How do you safely reduce propranolol dosage without getting negative side-effects from it?
Question posted by Leopoldbloom on 27 Nov 2012
Last updated on 7 February 2024 by deecie43
Hello, as I stated in the question I am wanting to completely get off of propranolol. I take it for chronic migraines but the side effects are not worth it in my opinion and I'd like to explore some other options for treatment. The reason why I want to stop taking it is because after taking Timolol-Maleate for 4 years I developed an allergy to it and am afraid this will happen again with the propranolol.
I tried several times to get off of Timolol and failed miserably. I attempted to ween myself off of it for about a week. I was only taking a very small dose and it was working well, 10mg 2x per day. I cut that down to 5mg 2x per day over the course of a week but after it being completely removed from taking it for 3 weeks there was something seriously wrong. If I exerted myself physically I would labor to breathe and experienced SEVERE withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms persisted and seemed to get worse the longer I was off of it.
My doctor seems to believe that going off of these beta-blockers are no big deal and you can just ween yourself off for a little while. And perhaps they are but in my case I can't seem to stop taking them without it completely wrecking my body, focus-level and just managing with the withdrawals. My doctor is also insistent that I continue taking a beta-blocker indefinitely even though we are treating migraines and not some serious heart condition. I know that there are other options and quite frankly I don't trust his opinion any longer.
Has anyone had this experience? Did I not give it enough time? Am I reducing the dosage incorrectly?
Some stats: I'm 29, Healthy (other than chronic migraines), average to under-weight, currently taking 20mg of propranolol 2x per day and would like to be off it entirely, safely.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
31 Answers Page 2
DE
deecie43
18 Dec 2019
I've taken metoprolol 40mg once per day for 20 yrs for racing heart and shakiness. I was told it was anxiety. It helped save my job. Now every morning the racing heart and shaking and anxiety returns until I take that pill. My worry is when I have nerve pain from my severe osteoporosis the Tramadol brings back some of the heart racing and my breathing is much faster. Only take half a 50 mg tram. What the heck will I take it pain gets worse? I don't not like the Prop as it's lovely not feeling like I'm going to explode but the two don't seem to go together at all. Actually the instructions for Prop days not to take with opioid s. Evidently Drs overlook this fact. In fact I can't take both at the same time because of nausea. I have to eat between the two pills. So dilemma.
Votes: +1
SU
suziect
15 Feb 2019
Hi there, beta blockers physically slow the heart so a quick reduction in tablet numbers / dosage is quite dangerous. I was told to drop my dose by 1 tablet a day only if my heart rate stays under 80 beats. If beats go over 80 then pause the reduction for a couple of days and drop the pill number again while checking heart rate as you go. All the best.
Votes: +1
JE
JenWhatever
14 Oct 2018
I have been taking propranolol since Yesterday. 20 mg 2x a day. So today I took the same dosages. I notice my heart beating out of my chest last night and tonight, as well. For this reason, I cannot sleep. Can I just not take any tomorrow or just take half the dosages and call the dr Monday and let him know? He prescribed them for migraine prevention. What does everyone think?
Votes: +0
SA
sallyanne7899
5 Feb 2018
Hi Leopoldbloom
I recently have safely come off taking Propranolol.
I was prescribed Propranolol in 2015 when I went to the doctors in floods of tears as I'd been experiencing panic attacks and anxiety for some months. I was told the drug would help with the physical symptoms of anxiety and started taking 2 tablets a day.
Yes the drug helped reduce my physical symptoms but alas it didn't get rid of it. Only after CBT sessions and changing my lifestyle did I start to manage my anxiety - to this day it isn't gone and I expect it never will be but I have a better understanding of it and how to manage it.
Anyway I wanted to come off taking Propranolol as I didn't want to rely on it but it's a really difficult drug to come off. The Dr said similar things to me, as I was only taking it for anxiety related issues I should of been able to come off the drug easily but it was not easy!! I would experience horrible symptoms of breathlessness, really strong tension headaches, chest pain if I suddenly decreased my dose or stopped taking it all. DO NOT DO THIS.
Over the course of a year I reduced my dose down to 1 tablet a day and then over the last year I was taking half a tablet a day. Over the last few months I used a knife to cut the tablets into tiny pieces and was just taking a tiny piece each day, until eventually I stopped. Yes I still experienced withdrawal symptoms when decreasing my dose but it's much more manageable to do this with a little bit of the drug in you, never just stop completely it's really not good for you!
I am now 3 weeks free of taking Propranolol and yes I've felt a little uncomfortable at times but it's so worth it knowing that I don't have to take it anymore and I'm no longer relying on it.
Just reduce your dose little by little it really is the best way. If you have any questions for me then please let me know. I remember searching all over the internet for other people experiencing this which is why I thought it worthwhile to write this post.
Also I recommend avoiding coffee or other stimulants whilst you are coming off Propranolol, as it only exacerbates your withdrawal symptoms.
I'm an early 30 something female, fit and healthy otherwise.
Good luck x
Votes: +2
SR
sreese6
28 Feb 2018
Hi sallyanne
I’m 19 and have been on 10mg propranolol 2x a day for almost 2 Years. I was first put on them when I started getting panic attacks senior year of high school to help with the physical feelings and excessive output of my sympathetic nervous system which was causing the panic attacks. After some rough months my life stabilized and I’ve been able to live a normal life in university while on the 10 mg propranolol. However I recently have decided to want to come off it bc I just don’t like being dependent on a pill and want to possibly return to how I was before my panic attacks (not worrying about my heart).
My panic originated from my heart bc when I first panicked I thought it was beating too fast etc. My worst anxiety feelings are almost always heart related, pounding heart, racing heart, missed beats, a weird pressure in my chest when standing up too quickly or going up stairs, derealization, etc. when I’m on my propranolol these feelings are slim to none and I’m fine but as soon as it starts to wear off I get all the bad feelings. Just wondering as I begin to taper off the propranolol will these feelings go away after awhile? I never had a thought about my heart until my first panic attacks and subsequent propranolol use. By the way i just had tests and everything with my heart is perfectly fine(48 hr holter monitor, echocardiogram, ekg/ecg). Im also Otherwise a very healthy young man I can run very well as long as I’m on the propranolol.
Please let me know I hope we can start a dialogue. I’m looking for some support and Hope I can be a help to people in the future as I embark on this journey back to a life possibly without taking propranolol.
AT
Atonks
12 July 2018
This is good to hear. I’m up at 4am unable to sleep due to feeling horrible from a propranolol taper. Such a painful process. Do you feel normal now that you are off?
OM
Omriah27
6 Aug 2018
I am too experiencing everything you've gone through before taking Propranolol. I am not taking it once a day 10mg and realizing when I don't take it how my chest hurts more or my heart rate beats faster. I've only been on it a few weeks maybe but I want to stop taking it completely. Even though I have to admit the feeling of not having your heart race is peaceful and chest not hurting can also be a peaceful situation I am not sure if I want to depend on this medication. Can we please start a support group to help each other because I don't like the side effects from Propranolol but definitely like how it helps with my heart etc.
SR
sreese6
11 Sep 2018
Atonks I didn't end up weaning off of it I was caught up with school and the last thing I needed was to have all the uncertainty about the propranolol while going through the stress of the school semester. I still want to come off it and after reading some stories online I feel there is some hope for life without propranolol. I've seen some people reporting the horrible withdrawal symptoms you feel in your heart going away after a week or so; this gives me hope. I appreciate what the drug has done for me as it pretty much saved my life when first undergoing panic but now more than two years on I wish to return to my life without dependance on this pill. I know I'll never be the same emotionally but I hope to return to that bodily state where I'm not always conscious of when I last took my pill and feeling my heartbeat within my body.
The whole propranolol situation is difficult as some people have issues coming off it and have no support to turn to and feel alone, me being one of those people. The idea of a support group is something I whole heartedly agree should be done because few people understand the very specific struggle we are going through. I'll be paying much more attention to this thread and please let me know if you are struggling with this as well I'd love to talk.
I took a 40mg tablet yesterday morning to overcome anxiety. I didn't take another tablet in the evening. the withdrawal effects hit me hard this morning. I lost balance when walking, my eyelids were heavy and kept twitching. my mind just slowed down. my tongue and lips felt heavy, I couldn't speak fluently. this took about an hour or so ... its 10:00AM here and I feel better. though with diminished strength.
should I take another pill now?
Votes: +0
LO
Lobby290506
12 Sep 2017
I've been on this for over a year and I have now decided I want to come off it as I feel I need to try and control my anxiety on my own and not with pills. I was on 40mg a day I was taking 2 a day of 20mg. My doctor said to me drop my last dose for a few weeks then after that take the other one every other day for a few weeks then just stop. At the moment I'm taking one a day and have had no effects of cutting it down. But my doctor says if my anxiety gets that bad again to just start taking it again like before and I could try again another time I'm 27yrs old and I suppose I've been lucky and not had any effects. Just do what feels right for u and take ur time coming off it. It will do no harm doing that and ur doctor should guide and help u
Votes: +1
IN
Inactive
29 June 2017
I thought propranolol was to be taken when I a stressful situation not everyday? So if I took it in a stressful situation (before a party) would I then need to ease off it too?
Votes: +0
RI
Risa1962
15 Aug 2018
I had hep c, my doctor put me on propranolol 20mg and Aldactone to get rid of fluid, I took Harvoni and he says the hep c is gone but I need to take these meds as maintenance meds. always. I am concerned because I am having alot of side effects. and have gotten worse since I started it in Nov 2017. I am seriously thinking of weening myself off the propranolol. what do you think and have you ever heard of doctors using it for this reason?
SP
Sprout33
9 March 2017
I am taking propanol 5mg once a day my doctor wanted me on 10mg twice a day but i decided to only take 5mg once a day. I am on losartan for blood pressure and amlodipine 2.4mg for blood pressure. I take ativan for anxieties. I noticed with the 5mg of propanol that i am very tired and i feel that i just want to sleep and do nothing. I have also been depressed when i take it. So is it safe to stop the 5mg of propanol that i was taking once a day it was not the recomended dose it was just a litle dose 5 mg once a day
Votes: +0
HA
hacky123
1 May 2017
Hi did you come of the propananol OK? I am on 10mg for anxiety and want to come off it, did you ask your doctor??
EN
enajyak
19 April 2016
Hi Leopoldbloom. ( I doubt that anyone will copy your password) lolol. I have been coming off propranolol which I took for anxiety for approx 6 months. I was on 30 to 40 mg. I could take as and when the gp told me. I have stopped it very slowly. One 5mg tablet every fortnight. I am now down to the last half and am getting a slight breathlessness. mostly when I lay down. I am hoping that it will pass. If it does not go soon. I shall visit the gp and mention this to her. You are right to come off them slowly no matter what anyone says. Our bodies get used to all these things. Stay safe and get more advice please. Jane
Votes: +0
LA
LA1
28 April 2017
Hi enajyak
I was just wondering if you successfully completed your withdrawal from propranolol?
I too am trying to wean myself off. GP prescribed for anxiety about 10 weeks ago. I've had them before but not taken for longer than two weeks and was able to stop without withdrawing. This time I've had side effects , the main one being insomnia which has now become an established pattern of not sleeping and I tried to come quite quickly( dropping 50% over three weeks). This proved to be really difficult and the withdrawals were horrendous- panic attacks, sweating and very bad anxiety- and I went to drs to discuss. He said ok to withdraw like that should be no side effects. I decided to reinstate full dose of 80 mgs a day and come off more slowly taking 10% off per week. First two weeks fine and now down to 60mgs but starting to notice I'm sweating again at night though not nearly as bad as last time yet.
You were nearly at the end of your withdrawal process when you posted your message. Did you get through it? Are you ok now? How long before you had no withdrawal effects at all? Be grateful for a reply.
Best wishes
AT
Atonks
12 July 2018
This is such a painful process. I’ve been weaning since November. Every little change makes me so sick. Were you able to get off completely?
BL
bloodheart313
21 July 2015
I just weaned myself off of propranolol for the second time in my life. I too experience strange heartbeats, fast heart rate, etc, and was originally put on it to combat anxiety, brought on by stress in college. The first time I weaned off of it, those problems went away after a while, and I anticipate that they will again.
I had the time release capsules, and will counter one point: you can wean yourself off with those too. Open the capsules (by twisting them apart), and remove some of the medicine in the capsule. It is in fact, easier and more accurate to do it this way, than to attempt chopping a pill in half, in my opinion.
Votes: +1
AT
Atonks
12 July 2018
How did you measure how much medicine you were removing?
KA
katfree
23 June 2015
How I took myself off of Propranolol
As my current prescription was about to run out and my healthcare situation is slim to none; I had been contemplating how to decrease my propranolol intake. I have been taking 120 MG time-release capsule for at least 2 to 4 years, I don’t remember if the initial dose was smaller but either way the 120 MG has been steady for at least 2 years. I am 28 and healthy aside from chronic migraines.
Regardless of the health insurance I want to get off the meds anyway, it helped a lot at first but lately I still get migraines and the side affects while minor are bothersome. I notice the most my chest beating irregularly, a little off at times especially while exercising. I didn’t realize this could be from the meds and thought I just wasn’t in my best shape until reading other peoples experience and side affects. I also get lightheaded standing up to fast or at random times.
Neither of these have happened to the point that I was worried but now I am starting to question if it’s because of the meds I’d rather stop. I don’t think I have gained weight from the meds but I have had trouble loosing weight and think this may be a contributing factor as adjusting my eating habits and exercise routine don’t seem to make any impact.
The label says to not stop taking suddenly and may cause risk of heart attack. I hope those are worst-case scenarios and being that I am in good health should be ok. Also from reading online it looks as though people with heart conditions on the medicine are more at risk.
Since the pharmacy or my previous Dr. were unable to alter the remaining portion of my prescription I took myself off by alternating days. First I went to every other day for one week then every 2 days for one week then every three days for one set or so as it really became irrelevant at that point and probably did me more harm.
I felt a difference almost immediately, on the days without Propranolol I felt more alert but would sometimes crash a little in the afternoon. I had a slight headache on a few of the days but nothing to major. What I noticed the most was my heart rate, it was normal while resting but would beat rapidly during exhortation. Over this time I stopped exercising besides some low-key yoga, another reason I hate this drug is that it made me give up something I love to rid it of my body. It has been over a month since I first started decreasing my dose and about 2 weeks of no Propranolol at all and I am glad to be done with it.
I am starting to exercise again, my heart was beating pretty quickly during my run this morning but I will ease into it and hopefully normalize soon. I am more alert than ever and can’t believe what an impact it had on my grogginess that I attributed to sleep or other factors of life. I am not recommending that anyone try my method however I rummaged through the internet for related posts and hope this can be consideration for anyone considering getting off the drug. Also if anyone has input that I may not be out of the danger zone of having a heart attack I’d like to hear it. Also I know that I need to reinstate my healthcare please no comments on that.
All the best.
Votes: +1
TM
Tmoyer
30 Dec 2015
Are you off the betablocker now? Please tell me if you were able to get your life back
GR
Gr33nmusic
18 March 2015
Oh yes, of course you can't just stop taking a medication, that affects your heart and blood pressure, just like that. Your heart will race, and your BP will rise a whole lot. I've taken propranolol, for about twenty years, not for my heart, but as a mood stabilizer. I am titrating the medicine, because one it makes my mind foggy, and two because I went through absolute agony, waiting for my doctor to fix a refill error he made. I had 4 days w/o propanol. While decreasing the dosage, strangely what I find, is that I feel the worst right after I take the medicine. I think it's because my heart eases in confortably to it's new condition, and then I force it to slow down again wt the medicine. I am now only taking 15% of the dosage, 10 mg. 4/day, and tonight will skip my evening dose. If I feel better tomorrow morning, I'll skip that dose as well. I am drinking a lot of water, and abstaining from salt for the time being to help my blood pressure.
Still I wouldn't wish that anyone, would have to go through the same physical feelings, I have had to go through, over the past week.
Votes: +1
GA
Gala870
16 Aug 2018
When I try to stop the propranolol I have the symptom of racing heart and then I start getting migraines I want to stop it but that’s been my experience.. I would love to be free of it! I take 20 mgs a day
SH
shankarmani20
31 Oct 2014
Dear sir, my age is 26 iam taking inderal past 2 months for heart palpitation, now palpitation was reduced not same like before. now i need to stop this inderal . at starting i eat 40mg per day. after 2month 20mg per day. now eating 10 mg per day.but no side effects until now.how to stop it permenantely. if i stop this i get any side effects ? if any side effects what type of side effects will occur ?? can clear my dout please.
Votes: +0
KE
kellybell4
31 Oct 2014
Doctors may prescribe medications, but the best person/s to ask these kinds of questions is a pharmacist. They are the experts on drugs, not doctors. And find one that seems genuinely interested in your problem. I hate saying this, but I have found that a lot of pharmacists, especially the ones that work in mass market pharmacies like Walgreens, tend to get burned out and/or jaded. Try to find a compounding pharmacy in your area. Do a google search for your city and state + compounding pharmacy. That would be the best pharmacist to ask these types of questions.
SH
shankarmani20
1 Nov 2014
thank u sir
IM
Imran-Propranolol
12 Jan 2015
"I tried several times to get off of Timolol and failed miserably. I attempted to ween myself off of it for about a week. I was only taking a very small dose and it was working well, 10mg 2x per day. I cut that down to 5mg 2x per day over the course of a week but after it being completely removed from taking it for 3 weeks there was something seriously wrong. If I exerted myself physically I would labor to breathe and experienced SEVERE withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms persisted and seemed to get worse the longer I was off of it."
I am Quoting you "Leopoldbloom"
I was on Inderal for about 7 Months, I am currently trying to leave this medicine, As i feel better without it But I now I am having the same withdrawal Symptoms which you experienced, I feel like I have started having Asthma Attacks,
I just reduced the intake from 10mgX2 per day to 5mgx2 (For about a Month) per day, and then to 5mg once a day (for About a Month)
Two years has passed, but I'm answering this for others who may read it. Important note tgat might clear the picture: 10 mg of Timolol is equivalent to 80 mg Propranolol
Is your problem clear now?
you were NOT on a low dose of Timolol, and when u just cut the dose in half it has a big step for a beta blocker. You said you where taking Timolol 10mg twice a day, that if equivalent to 160 mg Propranolol !
Votes: +1
SH
shankarmani20
31 Oct 2014
Dear sir, iam taking inderal past 2 months for heart palpitation, now palpitation was reduced not same like before. now i need to stop this inderal . at starting i eat 40mg per day. after 2month 20mg per day. now eating 10 mg per day.but no side effects how to stop it. if i stop this i get any side effects ? if any side effects what type of side effects will occur ?? can clear my dout please.
IN
Inactive
27 Nov 2012
Hi Leopoldbloom, and welcome. You are on a low dose of propranolol, but if you are on extended release, you can't cut the tablets, or capsules in half. I suggest you (if you are indeed on the extended release), to get a script from you doctor of the regular propranolol, and start cutting down from there. Remember that you have to adjust the dosage from extended release to the regular medication. The way I wean myself off of medicine, is one dose at a time. So if you are taking 20mg 2X/day, I would cut ONE DOSE in half, and the second dose remain at 20mg, until you have no side effects. For me, this can take up to three weeks. Then I would cut the second dose in half, again, until no side effects. Never go too quickly, so wait at least a week until you cut the dose again. Then I would go to 5mg on one dose, then 21/2mg, and finally off. Remember start with just one dose.
I am very sensitive to medications, and whenever a doctor wants me to cut out meds, I have to go off slower than they suggest. It seems you have the same problem.
Best wishes to you, and I hope that you achieve your goal.
Votes: +6
LE
Leopoldbloom
27 Nov 2012
Thank you so much, that's really helpful.
WA
Warpod
9 May 2014
Hi, I've been on propanol for about a year and a bit. I was put on this drug for stress and like you I developed a heart problem missing a beat or lots of funny beats, needless to say my heart feels like it's slowing down. I also get headaches The feeling off being short of air, lower back pain chest pain, feet feeling hot and cold, trembling muscles, feeling of dread. Trying to come off this tablet, and wishing I had never taken the stuff in the first place. I was on 80mg a day, now got down to 50mg a day, the list of problems with propranolol for some people is long, but you are not alone, good luck with your coming off this hell drug. Regards warpod.
SK
SKCullers
6 June 2015
Husband on propanalol for hand tremors for over a year. Max dose of propanalol extended release. started having burning in back and legs and headaches so 2 months ago started weaning off. 2 weeks now no drug but excruciating headaches and in bed. This is truly a demon drug!
TM
Tmoyer
30 Dec 2015
I have had all the adverse affects of this betablocker it's been a huge nightmare. I can't believe it's even on the market. I have had heart burn, heart pounding, dizziness, no appetite, crying, abdominal swelling, feeling of impending doom, Chest tightness, constipation, warm and cooling sensation going through my veins, pressure on my heart. I go to the ER and the doctor says everything is fine. I'm tapering off very slowly from the inderal. I'm at 20mg now and going to not take it today because I can no longer function. I originally was put on betablocker for high heart rate due to thyroid issues. I wish I would have never had it. Please someone out there let me know I can get off and feel normal again or if you have had any of these adverse reactions please state them. I have gained 20 pounds and not even eating much.
SH
Shellshock84
10 May 2017
Hello. I've been taking the 20mg 2x daily for only a week, and I'm already wanting off. What's the proper way to wean myself?
