Propranolol

Propranolol is a beta blocker that is sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Propranolol is a beta-blocker medicine that helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, including sweating and shaking. It doesn’t treat the feeling of anxiety, only the physical symptoms that come with it. When you are anxious, your brain makes more of the chemicals noradrenaline and adrenaline. These chemicals can make your heart beat faster and make you shake and sweat. Propranolol blocks the effects of these chemicals.

When starting a new medication it is common to experience side effects, some of the side effects associated with propranolol are:

• slower heartbeat and pulse rate (this isn’t dangerous, but talk to your doctor if you are concerned about it)

• colds hands and feet

• numbness and spasm in your hands and fingers which is followed by warmth and pain (Raynaud’s disease)

• disturbed sleep or nightmares

• feeling tired

If you would like more information about propranolol please talk to your doctor.

Please do not worry about these side effects. Some people will not get any side effects at all. If you think you are getting side effects from taking propranolol, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If you do get a side effect, please think about reporting it via the 'Yellow Card' system.

If you have taken more propranolol than the dosage recommended by the doctor who prescribed it to you, you must get medial help immediately - even if you do not feel any different.