Propranolol - from devestating anxiety to calm in 1 day

Treatment and medication
1

Hi, I am a 36 year old professional male and for the past 3 months I've been suffering with anxiety attacks. I thought the anxiety feelings of panic was actually brought on by low blood sugar but my blood tests came back fine and at that point I realised my issues were linked to anxiety. I am usually a confident person and only ever experienced anxiety when presenting to large groups at work, basically I could feel my heart racing and had an urgent need to leave the room (flight response), I could hold my ground and get through it but it was the worst feeling in the world. Other than presentations I would usually be 100% confident, I go on dates or even interviews with no anxiety but recently I can get the same anxious feelings by just meeting a friend for dinner or taking a phone call. I have had some issues in my personal life which I think have brought these on and also my work has been very quiet lately so I have been pretty isolated - a "big deal" used to be a work presentation and now its just a meeting or even seeing a friend.

My anxiety could range from feeling uncomfortable and uneasy through to a medium panic attack. During a panic attack I can sit there and function but I feel dreadful and its so difficult to articulate myself, I just feel like running out the room. I could spend the weekend with family and my girlfriend and be fine, then head for dinner the same day, with the same people and feel anxious in the restaurant.

My GP prescribed Propranolol, 40mg to take before anxious situations or twice a day, whichever I felt comfortable with. I had been feeling dreadful that week, had a couple of anxiety attacks and had been extreemly restless and unhappy, my sleep was heavily disturbed too and I couldn't eat. I had lost a stone over the past few months, mainly from loss of appetite and from not drinking (due to this making everything worse the following day).

I took a 40mg tab that evening, 2 hours before going out. Within an hour I felt so relaxed, I literally felt like my worries and anxiety was releasing from my body. That evening I had planned to go to the cinema, the building was packed and there was stress getting a ticket. I had felt anxious about this earlier that day (before taking my first Propranolol) but when I arrived I felt in control. I was chatty to the people behind, we got our tickets and I really enjoyed the film - previously I have felt trapped by being in the cinema around lots of people.

I didn't sleep very well that night but the following day I felt fine, I took a tablet with breakfast and headed to work. Certain situations which would cause my anxiety to rise just didn't phase me all day long, I was proactive to try to provoke situations that could cause me to be anxious and nothing happened. I ended up heading to the shops after work and then to visit family at 7pm, by the evening I could feel that the Propranolol was wearing off and I did feel slightly anxious and it was more difficult to talk to family members.

I still need to test the Propranolol during more stressful situations but so far I have been amazed with how effective this drug is. I still feel a little down but my worrying thoughts do not spiral out of control as they used to. When confronted with a tense situation by body just holds its ground like it used to and I seem to be able to get through anything now. I get a little tingling feeling, as if my body is trying to make me feel anxious, but it just gets no momentum and this then gives me confidence to continue. Propranolol is such an amazing drug.

Side effects wise I have had disturbed sleep and a slight aching round by my kidneys. No sweating, sexual disfunction, irritability etc - everything feels fine. I actually didn't take a tablet last night and slept really well but I did feel anxious for an hour this morning until the tablet kicked in. I think I am going to take it twice daily to have some regularity and make sure I take this early enough for it to kick in before my first meeting each day.

I realise that Propranolol isn't fixing the root issue and I plan to have counciling in the next few weeks (GP is sorting that out). I do think that Propranolol has enabled me to get my life back on track, I can go to work, see friends and lead a normal life whereas just a week ago I was thinking I'd have to give up work and possibly move back in with my parents for them to look after me, that seems crazy now looking back.

I would strongly recommend Propranolol to anyone suffering with anxiety, panic attacks or possibly even to help get through tough presentations or interviews.

That's me story, I will come back and add updates - anyone else had similar experiences?

2

hi can you please help me as im suffering so badly with anxiety as my relationship has broken down after 4 years and im so devastated , we had an argument last week and now my boyfriend is refusing to discuss anything with me and everytime I ring him he gets really angry and shouts terrible abuse at me , I am trying to not contact him as I want to leave him alone to try and sort his drinking and his anger issues out but I keep feeling so anxious and sad that I keep wanting to put things right between us and feel so low, my doctor has prescribed proprananol 80 ml a day , please can you tell me will this take these awful feelings away and help me try and relax and feel better , thankyou kaz5

3

Hi Kaz, sorry to hear you are going through this. Propranolol helps with panic symptoms rather than depression, it will help you feel a little more relaxed but unfortunately doesn't stop the anguish or feelings of worry. For me it just helps keep me composed for work and social situations, I still feel depressed but at least the anxiety is kept at bay and I can still lead a normal life. I am now struggling with feeling lonely and having trouble sleeping so Im going to get some advice on that, I feel a little better each day - you will get there, try keeping yourself busy and spend time with friends or family if you can.

4

hi and thank you so much , the doctor has also prescribed me with diazipan which I am taking at night time to try and relax me and help me to sleep , ive always had depression on and off but this last few years I feel as if I am lost in a world of grief , I was married for many years and in the end I felt lonely and I think I got bored so I decided to call it a day only to regret my decision in every way , my ex husband then got with my friend at work and they have since married in a big lavish wedding and are so happy and in love that I feel I wish it was me, almost 4 years ago I met a man off the internet and we have dated ever since but hes such a different type to what im used to and doesn't show me any real affection and when I asked him if he loved me he said he cares for me , the thing is this man is a very heavy drinker and ive been trying to tell him hes drinking to much as its about 5 large bottles of vodka a week , anyway I think with my nagging hes been getting fed up with me hes still been drinking but it was lager for a while ,anyway this man has got the worse anger issues ive ever know he has a very stressfull job and gets wound up for no real reason , we went away the weekend before last and had an ok time but a few rows over the drink again, anyway when we got home all was ok then a row broke out over my dog begging for his food and I went home but before I left his house I told him he was making me feel miserable ect , now hes said ive done what I did and I went home so as far as hes concearened I finished it and that's that, ive been trying to put things right but all he keeps doing if I try and contact him is saying look I refuse to disguss whats happened and you need to just get on with your life , I asked him was it over for good then and he said its looking that way , ive spoken to him about other things and he will answer them but nothing to do with us , as ive moved house after my divorce my dog doesn't like it there as hes old and stuck in his ways anyway he howls in the day so my fella has been letting him stay at his house as he lives in a detached house and the howling doesn't get heard so bad there the dogs been there for over a year now, anyway my fella says the dog can still stay there in the day as long as were gone before he gets home which we have been , the only thing is its upsetting for me to still go to his house everyday as it keep bringing back all the memories and upset of the break up , ive offered my chap he keys back and ive got quite a large amount of money of his in my bank account ive also offered that back too but he just keeps saying leave it for now , I wish someone could help me feel better as I feel so devastated that its over for ever , I keep sayig sorry and he just keeps saying but you wont change , my sister inlaw says hes keeping me on a bit of string and hes punishing me for walking out , but I don't know as im so ill and I get so down and confused about things, I know hes not a great person to be around at times , but im so alone and I feel I need him , can anyone help me to try and feel better as im stuck in this house alone and I sometimes feel now that without any company of my own I cant go on , thanks for reading .

5

Hi, I have started taking propranolol to combat anxiety issues and wondered how long the side effects take to subside, ie feeling slightly spaced and tired. Thanks

6

After a week I felt fine but the sleeping pills gave me side effects which I still have to manage with today.

7

HI there, thanks for posting about Propranolol. I have been prescribed 10mg to help with what is a little bit of tachycardia/anxiety. I have not started them. This morning my heart rate went up to 140 beats per min as I started moving about - spiralled into a panic attack, breathelessness and dizziness. I think I need to start these tablets. The anxiety is uncontrollable now. But I am anxious about taking the tablet! Any thoughts? How to get of this downward spiral of anxiety>?

8

Perhaps I should take the tablets! That might help!

9

@trueman. I've started my propranolol journey 10 days ago and has made such a difference already.

I was also anxious about starting but so glad I did

10

I have just started on propranolol in fact I just had my first dose.... I was stood waiting in the pharmacy when I started researching the medication and your amazing story of how you felt in just a few hours encouraged me...... I have just endured nearly 2months of anxiety..... Which came and attacked me out of the blue.... I am normally a very active and confident 25 year old professional. I am just hoping for some rest and a break from just feeling awful..... I am doing counselling and CBT and would encourage anyone to do this as well because there always is a reason... I look forward to getting back to be me... Long road but I'm taking baby steps. Carnot really comment on side effects just yet because the way I am thinking is nothing can make me feel worse than not being able to even speak to family and friends!! Hope this helps Jen.

11

Just recently, I started a new job which requires public speaking with an audience. I found out the hard way that I apparently have SEVERE anxiety/fear of public speaking! I assume I have always had it but have managed to avoid public speaking for my entire 40 years! My symptoms were shaking, trembling, shortness of breath. My body would flush and my palms would sweat! My voice would crack and tremble. It was HORRIBLE and I considered quiting my job because I just couldnt endure it and I know I must have looked terrified and scared out of my mind although nobody said anything. In a last ditch effort to save myself, I went to the doctor and he prescribed Propranolol. THIS MEDICATION WORKS FAST. Within 2 hours of taking it, I felt so relaxed and happy!! The tightness in my chest was gone and I'm not in a state of total anxiety over my next public speech. When I anticipate my next speech, I still feel a touch of anxiety but it is dramatically reduced. Now, I feel like I CAN DO IT instead of dreading it and sending myself into a full blown attack! I recommend this medication. Sometimes people just need help and if you suffer from social or public speaking anxiety, you may want to consider a low dose of propranolol. (I had tried many other remedies before Propranolol). I tried yoga, calming tea, herbs, breathing exercises and even limiting sugar and caffeine.

12

hiya hope we can chat at some point please xx

13

Hi Julia. I have the same symptoms and it's just so awful. Can I ask you how many mg of Propranolol you take before giving a speech? Thank you for your help.

14

Hi Sara,

YES!!  It's terrible and it made me consider quitting my job!!  So, I'm glad I found propranolol.  I take 2 (10 mg each).  I take them approx 2 hours before my speech.  You really can't feel anything happening but then when it's time for public speaking....you are in CALM mode as opposed to PURE PANIC! It prevents your heart from beating out of your chest and your breathing will be normal.   No shakes, or adrenelin rush or panic.   It's like it takes away the psysical symptoms so you can get through it.  My doctor also gave me lorazapam pills (0.5 mg) and I have taken half of a pill approx 45 minutes before my meeting as well.  Please check with your doctor to see what is right for you but I do recommend Propranolol if you have to get speeches or have a general anxiety disorder.  It takes the edge off and you can actually function.

15

Thank you so much for answering Julie. I have to speak at a meeting on Monday and my doctor just gave me propranolol to help calm me. He told me to take one 10mg tablet over the weekend to see how it works for me. I tried last night but did not feel anything. Maybe I should take two because I think that one is a very low dose. He told me that I could try and see how many work best for me but I am so afraid that if I take too much that I won't be able to function. I am also on Lexapro. I started the Lexapro two weeks ago and do feel a bit calmer but I know that when I have to speak, I will just start shaking and my voice will crack when I am in front of everyone. I get so embarrassed. I can feel my face getting all red, it just awful. Do you think it will help with the blushing as well? I am 55 and I still have this awful phobia. Well, thank you again for your help. I really appreciate it.

16

I took 20 mg (2 pills @ 10mg each) 2 hrs before my speech!  It was like a miracle. I think you should ask your doctor if its ok before you take higher doses.  You dont want to take too high a dose because it slows your heartbeat.  Anyway, you might still be nervous before your meeting but you will be able to handle it much better.  You wont be shaking or sweating and you will be calm when you speak.  Therefore, your voice will not crack etc.  I imagine you wont blush either.  Also, another tip...dont drink coffee or things with caffeine before.  Now..I still dont exactly like public speaking but at least now I can handle it better and I dont panic.  It's ok that you have this phobia.  No one is perfect and everyone has their own "issue".  Just stay calm and tell yourself you can do this.  Good luck!

17

Thanks you Julie. I think I will ask my doctor if I can take 2 pills of 10 mg each. Maybe that will work better for me. Thanks again for your help and support. Hope you have a good week : )

18

Hi Julie/Sarah, I have awful phobia of public speaking and currently having to attend a lot of meetings in my new job. I recently had to talk in front of 20 people and felt awful. It is hard to describe to people who dont have this fear just how bad it is. Some people can feel a bit nervous, but then easily get through, but it is almost impossible to speak when you are so petrified. I am on the brink of packing in  my job as it just feels too stressful for me. It is a consultant role too, so I am told that I have to come accross more confident at these meetings and I am constantly in different locations and working for different companies. The fear of my job and public speaking is all consuming and plays on my mind every day and last night I woke up with sweat pouring off me. My doctor prescribed me some of this stuff a while ago, but when I read up on them it said you should not take it if you have a slow resting heartbeat(mine is in the 40's) so I have not taken it. I am just wondering what your resting heartbeats are

19

Hi blackpoolred,

My resting hearbeat is about 60, so it is on the low side but not quite as low as yours. I only tried it once so far and it did help alot but since your heartbeat is so low, I would check with your doctor first.  Can I ask why it is that low, are you an athlete? I hope that you can try it because it made a big difference to me and I get terrified to speak in public. I shake and my voice trembles, it is just the worst thing and it is so embarrassing!

20

Hi Blackpoolred:

Mine is in the 60's.  Call you doctor and just verify that it's ok to take.  Anywhere from 10-20 mgs makes a big difference in how you feel and that is considered a very lose dose.  Don't pack it in yet!  At least try first.  You must have good qualities that make you qualified for your job so don't let this ruin it for you.  I felt the exact same...and sometimes I still do but I just take it day by day and this medication helps alot!   The more confidence you gain the better you will do with everything too.  I know the feeling...it's like pure panic and first response is quit so you never have to feel it again.   But this is just a challenge and you may as well face and and try to conquer it.  Good luck!