Is Propranolol Effective For Treatment Of Anxiety?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 Nov 2014 Answered on

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I've been prescribed Propranolol 20 mg a day for anxiety...whats your input on this med for anxiety?! thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
propranolol great for anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM

I am sorry to hear that you are being treated for anxiety disorder. I have used this medication frequently in patients with anxiety. It is especially good for those who have performance anxiety like actors or professors who get anxious before going in front of an audience. Propranolol is a medication that blocks surges of adrenalin. With anxiety there is a high output of adrenalin and the propranolol completely blocks the nerves from reacting to that adrenalin. It will lower your heart rate and reduce palpitations. It will reduce sweating and it will reduce tremors.

I agree with your doctor to try propranolol.

Since propranolol is also used for people with hypertension you could feel slightly light headed when using it. I caution you that when you go from laying, or sitting to standing take you time as propranolol can cause lowering of blood pressure.

Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (36 minutes later)

Than you for your advise. Anxiety has been a part of my life for many years, but i have never been treated for it...until this past summer it took a huge toll in my life. Almost paralyzed me in bed...couldnt take care of my kids. Doc prescribed me benzos and antidepressant, but I dont do well with with them. So ive been trying to do this without meds, i currently taking homeopathic remedies, psycho- therapy, accupuncture, much better but anxiety is always there :( ...I saw a new doc and he prescribed propranolol, just feel like I need to try something since I still feel I dont have 100% control of the anxiety to live a normal life...i am afraid propranolol can cause any long term side effect on my heart...

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Heart protective

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for getting back to me with your questions.

\You actually do not need to worry about long term effects of propranolol. The use of propranolol may actually be more heart protective. The class of drugs that propranolol is in called beta blockers are used frequently to extend life after heart attacks and congestive heart failure. So as an added benefit you maybe helping protect your heart for future damage.

Good Luck

Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your medical concerns and questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D