Propranolol and Headaches: What Users Say

• Mrs...
• October 5, 2018

For Anxiety "After having a few bad presentations where I got major shakes and voice tremors, I decided to give this a go. I seemed to have developed major stage fright somewhere along my career. Due to deliver a presentation to 150 people and use a hand-held mic. This pill is a game-changer. I took 10mg two hours before and then 20mg an hour before my slot. I practiced heavily (I always prepare) and used my kids' karaoke machine to get used to my voice through a mic! I felt calm on the actual morning after the first pill took effect, and I absolutely nailed the presentation. No shakes, not even many nerves, and my mind was focused. I did suffer a bad headache later in the day, and that night's sleep was poor, but it was worth it. I wouldn’t hesitate to use this again ad-hoc when such situations arise. I’m not normally one who leaves reviews, but if this helps just one person with the same problem as me, it’s been worth it."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2020

For Anxiety "I just started taking propranolol 20 mg three times a day for fast heart rate due to anxiety. Day one, I took 2 pills and felt a little dizzy and had diarrhea. Day two, I took one pill in the morning and felt the same way, and it gave me diarrhea. Day three, I decided to stop the propranolol and didn’t take any more. This medicine has some serious side effects. Right now, I’m feeling so dizzy and maybe it's a withdrawal, I’m not sure, but there’s no way I’ll take any more. I checked my blood pressure, it was a little low, so I ate a can of soup to bring it back up some, hoping it would stop some of the dizziness, but that wasn’t the case. The reviews say it takes about two days to clear your system, but the side effects can last up to one week. Today is the first day without it, and these side effects are no joke. Not to mention my head feels so heavy and burning, and my eyesight is blurry. Be cautious and do your research before taking this medicine. I don’t recommend it."

• 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."

• GRW...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2024

For Anxiety "41 years old male. 75 kgs with an underactive thyroid condition, where I take 75mg of thyroxine a day. A 'natural' over-thinker, certain life experiences caused a snowball effect of anxiety. No matter what breathing techniques or relaxation methods I tried, they did not stop the increased heart rate, high blood pressure (at times 173/97), dizziness, chest pain, brain fog, and headaches. After 6 months, the doctor suggested 10mg of propranolol. I came here to look at the good reviews to have a positive effect on the oversensitive mind and see it as a good thing, not a bad thing. It's a catch-22 with anxiety. I noticed a slight difference already, maybe it's a placebo effect, who knows. But for anyone who is struggling with anxiety, look into your vitamin D levels and magnesium levels. Also, this is an issue with our fight or flight response, which is due to the pituitary gland and adrenals. It might be worth getting these tested as a 'simple' fix for the future. I wish everyone the best."

• Aut...
• July 2, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "When I was 16 years old, I had what most people would have thought was a stroke. My entire right side was numb. I was slurring my words, my lip was drooping, and I had a terrible migraine. I was diagnosed with having complex migraines. I'm 17 now, and I had another 'episode' in May. Just recently, I had another one this month. But since I have been on this medication, I have had little to no headaches unless I forget to take it for a couple of days, but propranolol saved my life. If I continue to have these episodes, then we will know that it's more than just a migraine, and we are going to have to see a neurologist. I have had 2 CAT scans that showed no tumors, but my dad had brain tumors that were small. Wish me luck!"

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2023

For Anxiety "This is the second time that I have been on propranolol. I suffer from PTSD. I take 40 mg three times a day for the effects of my condition (anxiety, loss of confidence), and these tablets are having the desired effect. Heart rate has calmed, headaches are fewer, and as a result, I’m starting to feel better. Panic attacks (multiple daily when they come) have stopped overnight. The tablets and dosage may make you feel drowsy or sluggish, but push through this. Long walks and exercise solve this for me."

• Anonymous
• May 1, 2012

For Performance Anxiety "I am a 25-year-old boy with a long history of severe anxiety and panic attacks during social activities, especially presentations. I used to blush like a tomato, speak with a stressful voice, and my heart pounded like it wanted to explode. Sometimes, I could not finish my presentation because I wasn't able to talk anymore. A dreadful nightmare. Until I knew about this medicine, and it changed my life. This lovely little red pill eliminates most of the physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heartbeat, shaky hands, sweating, and a stressful voice. I use 40 mg 2 hours before my presentation, and it works great. Regarding side effects, sometimes I have a little headache, but it's not a big deal."

• Dav...
• January 15, 2016

For Anxiety "First few days I had the common listed side effects, feeling sick, headaches, and occasionally feeling like I thought my heart had stopped beating. All side effects have pretty much disappeared now, and this medication was a lifesaver. Been taking for 3 months, 30 mg twice a day, and no more fight or flight response. The anxious thoughts and feelings still arise, but they go away within a couple of minutes, and you don't go into the cycle of anxiety fight or flight, thus causing more anxiety. Would recommend to anyone who is suffering with anxiety, these are lifesavers, a lot better than the alternative antidepressants and diazepams, etc. This medication was free for me, thanks to the NHS."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

For Anxiety "I’ve been on propranolol for 2 months. I was on a 10 mg dose twice a day, and now I’m on 15 mg twice a day. This helps me calm down and not worry so much, but has not helped a lot with social anxiety. I like this medication a lot, though. I was a nervous wreck all day, every day, worrying non-stop, and this helps calm me. Now I just need to find something to work with the social anxiety part. The only con of this medication is I wake up with a bad headache and feel hungover every morning from this med."

• Can...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 8, 2018

For Anxiety "As with everything in life, I found that propranolol makes a significant difference to anxiety symptoms and helps me personally calm down/perform to my ability when public speaking. I work in the banking sector and experience extreme pressure and stress on occasions. It is a major game player, and I would highly recommend it for people that suffer and feel hindered by this awful condition. I also found my confidence significantly improved. However, occasionally after use, I do feel worn out, tired, and emotionless. Also, I can get headaches and chest pain. Therefore, I would suggest to only use it when you really need to and under extreme pressure. It will make a significant difference for you."

• Dan...
• January 14, 2014

Inderal (propranolol) for Migraine Prevention "I have been on this at least a year on 10 mg 2x a day. I've had unexplained weight gain, and my headaches haven't gotten better. I've been to a nutrition specialist and am stepping up the exercise and trying to eat better, but no matter what I do, I still gain weight, and my doctors keep telling me that I'm not taking anything that would cause weight gain! Now they have doubled my dosage."

• Ang...
• July 2, 2021

For Anxiety "My doctor prescribed propranolol to me for anxiety. It's awful. Made me have chest pain, heart is pounding, headache, my shoulders are tight, nausea, dizziness, my face feels hot. This drug should not be for anxiety."

• Sar...
• August 8, 2013

For Performance Anxiety "It works like a charm - stops the sweating and shaking and hot flashes associated with performance anxiety. Makes me calm and able to focus. And absolutely no side effects. Also, I haven't had a headache in the six months I've been on it."

• Bmw...
• June 21, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Took this for the first time today - 10 mg daily is my dosage (once in the am and once in the pm). I took 10 mg this morning at 8:00 am on my way to work. This is used to treat both my anxiety and high blood pressure, apparently. After about an hour, I started feeling very dizzy, then the nausea came. My eyes were heavy, and I was exhausted. It was all I could do to stay awake at my desk. Flash forward to 12:00 pm, I’m leaving work. I want to go home and nap, but I can’t sleep and have a headache. Truly just waiting for this to wear off and never take it again. The half-life is 10 hours, so only 2.5 more to go, I guess."

• XJA...
• July 11, 2016

For Anxiety "I ended up having frequent urination, muscle pain, twitching, and major fatigue. Pressure headaches and pain in my left leg and stomach cramps. I stopped 3 days ago and am already feeling better, this has been the worst thing I have ever taken."

• Mig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered with migraines for 30 years. In 2012, I was diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine disease. I have tried everything! I am allergic to almost everything! I began taking propranolol and praying this will help! From day 1, I was in worse pain than I was not taking the propranolol. I kept going, increasing the dosage as I was directed to do, but the head squeezing, throbbing, and sickening pain got worse, and all I wanted to do was sleep! I am glad this helps some, but it only made me feel like a worse weak person!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2013

Inderal LA (propranolol) for Migraine Prevention "I've battled migraines since I was 14 and was diagnosed with PMDD. 10 to 15 days out of the month, I get crippling migraines. I've tried numerous things, and nothing has really helped. I've been on Inderal for a couple of days now, along with Norco, and still have what I would consider a fairly bad headache. I'm still seeing the aura and occasional star flashes in my eyes. I'm hoping something changes here soon. I will say last night was my first night since I've had my son, I slept a full 6 hours straight."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking the 80 mg propranolol slow release for migraines for about 4 months now. While it has stopped my migraines, it's made me incredibly tired and in a constant low mood. I still get headaches, quite a lot of tension headaches, maybe because I'm so tired all the time. I've always been consistent with going to the gym, but I've put quite a lot of weight on recently - partly because it's a side effect, but also because I've had no motivation or energy to get to the gym. I'm also cold ALL the time, especially my hands. People in my office have the air-con on, and I'm sitting here in a big jumper, shivering. I really don't like this drug, but I'm not sure there are any drugs that would stop my migraines and not make me exhausted. :/"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking the 80 mg propranolol slow release for migraines for about 4 months now. While it has stopped my migraines, it's made me incredibly tired and in a constant low mood. I still get headaches, quite a lot of tension headaches, maybe because I'm so tired all the time. I've always been consistent with going to the gym, but I've put quite a lot of weight on recently - partly because it's a side effect, but also because I've had no motivation or energy to get to the gym. I'm also cold ALL the time, especially my hands. People in my office have the air-con on, and I'm sitting here in a big jumper, shivering. I really don't like this drug, but I'm not sure there are any drugs that would stop my migraines and not make me exhausted. :/"

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2010

For Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines since I was 6 and have been on Topamax, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and everything in the book. I switched doctors, and he put me on propranolol, and I haven't had a migraine since. However, I still get these headaches that just sit in my head and make me foggy, but no nausea or auras like a migraine. I've noticed my dreams are much more vivid, and it's harder for me to wake up, like there's a heaviness about it, but that's not a big deal. Unlike other medicines, I have not had any change in weight or appetite, but if I take it on an empty stomach, my mouth tastes like the capsule. Great alternative to harsher medicines."

• cre...
• February 1, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I had migraines weekly, they made splitting pain in my brain, with vomiting and disorientation. They would send me to bed in a blacked-out room for 15+ hours, sweating. It was horrible, I had these all my life. At 29, I had a severe migraine that caused a stroke. It happened, paralyzed from the neck down. Eventually, with a lot-and I mean A LOT-of hard work, I got myself back on track but did lose 92-96% of my vision. They put me on 40 mg of propranolol and I still got headaches during the day that sometimes turned to migraines, so they upped the dosage to 60 mg of propranolol. That's great, it's all good-probably 3 not-so-bad migraines in 12 years now. However, they say it won't cause weight gain and I have to say I have doubled my weight. I go walking, I watch what I eat, and I just keep gaining, so I think that needs to be addressed as maybe some people gain and some don't. Otherwise, this is a great medication."

• Bij...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I was suffering from migraines for over a year before I sought treatment. By then, I was having one every other day. The day I didn't have one, I was washed out and drained. Within a week of starting propranolol, my migraines were gone. I haven't had a single headache of any type in two months. I also haven't had any side effects. Well, until today. Not really a side effect though. I missed three pills and started getting dizzy, nauseous, and headachy. So it's actually a side effect of NOT taking my medicine."

• Nud...
• February 24, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on 40 mg Deralin (propranolol) for 3 years. I still get daily headaches and the occasional migraine. I find I have dizziness and vertigo, lethargy and tension whilst on it. I also have trouble exercising - because I get puffed within 2-3 minutes of cardio - like almost vomiting, kind of puffed! Deralin has helped with my headaches a little, eliminated my tremor, but the biggest improvement is with anxiety. It's almost zero. I have attempted to reduce my intake because I'd like to get fit. But was met with overwhelming dizziness, vertigo, and panic attacks within 5 days of decreasing my dose to 20 mg. So it's great for some things, but hard to get off. I'd love to hear of something similar that has less side effects."

• Mad...
• November 18, 2018

For Anxiety "I took it, and it is horrible. I could not sleep at all, even with 2 mg Valium and sleeping pills prescribed by the doctor. It made me worse, and my blood pressure went higher than usual. Now I did not sleep and have to go to work. I told my doctor that 2 mg of Valium was not helping with my anxiety, so she gave me this medication. Omg, I have had her as a doctor for 2 years. I asked her if she could just give me a high dosage of Valium. To control my panic attacks, she said I would get addicted. I'm 46 years old, taking 2 milligrams of diazepam, and it is not working. Propranolol is the worst thing I ever had. It even gave me a headache. I'm up just like it every day. The daytime, horrible."

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2022

For Anxiety "I used propranolol 20 mg for physical symptoms of anxiety (fast heartbeat). It helped to slow down my heart but gave me tons of mental anxiety and a headache. So I decided to stop taking it after 1 week. Not a good option for the treatment of anxiety."