Propranolol effects on breathing

[Rsukal]

I've posted here before about various issue making sleeping difficult (feeling short of breath, needing to swallow a lot, dry mouth). A couple of days ago I discsussed with a GP about whether it might be worth trying medication for anxiety, in case that is contributing to or even causing the symptoms.

I was prescribed propranolol, 3x10mg per day. As my appointment was an early morning one I took the three tablets that day.

This turned out to be a mistake - that evening, it quickly became obvious that my breathing was affected. It is more difficult to draw breath even though my airways appeared clear (peak flow was not significantly reduced) and it felt like I had to think about breathing in order to keep doing it. When I eventually got a little sleep it seemed deep enough, though.

My understanding is that this medication wears off quite quickly, yet I am still not breathing properly two days later. My sleep the next night was even worse due to the breathing difficulty still being present and no relaxing effect from the Propranolol.

I don't really know what to do about this, but I can't last on approx. 5 hours of bad sleep per night and probably can't get another appointment for at least a week. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Tealpillow]

Same story here - I couldn’t physically stay awake after just two pills. When I woke up I felt that hurty crackly feeling in my lungs. Like they hadn’t moved much. I found it didn’t give me relief from anxiety either. My Dr got me a temporary supply of klonipin as that seems the be the only medication that works for me (but it can be addictive).

Take some slow deep breaths and maybe see if you can get a different medication. I’m sorry that happened to you - it must feel scary to be experiencing breathing problems a few days later.

[Rsukal in reply to Tealpillow]

Thanks for commenting. I've now had a chance to look up Klonipin (drugs.com/klonopin.html) and that too appears to affect breathing.

At present I'm a bit stuck; I don't think my current condition quite merits being an "emergency" and so I'm reluctant to go to A&E (which is hard to get to, anyway) but it is rather debilitating.

I've been trying Sudafed but it hasn't helped much.

[Tealpillow in reply to Rsukal]

Hmmm are you able to call a pharmacist to see what they recommend? Sometimes it’s hard and takes forever to see a Dr, I really hope you can get some relief. That is a scary feeling

[Rsukal in reply to Tealpillow]

Good idea to speak to a pharmacist. They said that the effects could take up to a week to wear off, which is good to know.

[iOwlface]

Hey! Are you an asthmatic by any chance? My GP forewarned me that it may make my chest a little tight when I was prescribed propranolol, which it did.. I think it does wear off with time though? I usually tend to take one when I really need it and feel the 3 times a day is unnecessary (the effects seem to last much longer than 8 hours for me, but I am taking omeprazole which causes me to metabolise everything differently) I only stopped taking propranolol because it increases your gut motility and I’m struggling with my health anxiety around my ibs.

In terms of struggling to breathe, do you have an oximeter? I know you’re measuring by peak flow but they can be handy to have too (any readings persistently under 90 and you have to go to a&e)

Have you tried a good, old fashioned steamy shower?

Hope this helps & hope you’re feeling better soon 🤞🏻

[Rsukal in reply to iOwlface]

I do have asthma, though the GP thought that the dose should be sufficiently low to avoid side effects. My peak flow seems to be OK and my lungs don't feel congested, more that the breathing reflex feels suppressed (if that makes any sense).

Interesting that you mention omeprazole - I have been trying that in case acid reflux was a contributor to the symptoms I've been having.