What Causes Fatigue And Lethargy While On Propranolol?

Posted on Sun, 5 Jun 2016

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

Sun, 5 Jun 2016 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : In March, 2016, I was prescribed Propranolol for a slight hand tremor. Since that time, I am feeling both excessive fatigue and lethargy, like I have never felt before. Is this common with this drug? It's the only new medication I have been prescribed in years. Non-smoker.
I'm also diabetic.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending your question.

It is certainly possible but the propranolol could be contributing to your symptoms of fatigue.

propranolol can cause a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Both of these can cause fatigue and possibly weakness.

of course there are other possibilities that your primary care doctor can investigate. This includes thyroid dysfunction or possibly an email or a letter like this function. Your doctor can evaluate for these with simple laboratory testing if he thinks it is warranted.

also, your doctor might consider adjusting the dose of the propranolol to see if this helps improve your symptoms.

if there is no other explanation for your symptoms other than the preprint along than your doctor might consider a possible alternative medication.

thank you again for sending your question.

sincerely,

dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T