How To Use Propranolol? - Use, Dose, Side Effects - Doctor Explains

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Propranolol. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.

You can find more useful videos on cardiovascular diseases and their treatments here:

Generic name: Propranolol.
Brand names: Propranolol.
Available as a tablet, delayed release capsule and as a drink.

How to use it?
- Tablet: Just swallow it with half a glass of water.
- Capsule: make sure to swallow it whole with water. Don’t chew on the capsule and don’t break it, as this could decrease its effectivity.
- Drink: measure the precise amount you need to take with measuring cup. Take this amount. Afterwards rinse the cup with some water and drink this water as well.

When to use it?
Propranolol is part of a group of drugs called beta blockers. These reduce the workload on your heart and widen your blood vessels, causing your heart to beat slower and with less force. Therefore Propranolol can be used to treat; a high blood pressure; several types of heart problems (like arrhytmias and angina pectoris), thyroid problems, migraine, tremor and anxiety.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
- However, when treating a high blood pressure in adults, most doctors will start with an initial dose of 40mg 2-3x/day (when taking tablets) or 80mg 1x per/day (when taking capsules). Which if necessary can be slowly increased up to a max. dose of 320 mg/day.

What are the side-effects?
- Common (1-10%): slow heart rate, shortness of breath, nightmares, cold hands/feet and fatigue.
- Uncommon (0.1-1%): diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
- Rare (0.01-0.1%): changes in your blood values, worsening of heart failure, low blood pressure, hallucinations, fainting, psychoses, mood swings, confusion, amnesia, dizziness, visual disturbances, dry eyes and skin rash.
- Very rare (0.01%): aggravation of myasthenia gravis, myasthenia gravis-like syndrome, alteration in fat metabolism and low blood sugar.

Safety:
- The first days of using propranolol it can lead to dizziness or fatigue. Please do not drive while experiencing this.
- Furthermore, alcohol widens the blood vessels. It can therefore increase the side effect of dizziness at the beginning of treatment. Try drinking alcohol in moderation first so you can estimate its effects.
- In addition smoking speeds up the breakdown of this drug. If you stop smoking, the amount of this drug in the blood may increase. This can make it stronger or cause side effects.
- Propranolol can also have interactions with other drugs your are taking. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
- Lastly, propranolol could be dangerous for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. Therefore always discuss this with your personal doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2022). Propranolol.

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[danielbriggs]

I use it for anxiety and moderate panic attacks... after 30 minutes they start working nicely.. calms me down and never had a bad side effect at all...
I use 100mg per day... 40 morning.. 20 and 40 evening and night to help sleep ❤

[exotickhanaarif]

Thankfully my anxiety went away with anti depressants but it came back after a year and then my psychiatrist prescribed PROPRANOLOL and then my anxiety disappeared again. Now I am completely off medication.

[werrigude]

Bets blocker helps me with the physical effects of anxiety so much 😊

[tarkanyilmaz]

He said drink alcohol in moderation. That's exactly what i wanted to hear. Cheers mate

[rolandlkts]

Just started taking this last night. I’m on 40mg. I’m taking Propranolol for my anxiety and hyperventilation. It’s been really good, 30mins after taking this medication had a massive relief. I became so calm. I’m going to take it for the second time at 10pm. The doctor said I can take it 3x a day if necessary, but he said better take it at night as I get hyperventilated during the night. I got s headache tho for now, but it’s just I started taking it recently. I’m going to take this medicine for 3 weeks.. let’s see

[saramations]

I've been taking propran twice a day for the past 5 months as a migraine prevention. Turns out, my migraines we're misdiagnosed. I have congenital spinal stenosis, among other issues, in my lumbar region that's causing severe back, neck, and shoulder pain along with headaches. I don't have the typical symptoms of leg pain or numbness so that's why they've been treating me for migraines. Bummer.
Dunno why i felt like sharing my story, oh well.

[mariojk]

This medication has been a life saver for me. Helps with my blood pressure and social anxiety.

[calitruckdriver]

I am taking 20mg first day started today wish me luck I pray this anxiety goes away I always feel like I need to yawn and I get anxiety I get the sweats on my palms and sometimes head

[rokk]

Dude im terrified my dr. Perscribed ir and the side effects are creeping me out
The thought of taking them is increasing my anxiety 💀

[maqroutal-louz]

Thank you doc for explaining. You mention that it czn be dangerous uded while breastfeeding. What can be the effects?

[casseycastro]

Doc. Last month i go for general internal check up. Then results found out that my triglycerides 420. They provide me medicine Lipofirate 145mg (1 tablet after lunch) and Indicardin 10mg ( 1 tablet after breakfast). But sometimes i feel something on my chest ( specially on my heart part) like a needle pinching inside but for only a seconds. Is this a side effects only? Thanks.

[hudamohamed]

Quitting added sugar helped my social anxiety tremendously. I do believe candida might be the culprit in some cases. Gluten can also feed candida. I always had a sweet tooth, so maybe there's connection. I never went the med route. Maybe exhaust natural ways first. Meds cause longterm issues.

[redladybug]

I’ve used 40g propanol for almost 1 year, it’s helped to calm me down due to work stress and social anxiety. But I’m started to think I’ve gained weight because of it. I also feel dizzy ness when I don’t take it on Sundays to have a break from the tablets

[tats]

I take propranolol and losartan at the same time it is good or no?

[tribalwestcoastartenterpri]

Thank you sir I'm just beginning to learn how to use Propranolol

[MissConscience]

I'm diagnosed with Bipolar 1, this medication is one of my drugs, I don't know why the doctor added it?

[williampoole]

Just started taking this, I also take levothyroxine, should I space them out or can I take them both together? Thanks in advance.

[carlosguadiana]

How long should i take for tremors? and how would i taper off that medicine? After the amount of time i took it.

[Joseph.Martelli.]

Can you take propranolol and amlodipine in the same day?

[abhijitmondal]

Can breathing difficulties occur after 6 weeks of using it.. Currently I'm taking 40 mg a day for my anxiety