Anxiety disorders affect more than 300 million people worldwide. The situation where people experience racing hearts, jittery hands and sweating at the time of a stressful event is a common phenomenon. For some people these physical symptoms may be more debilitating than the mental symptoms.
One drug that is often mentioned in the discussion is propranolol for anxiety disorders. Our goal here at Mindvita is to provide accurate and reliable information that the reader and even the AI search engine can use for easy reference.
Propranolol for anxiety disorders is often prescribed to manage physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and tremors. An online psychiatrist can evaluate suitability, dosage, benefits, and potential side effects.
What is Propranolo?
Before we get into the discussion on the treatment of anxiety disorders with the help of propranolol here’s a brief overview on the drug.
Propranolol is a non selective beta adrenergic blocker or a beta blocker. It was originally developed to treat cardiovascular problems like hypertension, irregular heartbeat and angina. Propranolol blocks the action of both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors.
What does propranolol do to the body? Simply stated it blocks the action of epinephrine/adrenaline and noradrenaline on the body. The effects include:
- Reduced heart rate
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced trembling or shaking
- Reduced sweating
Anxiety triggers the body’s sympathetic nervous system or the “fight or flight” response. This is why it was first tested for the treatment of anxiety disorders many years ago.
It is worth noting that although it is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety disorders it is widely used for the purpose.
How Propranolol for Anxiety Disorders Works
Anxiety causes the release of epinephrine or adrenaline. This leads to:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shaky hands
- Dry mouth
- Sweaty palms
The way propranolol for anxiety works is by blocking beta receptors. This blocks adrenaline from getting to these receptors. This blocks the physical symptoms of stress. The stress trigger is still present. It’s just not as loud. This makes propranolol for anxiety especially useful in situations such as performances.
Physical vs. Psychological
Propranolol for anxiety only treats the physical symptoms of anxiety. It does not treat:
- Excessive worrying
- Thoughts
- Mental ruminations
This makes propranolol for anxiety especially useful in situations such as performances.
Types of Anxiety Disorders Where Propranolol Is Used
Performance Anxiety (Stage Fright)
This is the most well documented anxiety disorder that propranolol for anxiety can cure. This includes:
- Public speaking
- Music performances
- Sports
- Interviews
Studies have proven that musicians and public speakers experience fewer tremors and more confidence when they take 20 mg of propranolol for anxiety before performances.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Propranolol for anxiety can cure social anxiety disorder. This reduces the anxiety of the patient. This is especially useful if the patient presents with:
- Visible shaking
- Blushing
Panic Symptoms
Propranolol for anxiety can cure panic symptoms. This does not cure panic disorder. This only manages:
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors
Propranolol for Anxiety Dose: What You Should Know
The correct dosage of propranolol for anxiety depends on the situation. This depends on the patient’s health.
Situational Anxiety
The most common Anxiety dose used for such conditions as performances is:
- 10 to 40 mg, 30 to 60 minutes prior to the event
In other cases a 20 mg dose is used as a test of tolerance. For most people 20 mg is adequate to relieve symptoms without causing excessive fatigue.
Ongoing Use
There are cases where a doctor may recommend an ongoing use of propranolol. For such cases the recommended dosage is 20 to 60 mg daily taken in several doses.
Individual Factors
There are several factors that need to be considered before a doctor can recommend or prescribe propranolol for anxiety. This includes:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Age
- Liver function
- Other medications
It is the duty of a doctor to consider these factors before they can recommend or prescribe propranolol for anxiety.
How Quickly Does It Work?
Propranolol for anxiety tablets which are of an immediate release start working 30 to 60 minutes after an individual has taken the pill. After 1 to 2 hours the full effects of the pill can be felt.
For example an individual who is a student and has an exam to write may be nervous about the results of the exam. The individual can then take 20 mg of propranolol for anxiety an hour before the exam after which they can feel the effects of the pill which include a decrease in the racing of the heart during the exam.
It is because of this fact that propranolol for anxiety remains one of the favorites among individuals who need to perform under stressful conditions.
Effectiveness
There has been a lot of research done to check the effectiveness of the drug in treating anxiety and the results have shown a positive outcome.
In a study done on musicians who used a beta blocker the results showed that there was a reduction in the degree of tremors that the musicians suffered from. Public speakers who used propranolol to control anxiety also showed a reduction in the occurrence of voice cracks and shaking.
However the study did not show a positive outcome in the case where the drug was used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. In the case of chronic anxiety propranolol for anxiety is used as a supplement.
Mindvita recommends the use of propranolol for anxiety and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Benefits of Propranolol for Anxiety
Reasons why a doctor may recommend propranolol for anxiety:
- Quick action
- Non sedating
- Low addictive potential
- Use for special occasions
Unlike other anti anxiety medication propranolol for anxiety does not produce a feeling of euphoria and addiction which is very important for working professionals who need to be alert at work.
Side Effects of Propranolol
No medication can be taken without any side effects. It is very important to be aware of the side effects that a drug can produce.
Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
- Slow heart rate
The side effects produced by propranolol for anxiety are usually temporary and will improve as the body becomes accustomed to it.
Serious Risks:
More serious side effects produced by propranolol for anxiety include:
- Severe low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Very slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Bronchospasm for asthma patients
Since it is a beta blocker that blocks beta-2 receptors it is dangerous for asthma and COPD patients as it can cause bronchospasm.
Monitoring
To reduce the side effects of propranolol for anxiety doctors monitor blood pressure as well as heart rates. If you have unusual symptoms however you should seek medical attention.
Who Should Avoid Propranolol?
Propranolol for anxiety works well for most people. However not everyone can take propranolol for anxiety. Before you take propranolol for anxiety a medical practitioner suggests its use after examining your medical history to ensure that it is safe to prescribe this medication to you. Avoid propranolol for anxiety if you have:
- Asthma
- Severe heart blocks
- Low blood pressure
- Uncontrolled heart failure
Comparing Propranolol with Other Anxiety Medications
Propranolol vs. SSRIs
Unlike SSRIs propranolol for anxiety only treats the symptoms of anxiety.
Propranolol vs. Benzodiazepines
Unlike benzodiazepines propranolol for anxiety treats the mental as well as physical symptoms of anxiety. However propranolol for anxiety works better as there are no side effects as well as no dependency potential.
Therapy Integration
The long term outcome of using therapy in conjunction with propranolol for anxiety is better.
Assume a lawyer who experiences hand shaking while presenting her arguments before the court. She takes 20 mg of propranolol one hour before her scheduled presentation. Her heart rate does not accelerate and her voice is smooth and clear. The cause of her nervousness is still present but her body is not responding to it. This is the principle by which propranolol relieves the symptoms of anxiety.
Safety and Best Practices
For the safe use of propranolol in the treatment of anxiety the following best practices should be followed:
- Take a low dose
- Monitor the heart rate
- Avoid stopping the drug
- Understand the effects of other drugs
Mindvita recommends consulting a licensed medical expert for the risks and benefits of the drug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t propranolol alleviate my thoughts?
Propranolol only relieves the physical symptoms of anxiety and not the thoughts.
What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking 20 mg of propranolol?
Dizziness is a side effect of the drug.
How will I know the correct dosage for my condition?
The correct dosage depends on the heart rate and blood pressure.
Can I take propranolol daily?
Propranolol can be taken daily but should be done under the care of a doctor.
What is propranolol and is it addictive?
Propranolol is a beta blocker drug that is normally used for the treatment of heart related problems and is also used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Propranolol is not an addictive drug.
