Propranolol and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Bes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 15, 2021

For Performance Anxiety "Ever since a bad nervous, shaking breakdown ad hoc impromptu talk in my 9th grade speech class activated by my teacher in high school at age 15, I've been petrified of public speaking. I dropped classes in high school and college where there was a presentation required. I limited my career advancement where presentations would be required. Over the years I advanced anyway and would be required to manage and speak in front of large groups. I still had the same dread and potential bad side effects. I finally researched and found this drug at 53 years old. I'm now 55 years old and a senior manager. I needed this 40 years ago. Tell your doctor it's for performance anxiety; apparently used by many musicians and artists over the years. I wish it was more well known back in the day. For those doing presentations. 20mg 1.5 hours before, 20mg 1 hour before, 20mg 30 minutes before. All will be good!"

• bli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on APO-Propranolol for almost 2 months. I haven't had a migraine for 37 days! That is incredible. I have barely even had a headache. Just had a very mild headache on the weekend - took some aspirin and it was gone in minutes! It's such a relief. However, I have gained about 10 kilos. I'm exhausted all the time. Can't sleep properly anymore (I used to be a deep sleeper). My heart feels fluttery and I actually feel anxious and a little depressed. I have always been an upbeat, highly motivated happy person. I'm torn because the medicine is working to keep the migraines away, which is fantastic, but I feel fat and in a low, sad mood. Not sure what to do - whether to stay on them or not?"

• J D...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2019

For Anxiety "Been on this medicine going on week 3 in 2 days. I recommend it. It changed my life for the better. Currently on 20 mg 3 times a day. It took effect after a week of being on it. No longer feel anxiety, no more racing heart and blood pressure so much lower and better. So glad my doctor prescribed a medicine that works for me!!!"

• Cha...
• February 20, 2017

For Anxiety "I have a one-year-old child, I work 4 days a week, I'm buying my first house, and my dad passed away. I'm the only family my dad had, so I had a huge responsibility to sort. I coped as well as I could until the third week when it hit me: traumatic stress. I went back to work, my job's intense and socially demanding (sales). I couldn't cope or continue to live with how I felt. The doctor gave me these tablets as well as antidepressants, and I feel the world's weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am free to function normally and get through each day now. However, I do feel the tablets wear off and the anxiety creeps in. It's a perfect quick fix, but the underlying issue is still there. However, I don't have to deal with that right now!"

• Buc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2017

For Anxiety "Put on propranolol for anxiety, 80 mg three times daily. I thought this was a high dose, but I haven't had a true panic attack since. I still get mild anxiety, but it's nothing like before. It helped me to wean off clonazepam, so I would say it's been helpful."

• Rob...
• July 3, 2021

For Anxiety "I have used propranolol for a month for anxiety, 10 mg 4x daily, but all it did was lower my heart rate, furthermore, my anxiety worsened much more with added panic attacks and tearfulness around 3 hours later after taking it. Also, blood pressure was uncontrolled. Nausea, tiredness, tension headache, and insomnia. It took almost a week to clear this out from the system. So, no, it doesn't help me with anxiety or blood pressure."

• Ble...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2019

For Anxiety "F, 185 lbs. I NEVER do reviews, but I had to share my experience. I've always been afraid of public speaking. I started a new job and didn't know I would have periodic speaking engagements. The 1st one was in front of 100 people, and I took 0.25 mg of Xanax 1 hour before. I couldn't believe how nervous I was all of a sudden. Previously took 0.25 mg Xanax for a class presentation and rocked it. I found propranolol. My doctor said he HAD to prescribe me 3 pills a day to take every day. He also told me it took time for it to get into my system to be effective. I knew from reviews I could take as needed. I took 10 mg the day before to try it. The next day, I took 10 mg of propranolol at 7 a.m., 0.5 mg of Xanax at 8:30 a.m., and 20 mg of propranolol AND 0.5 mg of Xanax at 9:30 a.m. I presented to 600 people at 11:10 a.m. I never felt nervous or shaky. I didn't have anxious thoughts. I drank a cup of coffee after and feel great! I WILL ONLY TAKE THEM TO PRESENT. ONLY people who are TERRIFIED of public speaking understand why meds are necessary to perform in front of a crowd."

• Aco...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2018

For Anxiety "I've been on Xanax for the last 3 years following a bout with Serotonin Syndrome due to taking St. John's Wort. I've tried Paxil, Celexa, and Trazodone, which landed me in the hospital with tachycardia and feeling much worse than when I started. My doctor weaned me off all meds and has had me on Xanax for anxiety (which I didn't have before the Serotonin Syndrome), and I still have anxiety on a daily basis, along with rapid heart rate. I started seeing a new doctor recently, and she suggested Propranolol for my heart and said it would also help my anxiety. After much debate, I decided I had to try something, especially since I now refuse to take any kind of SSRIs. So, I asked for the lowest dose, 10 mg twice a day, started with 5 mg at first, and I'm still working my way up. I've been on this medication for a week now, and I feel so much more calm, my heart rate is now in the 80's opposed to the 120's, and I don't feel the need to take as much Xanax as before. Glad I gave this drug a try!"

• aar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2019

For Anxiety "I took my first dose of propranolol today. I noticed a difference in my anxiety. I don't believe that this medicine will take away my anxious thoughts, but that is not what bothers me. What bothers me is the constant nervous feeling, my heart beating very fast, and the trembling in my body and voice whenever I feel anxious. I'm not like that all the time, only in situations when I'm uncomfortable. I definitely believe that I have agoraphobia. But after just one pill, I do feel better, and I imagine with time that I will be feeling completely normal. I will come back in a week and share my experience and then after one month. I'm already very excited about my experience."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2025

For Performance Anxiety "I have major anxiety when it comes to public speaking, even in meetings or just a few extra strangers. With my group of friends, I’m fine, but when I’m being “judged,” so not fine. I remember I had to do a pitch for work in front of 100 people and bailed last second, and someone had to fill in for me. One of my good friends asked me to MC at their wedding, I naturally panicked but didn’t want to let them down! I took 10 mg one hour before arriving, I took another 10 mg when I got to the venue, and then 30-40 mins another 10 mg. I still had nerves when I started speaking on the mic, but I didn’t have the shakes, and I was able to deliver and enjoy my role all night, I almost didn’t want it to end! I think everyone is sick of me raving on about this magical pill because I’m selling it to everyone!"

• Gla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2014

For Performance Anxiety "Like many here, I turned to Inderal for public speaking anxiety. I actually was even going to leave the job and used all kinds of excuses in my head (the job was bad, I hated my boss, etc., etc.), none of which were true. Plain and simple, it was public speaking fear. The first one without Inderal had the familiar feelings of having an out-of-body experience, the chest tightness, the nervousness. I got through it but immediately started searching the net when I got home and found the Inderal forums. Best medicine ever, and I'm so glad I found it. I've nailed every presentation since and speak calmly and confidently now. All the physical symptoms are gone when I have to speak. I usually take 30-40 mg 1.5 to 1 hour before I am due to speak. Recommend!"

• Tru...
• February 23, 2013

For Performance Anxiety "I have battled with public speaking for 18 years and would get nervous about a speech even if it was months away. It ended the second I took propranolol. I take 20-40 mg 1 hour prior to any public speaking event, and I am completely calm. No racing heartbeat prior to standing up, no shaky voice, no trembling hands, no more anxiety attacks, etc. I can't believe I've spent 18 years trying every technique on the market, herbs, physical training, etc., to finally realize this one medicine would instantly cure me. I was prescribed this by a psychiatrist after I lost all hope, and this has no doubt changed my life and career overnight. I went from a regular engineer to running a division of 200 people now with zero fear of speaking to them."

• pro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

For Performance Anxiety "This drug gives people HOPE! I've had a paralysing fear of public speaking ever since a panic attack when reading a passage in school as a 15-year-old. That was 15 years ago, and in between, my professional growth has been severely stunted due to this fear. I began drinking and overindulged due to my introvert nature, I avoided any modules that required an oral presentation or simply forewent the marks and didn't show up. I enrolled in a postgrad only to drop out within weeks when I realized the amount of presentations required. I recently got a promotion which requires quite a lot of public speaking and some training. I tried propranolol, and although you still feel nervous, the heart palpitations are removed, and you can get through it. To date, I've engaged in public speaking at work and at Toastmasters using the drug. I still get worked up beforehand though - it just doesn't show!"

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2016

For Anxiety "I am now in my late 30s and have always been a very confident person. I work in the construction industry and have worked my way up the ladder into an executive role. Seven years ago, I had my first panic attack just prior to presenting to the company. I fought my way through it, but I developed classic fear symptoms moving forward. I would worry myself sick with anxiety thinking about my next presentation. Two years ago, I was prescribed propranolol, and it has been a life changer. No pounding heart or shortness of breath anymore! I take 30 mg before a presentation, 10 mg before a stressful meeting that I need to run, and 5 mg in the morning can calm me on a stressful day. I thought I needed to change careers at one point - not anymore - miracle med!"

• Ich...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2016

For Anxiety "I was in the process of discontinuing an SSRI antidepressant and struggling with out-of-nowhere bouts of intense anxiety. I could literally sit at my desk, read something relaxing, and then I would suddenly feel my heart racing, stomach cramping, hands becoming very cold but sweaty at the same time - for no reason. Then, obviously, my mind picked up on that, anxious racing thoughts appeared, I was getting some chest pains too. After an attack like that, it was really hard to calm down, so then I couldn't fall asleep. 10 mg propranolol in the morning was enough to stop these attacks from occurring, and somehow without those nasty physical symptoms, my anxiety levels were much lower, so I was able to carry on working/socializing without any problems."

• Ale...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 19, 2021

For Performance Anxiety "I suffered a major panic attack during a high school presentation when I was 12 and have had a crippling fear of public speaking ever since. It even got to the point early in my career where I’d have panic attacks even meeting 1 on 1 with my boss. It nearly ruined my career. Every time I presented in front of a group, I’d suffer the worst physical symptoms of anxiety and fear. When I was 35, I was preparing to present in front of about 300 people and was crippled with fear leading up to the event. A friend recommended beta blockers, so I visited my doc and got a prescription for 40 mg. Well, I smashed the presentation out of the park, and since then, my career has taken off! I now give presentations weekly and take 40 mg 90 mins before. Beta blockers have been the best thing for my career, and I’ll be forever in debt to modern medicine. Miracle drug!"

• Ale...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 19, 2021

For Performance Anxiety "I suffered a major panic attack during a high school presentation when I was 12 and have had a crippling fear of public speaking ever since. It even got to the point early in my career where I’d have panic attacks even meeting 1 on 1 with my boss. It nearly ruined my career. Every time I presented in front of a group, I’d suffer the worst physical symptoms of anxiety and fear. When I was 35, I was preparing to present in front of about 300 people and was crippled with fear leading up to the event. A friend recommended beta blockers, so I visited my doc and got a prescription for 40 mg. Well, I smashed the presentation out of the park, and since then, my career has taken off! I now give presentations weekly and take 40 mg 90 mins before. Beta blockers have been the best thing for my career, and I’ll be forever in debt to modern medicine. Miracle drug!"

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2020

For Anxiety "I was prescribed propranolol for anxiety from my new physician. I would've preferred the previous medicine I'd been on as it did help. However, I am open to something new if the doctor believes it will help. Of course, all new medication will take some time to get used to, and you'll have unpleasant side effects. After a month or so, I'd figured the side effects would subside and the medication would begin to start working. That was not the case. Still felt very jittery, lightheaded, feeling super exhausted, and having super odd dreams. Some of the side effects are worth dealing with if you feel that the anxiety you have is getting better, but that wasn't the case for me. So, I'd rather deal with the anxiety on its own instead of putting medication in my body and still having the anxiety."

• It ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 22, 2025

For Migraine Prevention "After a number of years with very strange headaches which came on early afternoon and got worse, I finally succumbed to anxiety and depression. One of the first meds I got for that was propranolol. No headache the next day, never had one since. It didn't touch the anxiety and depression, but for the headaches, which nothing else had even touched, it was a literal miracle, and still is."

• Ser...
• March 1, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed Propranolol for migraine, 2 x 10 mg daily. This was in 2019. I was feeling a bit strange and became very anxious. My GP told me to up the dose to 40 mg and put me on antidepressants. I was feeling worse and worse, then developed tinnitus. I still didn't realize it was the Propranolol and asked my doctor to change the antidepressants, as I assumed it was that that was making me ill. I felt lethargic, depressed, dizzy. When I finally realized at that point it was Propranolol, I was taking 80 mg slow release. Didn't have any interest in anything and lay on the couch all day. I told my doctor I wanted to come off of it. She told me to drop 50 mg. I was so ill. Stayed in bed for 2 weeks. Couldn't keep my legs still, panic attacks, anxiety, which I had never experienced before. I was so very ill. To cut a long story short, I finally got weaned off it. I have been off it for a month but still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It comes in waves. Will never touch it again."

• Cot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2022

For Anxiety "My husband died under traumatic conditions, leaving me with anxiety and PTSD. Despite counseling and taking a mild dose of Diazepam for over 18 months, I was wracked with anxiety on waking every morning. I would have heart palpitations, a churning stomach, and jelly-like legs. Sometimes these awful symptoms dissipated as the day wore on, sometimes they didn’t and would increase in certain social situations. My GP decided to prescribe Propranolol 10mg, taken as soon as I wake. I still take 3mg of Diazepam a day, which I’ll be weaned off. After taking the first Propranolol, my anxiety abated after 30 minutes. I have been taking them for a week now, my anxiety on waking has gone, I’m calmer and feel, since my husband’s death in 2020, that I have started to move forward as the awful physical symptoms are now under control. The side effect of tiredness will, I hope, abate as time goes on."

• Dys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2020

For Anxiety "This drug has increased my ability to function 10x. It has stopped my constant daily severe panic attacks and allowed me to function. I started on 10 mg Propranolol but only took half a tablet twice a day to be sure I would not suffer from side effects. The first three days my anxiety went into overdrive with 4 ER visits for chest pain, it was just my anxiety acting up. After those 3 days, I started to take 5 mg 2-3 times a day and have been doing so for two months now. This drug is a miracle, the only downside is that it will not fix your anxious thoughts, and I still have the odd high heart rate and panic attack, but it is much more manageable. I take 10 mg when I have something coming up, such as doctor visits, family visits, etc."

• Hud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2022

For Arrhythmia "Started on 10 mg propranolol twice daily 3 days ago for PVCs (ectopic heartbeats). Within 30 minutes, I felt flushed and then so jittery I thought I’d crawl out of my skin. I thought maybe I just needed to adjust to it, so I kept going. By day 3, I was a mess. Terrible anxiety and more skipped heartbeats. Cardio took me off it. Glad it works for some, but not for me."

• Hud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2022

For Arrhythmia "Started on 10 mg propranolol twice daily 3 days ago for PVCs (ectopic heartbeats). Within 30 minutes, I felt flushed and then so jittery I thought I’d crawl out of my skin. I thought maybe I just needed to adjust to it, so I kept going. By day 3, I was a mess. Terrible anxiety and more skipped heartbeats. Cardio took me off it. Glad it works for some, but not for me."

• Afh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2016

For Performance Anxiety "Like many others on this site, I have a terrible fear of public presentations that was only getting worse with time, and it was starting to severely hurt my job path. The fight-or-flight adrenaline rush at the beginning of a presentation was crippling. Got prescribed propranolol, and it saved my career. I'm still extremely nervous before public speaking, with clammy hands and a rolling stomach, but it absolutely stops that adrenaline blast, and I can speak normally. Keys for it to work for me are taking enough of it long enough before speaking. Caffeine appears to limit its effectiveness in my experience. I'm a 34-year-old male and take 60 mg total - 20 mg 90 minutes before speaking and 40 mg an hour before. Been on it 3 years, love it!"