I was put on propranolol (40mg x 2 a day) about 4 years ago for migraines I was badly suffering from for years with no luck from other medication. I also have anxiety so doctors thought it would be a double benefit. Initially I never noticed any obvious side effects but overall I just seem a bit blah with my health, weight gain and always uptight in the chest (and yes I've had plenty of check ups!). So it's just occurred to me maybe it's been the propranolol all this time. Can anyone advise the best way to taper off it. My doctor just said I can stop it, but I don't think that's such a wise idea. Thanks
The safest way to wean off propranolol please?
Question posted by maydavid on 21 May 2019
Last updated on 19 August 2021 by nylon88
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Answers
Agree with previous answerer, but I also can't recommend Migraleve enough. Luckily I don't get migraines frequently but, when I do, they're bad. (Once I was so sick I thought it was food poisoning!)
I'd recommend having some pink and yellow in your cupboard/bag, just in case. I tend to take two and go straight to bed. It's really helped me.
I had to wean off Propranolol (80mg x 2 a day) before a shoulder surgery. The doctor recommended that I take my normal dose the first part of the day and cut my 2nd dose in half for the first week. The second week I was to take 2 doses but cut them both in half. The third week, I was to take half of my original first dose and quarter of the 2nd dose. The fourth week, I only took half of my original first dose of the day and cut out a 2nd dose all together. I cut out 25% of that the 5th week. By week 6, I was off of it successfully. Three weeks later, I had a successful surgery without any complications. I did not have any side effects while weaning off the Propranolol. I would recommend adjusting your total daily dose by 25% per week
Thank you for that. I'm glad you never had any issues while weaning from it. I had surgery a couple of years ago and was never told I couldn't be on it!
Related topics
migraine, anxiety, migraine prevention, propranolol, doctor, medication
Further information
- Propranolol uses and safety info
- Propranolol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Propranolol (detailed)
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