Propranolol for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2018

"This pill is nothing short of a miracle drug. I was hesitant at first, but after reading all of these comments, I figured why not give it a shot. I had a bad presentation about a year ago, and ever since then, I’ve been petrified of standing in front of a large group of people and giving a few-minute presentation. I just did a 30-minute presentation, and by golly, did the pill work. I took 40 mg around 2 hours before, then another 20 mg 45 minutes before the presentation. It completely got rid of the physical symptoms, including red face, quivering voice, and sweating. That presentation was a breeze... it should be a legit crime that people don’t know about this drug. Doctors don’t have a problem prescribing it because it’s an old medicine and makes it nearly impossible to take too much."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2015

"I had terrible anxiety and fear of flying. Each 1-hour flight to Europe was a major battle. I would down brandy to cope. But I knew I would not be able to cope and needed professional help for the 24-hour flight to Australia. I was prescribed Propranolol 40 mg and did not think it would work, however, I was amazed. I was dead calm throughout the flight and never had any of the crippling anxiety or panic attacks that had been devastating my life for the previous two years. I am amazed by this medicine. Thank you to the manufacturer."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2018

"I was prescribed propranolol for panic attacks. This drug was almost as effective as a benzodiazepine. It calmed the very uncomfortable physical effects of having a panic attack. It did nothing for my racing thoughts, but I was able to control those after my body was calm. Sadly, I had to discontinue using it because it gave me double vision and extremely heavy eyelids. It is a fantastic alternative to other anxiety meds since it isn’t addictive. I’d recommend propranolol to anyone who suffers from panic disorder."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2012

"Inderal is a really great alternative to benzodiazepines for anxiety and panic attacks. I have generalized anxiety disorder and am prone to having panic attacks, especially in high-stress situations that I can't get out of right away. I am prescribed 20mg to take as needed, up to three times a day. When I have my panic attacks, I fear that I might have a heart attack or some other heart problem because my panic makes my heart pound so hard and fast. Inderal is a beta-blocker that blocks adrenaline, so when I take it, my heart slows down a little and doesn't feel as though it is pounding in my chest. It doesn't remove my panic completely, but it prevents my anxiety and worries from building. I like Inderal because it is safe and not addictive."

• Vir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2020

"I have quite severe anxiety randomly that can give me physical symptoms like racing heartbeat, dry heaving, nausea, and shortness of breath. Not to mention the panic attacks that get me every time after that. I found this drug, propranolol, on some website, and I tried it myself. It works really great for treating my anxiety, and I'm on 20 mg twice a day. My panic disorder seems gone too, but it has a troublesome side effect for me, like acid reflux in my stomach and a little bit of dizziness. For people that have a medical history of ulcers or GERD, I suggest you take this medication with your ulcer/GERD meds (like PPIs and sucralfate). Overall, this medication is the champ for beating up any kind of anxiety or panic disorder. Very recommended."

• reb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2023

"This was the very first drug I was prescribed over 5 years ago and I am still on it. Started twice a day 40mg and dropped down to once a day. Living with C-PTSD, I didn't realize it wasn't normal to have a racing heart. It was just my life, heart racing every time I was emotionally triggered, and a sense of panic and full-blown panic attacks, unable to move hyperventilating. This isn't a miracle drug that erased my condition or attacks, but it was a miracle in that it erased the heart symptoms I'd previously experienced daily. I told my psychiatrist I didn't realize normal people lived like this without their chest fluttering and pulse quickening constantly. I have no interest in stopping this medication."

• Pat...
• December 20, 2022

"I started taking propranolol 7 years ago. I was really suffering with anxiety and PTSD. I was afraid to take them. They helped me a lot. I've noticed some people have shared bad experiences on the 80 mg slow release, I did too! It was just too much for me. My doctor had previous experience, so thank goodness he just tried a lower dose. It helped me massively. I'm so very grateful. Fast forward 7 years, and I'm doing so well. I have come off all other meds (slowly) apart from propranolol. The reason is simple. It crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recent research has shown that a newly reported 'side effect' of beta blockers that cross the BBB lowers cases of age-related mental deterioration, such as dementia and Alzheimers. I'm staying on a low dose for the rest of my life! Thanks, guys."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2012

"This medicine is great at preventing the physical symptoms of panic attacks, which are my biggest concern. At 10 mg, it keeps my heart rate at a tolerable level, and I don't shake or feel nauseous. However, if I take it and don't experience any stress, it completely wipes me out and makes me feel like I just want to sleep all day."

• The...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 22, 2018

"I am 52 and have had devastating panic attacks since age 12. I tried tricyclics, then an SSRI (Zoloft) with limited results. Then I was given a 'wonder drug,' the benzodiazepine Xanax, and my panic went from a 10 to a 2. That didn't last long because Xanax requires increased dosage to get past the tolerance your body develops to achieve the same result. After two years, my doctor had me on a prescription of 8 mg/day (2 mg 4x/day), an extremely high amount. In addition, Xanax is not intended for long-term anti-anxiety therapy. I was getting into car accidents, couldn't concentrate, had slow reaction times, memory problems, etc. I also had to walk around with my prescription bottle in my pocket. I went to another doctor who introduced me to Propranolol, and it works wonders. Effexor XR also works well for me. I presently take Propranolol 60 mg twice a day, Effexor 150 mg/day, Klonopin, a longer-acting benzo, ONLY as needed, and continue with counseling."

• mec...
• December 28, 2015

"Panic attacks strike me big time, especially during working hours. I get horrible heart palpitations. I take this med, and it helps me big time. My heart calms down in just 3-5 minutes. I have this everywhere I go. It saved my life too."

• Cho...
• August 7, 2015

"This medicine saved my life. I have panic disorder and a mild heart condition. When I was first diagnosed with my heart condition, I could not leave the house for fear something would happen to me - I guess agoraphobia set in. This medicine stopped my heart from beating rapidly and calmed me down together with my other medicines. A wonderful medicine."

• Anonymous
• June 16, 2017

"Wonder drug. My story may be different, I was going to the ER, it seemed like every other day for high BP, 200/something, pulse high. They would run tests: EKG, blood work, give me Ativan, and send me home. Later, my doctor put me on BP pills, and my psychologist put me on Ativan and another anxiety medication. Took it for a few years, then got off. I was doing better... Life was great. Then it happened again, I went to the ER three days straight. Once, I even called the ambulance. The ER doctor made me an appointment with my psychologist that day. My psych told me about this medication. My last reading for my BP was 139/91, but the week before it was 176/109, and no panic attacks. I take 60 mg x2 a day."

• Ell...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

"I'm 19 years old and have been suffering from panic attacks for over 3 years now. I just started to take propranolol last year, and since taking it, it has been working well. I don't take it every day, as I don't want to be dependent on it to stop my panic attacks, but whenever I have or just had a panic attack, I always have propranolol."

• C-P...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2023

"Okay, this drug is a game changer! It saved my life! I was having jerks, severe dissociation problems due to stress (fight, flight, freeze), palpitations, sweats. I couldn't leave my house anymore, nor interact with people, even people I know. It was really terrible. I isolated myself completely. My doctor prescribed Propranolol. At first, it made my intrusive thoughts worse, at least that's what I thought but, in fact, the stress was just too high, and I had to stop working. So, after I stopped working, I started taking it again. I'm only taking 5 mg and it helps a lot. I've finally been able to feel the benefits. I no longer have the jerks. I also take Ativans to calm anxiety when needed, but Propranolol removes the physical symptoms completely! No side effect!"

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2021

"I’ve been having panic attacks regularly in situations like board meetings, trains, and haircuts. As soon as I’m in a situation where I know it’s not okay to just leave, I panic and have to fight the urge to escape, causing faintness and severe stress. With a new job coming up, I needed help. I’ve taken propranolol now for three weeks, including giving a speech, countless meetings, and I’ve had no symptoms. You still get the idea of a panic, “here we go” feeling, but it doesn’t come to anything, and once you realize this, you can relax and focus. I take it only when I know I need it, and the rest of the time I don’t use it. Great drug!!"

• cra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 27, 2017

"Using 40 mg every AM and 20-40 mg as needed for at least five years, it’s my saving grace in most everyday situations that can cause panic or anxiety. I used benzos for 15+ years with a strong dependency, I honestly thought I’d never get off them, until propranolol. One dose in the morning carries me through to lunch, and only if needed do I take more. The ER version lowered my pulse below 55, even at the lowest dose, and honestly, it didn’t work half as well. Maybe it’s mind over matter, but I start to feel relief from panic or anxiety within 15 minutes, and I’m fine within a half hour at most. My advice to everyone: less is more, if you dose daily, try a larger dose in the morning and half doses as needed. Too much and you’ll be drowsy."

• Lil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 29, 2017

"I have to take half a packet of beta blockers to make them work for me. I'm also on diazepam too. I've tried other drugs, they don't even touch me, in fact, they made me suicidal. I've had a panic disorder for over 4 years and even was referred to the mental health team. I had cognitive behavioral therapy for my panic disorder and OCD. It never worked for me. I have seen therapists and other people like that. I lost close members of my family and was in terrible relationships. I've also been raped, and many years later, I was mugged. I've been a victim of a crime twice. Sorry to blabber on - I don't want sympathy, but if any other people have gone through this, speak out to friends, counselors, or get professional advice, it does help. Thank you for reading, I'm from the UK."

• Joe...
• December 18, 2014

"Works great. For very stressful events, it's not enough. I take 20 mg plus 0.5 mg Ativan. That does the trick 1 hour before. If it's a mildly stressful event, I don't need the Ativan. Just the 20 mg. It's not effective for me anyway to stop a panic attack after it's started. I need Ativan plus propranolol for that."

• zio...
• January 27, 2017

"I was prescribed propranolol for two reasons: cough and anxiety. I had been on metoprolol for at least 15 years for high blood pressure. This new med is a win-win-win for me since it has helped my chronic cough plus it does a better job for my hypertension plus it has reduced my anxiety level. I have tried almost everything available for anxiety, most of which are highly addictive (benzos) or have a great number of side effects (SSRIs). I will rate this again after I've been on the med for 5-6 months."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2019

"I've been on 40 mg propranolol twice a day for 2 days. It's eased off my anxiety so I can walk around and my legs aren't like jelly and also slowed my racing heart. Obviously, this medicine does nothing for the mental effects of anxiety. It's definitely brought a calm over me. I feel a bit woozy after taking the meds. It made me very tired but also given me insomnia. I can deal with all this just to get a sense of calm and be able to function normally. If your doctor offers you this for anxiety, please try it before you go down the benzo route. (By the way, this is really important: DON'T take it if you are asthmatic, it can cause airways to constrict.)"

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2016

"I have had intense panic attacks when talking to a bunch of people, giving presentations, and explaining myself to strangers. When giving presentations, there have been instances when I felt really embarrassed and humiliated due to panic attacks. My heart pounds like hell, and my body is no more in my control, with very narrow and blurring vision and shortness of breath. I checked my heartbeat once before a presentation, and it was 165-175 bpm. For the record, my bpm while running stays somewhere between 150-160 bpm. After taking a 40 mg propranolol two hours before and 40 mg before one hour (a total of 80 mg as I didn't know whether it would work or not), I was very calm and in control and no more heart pounding, no more shortness of breath."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2019

"I was given this drug, propranolol, when my hormonal anxiety/mood went absolutely haywire after being diagnosed with PCOS. I was a crying, panicky mess! I was having to miss work. I was already on Lexapro 20 mg daily and Buspar 30 mg daily, but they were no match for my hormones. At first, the doc prescribed me propranolol 80 mg, it was WAY too much! It knocked me out for hours. We tried it again, starting with 10 mg (the lowest dose), and worked our way up. 20 mg daily is the magic dose for me. It helps so much! At first, I had some stomach upset, but that only lasted a few weeks. Now I don't have any side effects aside from feeling a bit sleepy occasionally."

• wor...
• September 9, 2014

"I was prescribed propranolol 4 years ago and was on 160 mg daily for around a year, and it worked straight away. Took away the racing heart and trembling hands and made me feel normal. After around 6 months, I started to feel lightheaded and dizzy and was moved down to 80 mg daily, which I was on for around 2 years. When I felt I was on better control of my panic attacks, I started to titrate down the propranolol, as you are not allowed to just stop taking it, and this is the downside, as when my panic attacks were under control, I was starting to get a racing heart and trembling again as the doctors were trying to get my titration rate sorted out, and I was moved down too quickly. It took 18 months to do this, which was the downside."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2016

"This medicine has been a Godsend, especially with the Upsher-Smith version of propranolol. I no longer feel like I have panic attacks anymore, my anxiety is gone, and my performance has done a great job, especially at work. When I took the Actavis Elizabeth version, I had all kinds of side effects. I was very lethargic, I couldn't take a shower, I couldn't cook, I couldn't clean my house. It was awful. Then I went to another pharmacy and got the Upsher-Smith version. I was very leery about it, and I did my extensive research and found out that this is one of the best generics of propranolol. I'll be sticking with this version, but don't try the Actavis Elizabeth version because it will mess you up. Try the Upsher-Smith, and you can go on with your life."

• Lau...
• January 26, 2018

"This medication has helped calm me down. I don't use it for social anxiety, I just use it intermittently when the panic attack starts, wherever it comes on. It's a better alternative for me than using only a benzo since I don't get tired after and can continue my day with driving around. Sometimes, I have to use it in combination with a benzo to get over the humps on bad days or when I can't get anything done. Overall, I have positive experiences with this and no side effects."