What is Propranolol?
Propranolol hydrochloride is a beta blocker. Beta blockers are used to treat several heart problems such as high blood pressure, or conditions that can cause an arrhythmia.
Propranolol has also shown efficacy as a situational anxiety treatment, helping to alleviate some of the physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating or heart palpitations.
Propranolol (sometimes sold under brands such as Inderal or Angilol) is a beta blocker.
Beta blockers are a class of medications, typically prescribed for heart conditions that work by slowing down the heart by blocking the function of hormones like adrenaline, helping to regulate heart rate and function.
How Does Propranolol Work For Anxiety?
Propranolol blocks the action of the hormone adrenaline. In the context of situational anxiety, this can slow heartbeat and help relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, trembling and palpitations.
However, Propranolol does not treat anxiety or address the root cause. Addressing the root cause of anxiety will require a treatment plan consisting of therapy, medication and many other factors. Propranolol hydrochloride simply helps to relieve physical manifestations of anxiety.
Propranolol is suitable for situational anxiety (a temporary bout of anxiety triggered by a specific event e.g. Anxiousness about a presentation at work) but is not suitable for generalised anxiety (anxiety that is persistent, excessive and occurs without a specific trigger.)
Uses for Propranolol
Propranolol tablets and other beta blockers are mostly used to treat heart problems. This may include:
- Angina and chest pain
- Heart failure
- Arrythmias caused by atrial fibrillation
- Heart attacks
- Hypertension / High blood pressure
Propranolol Hydrochloride may be used to treat thyroid issues, situational anxiety and several other conditions. A full list of the conditions that Propranolol is licensed to treat can be found on the website for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
The dosage for Propranolol depends on the condition being treated. Propranolol is available in the following forms:
- Propranolol 10mg tablets
- Propranolol 40mg tablets
- Propranolol 80mg tablets
- Propranolol 160mg tablets
Propranolol is also available as an “SR” or “Sustained Release” tablet, which allows the medication to be dispersed through the body over a longer period. Propranolol hydrochloride may also be given intravenously in a secondary care setting.
Side Effects of Propranolol
Like all medications, Propranolol pill may cause side effects in some patients, however side effects usually subside with time as your body gets used to the medication.
Common side effects of Propranolol include:
- Headaches
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or tired
- Cold fingers or toes
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
More serious side effects of Propranolol include:
- Skin becoming yellowed and discolored, or the whites of your eyes turning yellow. This can indicate serious liver problems.
- Unexplained nose bleeds lasting 10 minutes, or bruising more easily than usual. This can indicate a condition called Thrombocytopenia, which can cause excessive bleeding or difficulties with blood clotting as it’s supposed to.
Extremely urgent indicators:
- If you are short of breath, have a cough which is worsening with physical exertion, swollen legs or ankles, or an irregular heartbeat you should call 999 or visit A&E immediately. These can be symptoms of a serious heart or lung condition.
- You should call 999 or visit A&E immediately If your lips, mouth, throat or tongue become swollen, begin to change colour or you suddenly become confused, drowsy and are finding it more difficult to breathe. These can indicate dangerous allergic reactions.
Other Health Conditions
Propranolol and other beta blockers are mostly used to treat heart conditions. Namely angina, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, heart attacks or high blood pressure.
However, it is a medicine that can be used to treat several other conditions such as migraine prophylaxis, thyrotoxicosis, situational anxiety and many others.
Propranolol During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Propranolol When Pregnant: Beta-blockers such as Propranolol may slow the baby’s growth in the womb, reduce the baby’s heart rate or induce neo-natal hypoglycaemia. Propranolol should be avoided when Pregnant.
Propranolol When Breastfeeding: A small amount of medication may be passed to babies through a mothers breast milk. Whilst the amount is generally too small to cause harm, Propranolol should be avoided when breastfeeding if possible. If not possible, the baby should be monitored for side effects.
Drug Interactions
There are many interactions for Propranolol pills. It’s therefore important to disclose all medications you’re taking to any professional dealing with your healthcare.
Some severe interactions include:
- Beta-agonists / Bronchodilators can increase the risk of bronchospasm with Propranolol. Some beta agonists include Aminophylline, Theophylline and Dobutamine.
- Antiarrhythmics increases cardiovascular risk such as bradycardia and hypotension. Examples of antiarrhythmics include Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Disopyramide, Verapamil etc.
- Medications for allergies such as Adrenaline, Epinephrine, Noradrenaline (often found in products such EpiPens or JEXT pens) can cause severe cardiovascular complications
This is not an exhaustive list of medications that interact with Propranolol and tablets. For a full list please visit the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website.
Where Can I Buy Propranolol?
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