Propranolol for Anxiety: A benzodiazepine alternative

Propranolol's use in anxiety and is it a suitable alternative to benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, or Ativan?
Intro: 0:00
What is propranolol and how does it work? 0:58
What is propranolol used for FDA and off-label uses 02:29
How long does it take for propranolol to work? 03:37
Is propranolol addicting? 04:27
Side effects of propranolol 05:23
Drug interaction of propranolol 07:12
Consideration when taking propranolol 09:10
Final thoughts on propranolol 10:27
Bloopers 🤦🏽‍♀️ 12:40

Resources:

🎥 This video was edited by:

🚑 If you are in a mental health crisis, please dial 9-8-8 from the U.S. Or text HOME to 741741 and connect to a crisis counselor.

References:

Stahl, S. M., Grady, M. M., & Muntner, N. (2021). Stahl's essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical applications. Cambridge University Press.

Stahl,S. (2021). Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology: Prescriber’s Guide, 7th Ed. Cambridge University Press.

Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes only and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice or substitute for diagnosis and treatment of any conditions discussed herein. Furthermore, watching these videos or getting answers to comments/questions, does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Please consult with your own healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

[tinamarie]

I just started taking propranolol 2 months ago and i love it, especially since i have really severe anxiety. It took me 15 years to find something that finally work for me.

[Tanya_mutter]

I just got prescribed this prn for anxiety and this video is so informational and helpful. Thank you for this info!

[elderlypoodle]

It has been my relief from racing heart at rest. I do have PTSD. It didn’t help my panic attacks however it has helped my anxiety disorders in general. I find this meditation one of the overall a perfect match with my antidepressant.

[acbc]

It’s working for me . That’s all it matters . I’ve got adhd and bipolar disorder. My health matters . And on top of that : I quit drinking for a better adhd and bipolar disorder treatment.

[amyjones]

My doctor gave me 200mg of propranolol daily for hypertension along with lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide and clonidine. It just so happens to help with anxiety and migraines as a bonus.

[Dutchoven]

Thank you for the info, I've been pretty nervous about starting this, my doctor took me of Clonazepam and prescribed Propranolol to be taken as a PRN.
Unfortunately any new medication intimidates me, especially the side effects, I always seem to get it in my head that (side effects) are a guaranteed occurrence, So I'm likely to get all of the, lol...smh. Which is obviously just a ridiculous overreaction in thought process.
I appreciate the clear and concise way you reviewed the medication, it was done in a way that was calming and in parts that I could personally relate to.
Hopefully my side effects mostly just (Tired and at times having difficulty sleeping ) go away as my body gets used to the meds.
Thanks again.

[cemetarygates]

I'm starting this medication tomorrow. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Be well

[RamrodRedfish]

Hi
This is a great video. I have a suggestion, could you consider not having the clicking sound effect with the images that pop up? It’s distracting to the message.

[iwillstom]

I’ve had panic and anxiety and a fast heart rate for almost 25 years and I wonder why this has never been suggested to me before now. Only when my HR reached 130 did the same doctor I’ve had all that time finally prescribe it.

[macaronafterparty]

Blooper reel reminding us we are all in this together :)

[msssss]

My life saver med, but I can only take it for 3 straight days before a day off, than back on because even at just 5mg it really sedated me.

[futurehistory]

Got prescribed this recently to take as needed. I'm glad to have an alternative to Xanax. I still believe Xanax can be helpful for me particularly for situational anxiety (e.g. I stopped going to the cinema for years and years due to a sort of social claustraphobia anxiety but last year I went to see Oppenheimer and Barbie and honestly w/o Xanax I simply wouldn't have). But having a Beta-Blocker now could work great for alleviating panic anxiety and panic episodes particularly when at home :) Panic feelings can become a cycle making it hard to just relax and this should help now.

[sunset]

Might sound cliche, but I combine it with mindfulness meditation, it helps me. Books like 30 Days to Reduce Anxiety by Harper Daniels and the Tao Te Ching have been helpful.

[timothyayers]

Good video. One important thing I dont think the video covers is cigarette smokers will have very reduced levels of propranolol. Just another reason to quit smoking !

[cultfiction]

I’m pleased that you explained what addiction meant and what physical dependence meant on this video. Simply to set the record straight for medical specialists that manipulate the narrative, or just for members of the public that mix them up. For example medical specialists that dislike benzo’s are likely to call physical dependence “addiction” in the case of benzo’s, yet would refer to the same thing as just “discontinuation” with SSRIs. I admit that Benzo physical dependence could carry more serious risks than SSRI physical dependence, depending what the risk factors are, but I both drugs the feeling of been unwell is still caused by the brain and body struggling to function normally once the drug is removed too quickly. I’m glad you pointed out that addiction relates more to cravings.
I wouldn’t demonise any medications since they often are guilty of different pitfalls, but I agree then benzo’s aren’t likely to provide a long term solution for anxiety, and could possibly exasperate it even more. But then I’d also say that’s true with SSRIs. Most people that use them and stop too quickly re-emerge with a more serious form of depression than the one that got them on the medication. Members of the public have the right to understand that this is the consequence of physical dependence. But you explained this well here

[ameliaEscobedo]

Yes thank you!

And I agree your voice is awesome no need for background music

[GoddessSparkle]

This is interesting because almost everything I’ve researched says this is an extremely safe medication. Glad I saw this video!

[mtmatt]

This is a very effective tolerated med and great alternative to benzodiazepines

[beamariestephens]

I was prescribed PROPRANOLOL for tremors, and it was helping with my tremors. Unfortunately, after taking the Propranolol for 3 months, I noticed side effects that were very concerning to me. I started having hallucinations and a red rash on my face. I was never informed of side effects and until I became so concerned about the hallucinations I did my own research and was shocked and relieved to learn of these reactions. I informed my doctor and he immediately started me on another beta-blocker that doesn't have the terrifying side effects of PROPRANOLOL.

[timmytainment]

I hat 20years tremor which was situational and REALLY limiting my Life. Now i got it since a few days and I am really thankful! Ah, extreme swetting was also bis Problem.