What is Propranolol?

• Propranolol lowers the blood pressure to make it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body
• Propranolol also slows the heart rate 
• If taken for situational anxiety disorders, it can lessen physical symptoms such as sweating or shaking
• It is a prescription medication that is taken every day
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of possible side effects and cautions.

Patient Information Leaflet

For more information on the medication please refer to the Propranolol patient information leaflet

Video: An overview of Propranolol

Take a look at the video below to get a simple overview of Propranolol, including what it is used for, dosages, side effects and precautions:

How Does Propranolol Work?

Propranolol works by blocking specific receptors in the heart called beta-adrenergic receptors. This is why it is known as a ‘beta blocker’. When the receptors are blocked, the heart beats more slowly (referred to as a ‘slower heart rate’) and less forcefully. This is helpful to lower blood pressure for patients who have hypertension (high blood pressure).

Propranolol can also relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety (including situational anxiety treatment and performance anxiety treatment) that are caused by the heart beating fast. Slowing the heartbeat / heart rate and improving the blood flow can reduce palpitations and any tremors or trembling and chest pain (angina).

For migraine headache sufferers, propranolol is thought to stabilise the blood vessels in the brain to prevent their dilation. This in turn reduces the frequency or migraines.

How is Propranolol Taken?

Propranolol Tablets

Propranolol is a prescription medicine usually taken in tablet form. It is best to take it at the same time each day, with or without food. Propranolol tablets should be swallowed with water, and can be broken in half if you have difficulty swallowing. Oral solutions are also available.

Propranolol is available as a standard release medication, or a sustained release preparation. 

The standard release means that propranolol is a medicine that is quickly released into the body, and several doses may need to be taken each day.

The sustained release tablets dissolve slowly, and so you may only need to take a tablet once a day.

What is the dosage of Propranolol?

Propranolol 10mg / Propranolol 40mg

Propranolol is a medicine available in tablets of 10mg, 40mg, 80mg and 160mg. Only 80mg and 160mg are available as sustained release preparations.

When taking propranolol to treat high blood pressure, the starting dose is 80mg twice a day. Each dose may later need to be increased to 160mg. 

For migraine, the usual starting dose is 40mg taken two or three times a day. For situational anxiety symptoms, it is recommended to start at 40mg once a day, and this can then be increased to 40mg three times a day if necessary.

Does Propranolol have any side effects?

Propranolol is commonly prescribed, but some patients will experience side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Feeling tired
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Getting cold fingers and toes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nightmares
• Nausea (feeling sick).

These symptoms usually settle within a few days of starting the medication. It is wise to speak to a pharmacist prescriber, medical healthcare professional or your doctor for medical advice if the side effects are bothersome or persist for longer.

A small number of people may experience more serious side effects.

• Shortness of breath or a cough which worsens on exercise could be a sign of heart problems
• Wheezing, breathlessness or a tight chest (chest pain / angina) could be a sign of lung problems
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes could be a sign of liver problems.

You should tell a healthcare professional, such as your doctor, straight away if you notice these symptoms or signs.

Very rarely a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may occur, causing difficulty breathing or swelling inside your mouth. You must call 999 if this occurs.

What warnings does Propranolol come with?

Beta blockers, including propranolol, are not always suitable for patients who have chronic conditions such as asthma, a pre-existing heart condition (such as a slow heartbeat or heart block, a heart rhythm disorder, heart failure), low blood pressure, low blood sugar, muscle weakness, diabetes or liver or kidney disease. Consult with your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional who will give you appropriate medical advice prior to starting any potential treatment.

What experiences have Propranolol users had?

Every patient suffering from anxiety disorders, heart problems and migraines has a unique individual experience when taking Propranolol as a treatment.

Propranolol for Anxiety Reviews

Drugs.com user: 'I suffered a major panic attack in the first lockdown resulting in ambulance being called thinking I was having a heart attack. I was prescribed propranolol and told to take 40mg so I did I was still having about 6-7 anxiety/panick attacks a day so was told to up my dosage to 80mg still having attacks I was told to increase the dosage to the maximum of 110mg a day. It helped with the attacks but I was so exhausted off them I couldn't function properly, felt spacey and dizzy was in a right mess but it kept the attacks at bay so was worth it. The doctor said the side effects were because my body was adjusting to the dosage. Now I'm used to them after being on them for nearly a year I don't get any side effects at all. I still get the anxiety thoughts and slight sweating now and again but it doesn't develop into a full blown attack which is a massive relief as I was petrified of them. Anxiety has gotta be one of the worst conditions in the world, in my experience anyway.'

Drugs.com user: 'I was prescribed 10 mg propranolol when required but I take it every morning because it lasts all day and I can actually socialize without anxiety for the first time in years. I’m amazed. I am able to be relaxed. No more racing heart, no shaking, no stuttering, no sweating, and I can look people in the eyes. I can just be chill. I am so grateful. I haven’t noticed any side effects. I have been on it for a week.'

Propranolol for Migraines Reviews

Drugs.com user: 'The secret to this medication working with low to no side effects is taking a very low dose ( 5 -10mg) consistently. I take 5mg once and occasionally twice a day for over 10 years now. Migraine reduced by 90% to live a normal life without all the side effects. I got taking high doses 10 years ago when I started with 80mg and was always tired, dizzy, weight gain, fluid accumulation in my feet, nightmares, insomnia, dry eyes, dry mouth, dehydration, hair loss/thinning, e.t.c., wasn't worth it until I read a reviewer mentioned low dose.'

Drugs.com user: 'I've taken this drug propranolol for close to 2 years for chronic migraines & it's just as good, if not better than Topamax, Gabapentin, Aimovig, and Amitriptyline. I've tried every possible migraine preventative & this medication makes it possible for me to function. Without it, I experience daily headaches & full blown migraines with vomiting, light & sound sensitivity, inability to talk. Very few, if any side effects. Highly recommend it if you don't want something as high risk as Topamax but as effective. It also helps with my anxiety greatly by reducing my heart rate & feels like the racing heart beat isn't nearly as intense during anxiety attacks. HUGE thumbs up. I never let the prescription run out.'

There are many more Xanax user reviews available at Drugs.com, Web MD and iwantgreatcare.org and .

Buy Propranolol

How to buy Propranolol online?

Buy Propranolol for Anxiety & Migraines

At EU Meds, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire to check that propranolol is suitable for you.

A prescriber will review your physical symptoms, past health history and any current medications to check that propranolol is the best prescription medication for you. A prescription will only be issued based on a successful approval. Once prescribed, you can buy propranolol online and order for home delivery.

Further Information

• Drugs.com - Propranolol
• NHS UK - Propranolol
• Drugs.com - Propranolol Comments
• WebMD - Propranolol Oral Reviews
• Medicines.org.uk - Propranolol Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
• ScienceDirect - Propranolol
• ScienceDirect - Propranolol in Neuroscience
• Healthline - Propranolol Oral Tablet
• Mayo Clinic - Propranolol Oral Route Side Effects
• Wikipedia - Propranolol
• Psych Central - Is Propranolol Recommended for Anxiety Symptoms?