Propranolol

[ss017]

Is it normal to have heart palpitations/racing heart when coming off of Propranolol or other beta blockers?

I have been weaning off slowly and will be completely off in a few days.

[misty48]

I experienced those symptoms when I gradually came off Propanolol many years ago, to the point that I felt I was bouncing on the floor when standing still. The palpitations did eventually stop but I started to suffer with anxiety. Not sure if the two episodes were related. I wish you well.

[ss017 in reply to misty48]

How long did it take for the symptoms to stop for you?

[misty48 in reply to ss017]

It was a long time ago so hard to remember a definite timescale. When I came off them I was entering the peri-menopause which brought its own set of problems, increasing anxiety & thus heart-rate. I don't recall the absolute pounding feeling lasting for too many days, frightening as it was.

I didn't seek the advice of a GP before stopping them.

[Moon_Glitter]

Yes, there is a black box warning for beta blockers such as Metoprolol and Propranolol etc. Stopping them suddenly can lead to fast heart rate, angina, and hypertension . You get the idea. Slowly tapering off is considered best.

Only taper under a doctor's care.

[ss017 in reply to Moon_Glitter]

Is it possible to have these side effects even when tapering off, maybe on a smaller scale?

[Moon_Glitter in reply to ss017]

Yes. For sure. If tapering slowly, hopefully in time your symptoms will disappear. If you were put on propranolol for chest pain or hypertension these may continue or become worse. I'm on metoprolol for high blood pressure, I knew once I started I'd probably be on it forever. I'm ok with that, since it seems to help alot. And as always speak with your doctor with any of your concerns. xx Taylor

[Hidden]

Yes and probably return to the symptoms you had before you started taking them. It can feel very full on for the first few weeks but you can improve and there are so many self help books / YouTube videos / hypnosis apps etc to help. You can even take a hypnosis app out with you and play it in one ear when you get anxious!