Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Dizziness, Nausea After Taking Propranolol?
Question: I have been on propranolol for a week. The Dr prescribed it for migraine frequency, blood pressure of 144/100, and anxiety. I suspect that my problem of severe dizziness and nausea (not too bad) to be caused by this drug. I am on 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at night. Since it is the weekend and I cannot contact my Dr. I was wondering if it is safe to start weaning off tonight, and I want to know how to do It. XXXX
Brief Answer:
Low dose, can be interrupted.
Detailed Answer:
I read your query carefully and I understand your concern.
The dose of propranolol you are taking is a small one, the lowest starting dose. I suggest if possible you measure your blood pressure and heart rhythm to see how their values are affected. Propranolol can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure but at that dose it's rare, so you should consider other factors for dizzyness like dehydration, lack of sleep etc.
If on the other hand the symptoms are strongly related to your taking the drug, more likely if having low blood pressure and heart rate, then you can safely stop taking it right-away, there are no dangers especially at that dosage.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Low dose, can be interrupted.
Detailed Answer:
I read your query carefully and I understand your concern.
The dose of propranolol you are taking is a small one, the lowest starting dose. I suggest if possible you measure your blood pressure and heart rhythm to see how their values are affected. Propranolol can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure but at that dose it's rare, so you should consider other factors for dizzyness like dehydration, lack of sleep etc.
If on the other hand the symptoms are strongly related to your taking the drug, more likely if having low blood pressure and heart rate, then you can safely stop taking it right-away, there are no dangers especially at that dosage.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
My blood pressure is now at a very good rate 127/75. My heart rhythm however is 47. I am not an athlete type or do any excercise daily and since I am a 60 yr old female it should be quite a bit higher than that. What you are saying is if I decide to go off propranolol, I don't need to wean off but I can just stop taking it. Is that correct?
Brief Answer:
Slow heart rate, common side effect.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for coming back with more info.
While that blood pressure value is fine, your heart rate is quite slow at 47, so it seems that you are correct in thinking Propranolol could be the cause for your symptoms.
In people who have taken higher doses for longer times, it usually is weaned off gradually, but in your case having taken it for only a week and at a low dose I think it is perfectly safe to just interrupt it.
I hope to have been of help. Feel free to ask further questions, I will gladly try to answer as well as possible (If on the other hand you have no more questions you can close the query and rate the answer as you see fit).
Slow heart rate, common side effect.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for coming back with more info.
While that blood pressure value is fine, your heart rate is quite slow at 47, so it seems that you are correct in thinking Propranolol could be the cause for your symptoms.
In people who have taken higher doses for longer times, it usually is weaned off gradually, but in your case having taken it for only a week and at a low dose I think it is perfectly safe to just interrupt it.
I hope to have been of help. Feel free to ask further questions, I will gladly try to answer as well as possible (If on the other hand you have no more questions you can close the query and rate the answer as you see fit).
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
