it's a feeling that you cannot describe, you feel lost and empty. Start on the low dose and see how you get on. X
claire45462 b1001
Posted
Wow feel like you've just described my life, I'm going to book a appointment with the doctor's tomorrow I have struggled for years and felt like going to the doctor's for help would mean I needed help .. but it's got to the point now I'm tired of feeling like this, especially now I have a little girl who's just started nursery and I don't want to miss out on fun days coz I feel too anxious, thank you you have give me some hope ..
tracey85266 claire45462
Posted
ellie52301 b1001
Posted
I realise this post was a long time ago but I am still hopeful someone will see this and have some advice for me. I've recently been given this for anxiety - my anxiety is taking over my life and has been for months now. However I find the racing thoughts and dizziness the worst for me rather than pumping heart etc so I'm wondering will these actually help me. I have tried many ssri's and antidepressants but found them horrific and only magnified my anxiety. The only thing helping me is a Xanax or two a day even at that they are only lasting so long now. I was told to start on 3 of the inderal a day I.e. 3 10mg tablets a day then up to 80mg on third day. My question is has it helped others who like me find the thoughts and dizziness/fuzziness and fear of the attacks worse and also how long before these tablets help? My sleep has been hugely effected since my anxiety flared up a few months ago to the point where I'm lucky to get a couple of hours a night which is hard while working full time. I'm avoiding any social situation and constantly feel like running away from myself if that makes sense. It's effecting my relationship and my sanity at this point so any help would be greatly appreciated?
teresa45294 ellie52301
Posted
Hi I have just started these are week ago as I didn't like taking the vallium and the propranolol have seemed to have helped me too I have been ill since start of December anx dep etc now finally something 8s helping me calm x
claire63826 ellie52301
Posted
I also found propalonol didn’t help me v much because it’s the awful feeling of panic that is so troublemslme to me rather than the racing heart. I’m also on citalopran which I think may be helping.
Is there a specific issue that’s causing your anxiety?
I have realized that whilst I’ve always had anxiety, it’s definitely been made a lot worse by a difficult situation in my personal life that I’m trying to find the strength to address.
My advice would be to do whatever you need to do to get thru each hour and take it hour by hour - eg keep busy, see friends (I randomly went to a pottery painting workshop and found it very peaceful for an hour). Acupuncture has also helped me to relax although so far that has been quite short term relaxation.
Best of luck.
julie67146 b1001
Posted
Montana_Glenn b1001
Posted
Great review!
I was just prescribed this drug and havent tried it yet.
After reading your very complete review I feel much better about taking it. I want to wait to get home before I take the first dose just to make sure it doesn't make me "Goofy"!!!
claire63826 b1001
Posted
I’ve also had some issues in my private life and a very quiet period at work which has definitely caused my anxiety to be much worse because I’m not great when I’m not busy.
I’m taking prescription sleeping tablets at night. I’m also doing some counselling using the Parks Inner Child therapy.
I’ve been prescribed citalopran which I think is helping but life is still very challenging at the moment. I was also prescribed propalonol which I took for a few days but didn’t find helped. I’m tempted to try again having read your story.
Thanks
john97315 b1001
Posted
john97315
Posted
Agromc b1001
Posted
I know your post is pretty old but I came across and I have to say I'm so glad i did. I finally found a person having 99% same symptoms of anxiety that I have. I read all your post about propranolol and your anxiety story and I probably found myself in almost everything what you have mentioned. I thought i was the only one that gets anxiety attacks meeting a friend. My problem also got worsen with having difficulty concentrating on my work with fear of experiencing another episode right there. Last week i was practically stuck in my bed, lost my appetite and im waking up all stressed and without appetite. I ve been fatigued and too focused on my breathing and scared of getting heart attack. This must have stemmed from one of my last attacks when I ended up in ER with supet high blood pressure. Ever since I have been over worried. The problem is that I get anxiety attack even at the doctors. Just waiting for my turn, and the anticipation kills me. I have started taking xanax and propranolol but it makes me super tired and drowsy. Not sure if it's the xanax but it makes me like zombie for 8-9 hours. Would love to hear if you have been able to beat this beast.