Bad propranolol withdrawals - British Heart Fou...

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Bad propranolol withdrawals

Kdev97 profile image
75 Replies

Hi all. I was put on propranolol 40mg 2x a day for anxiety to work alongside my sertraline. Bad choice! I had a bad turn on them after 5 days I had to stop under advice from my doctor. Since I have stopped them (4 days ago)I've been getting dizzy, heart rates been all over the place. Been short of breath, have been getting headaches like there's a band around my head. Palpitations lack of energy. Was just wandering if this was the standard for proranolol withdrawal or whether I should seek medical advice. The only reason I havnt called 111 is because I have called them so much in the past and I feel like I'm wasting their time. I'm 21 and apart from severe anxiety, no health problems. Thanks

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Kaitee profile image
Kaitee

I am afraid I can’t give you any medical advice however please get checked out. Call 111 it’s what they are there for. Of course anxiety can cause all sorts of problems - which I know you’ll be aware of - but ring 111 and go from there. Good luck!

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Kaitee

Thank you :)

Kaitee profile image
Kaitee

I hope someone else can give you more advice.

Peachy19pink profile image
Peachy19pink

I agree to see your doc. I also have health anxiety and it's sounds like your panicking about your symptoms and maybe increasing anxiety. I do this all the time. It makes me worse. I take propranaol every morning for my panic attacks for years. Just guess everyone is different. Hooe you feel better soon. X

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Peachy19pink

Thank you, I'm 99% sure that it's just my anxiety blowing all the symtoms out of proportion but for peace of mind I'll go to the doctors in the morning, I have a few hours when I feel bad and a few hours when I feel great x

Peachy19pink profile image
Peachy19pink in reply to Kdev97

That's exactly what happens to me. I know that it's anxiety and panic but I still want to take myself to A&E to get checked. Anxiety is awful , I wouldn't wish it on anyone. X

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Peachy19pink

Anxiety really is awful I agree, I'll pop an update on when I've been to the doctors tomorrow, already know now it's anxiety lol 😂 x

Caitlyn6 profile image
Caitlyn6

I have had this and it's hell.

I was on propanalol for a month 10mg, for tachycardia. After a month my gp stopped it- tapered me off. I got palpitations and high heart rate and blood pressure. Felt like head was exploding. Gp put me back in it but I still have palpitations and now chest pain. I think it's a filthy drug that your body gets highly reliant on and stopping it causes problems. I think I need to see a gp in the next day or two and explain what's happened. They can also request on ecg. That's if you don't go to A and E. I don't know why these tablets are used today.

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Caitlyn6

This has been really helpful thank you. I had awful side effects when on them wasn't able to do anything even go to work. I wasn't properly explained these tablets when I was put on them and I only found out how bad they can make people when I took my first dose and decided to Google them. These have put me off tablets for life. I'm only going to the doctors tomorrow to make sure my heart and body are okay. I'm never taking another propranolol in my life, wish I never took them in the first place.

Rawbar profile image
Rawbar in reply to Kdev97

I totally agree with you I was on it fir two weeks and had to stop it because if the dizziness and nausea I had to call the ambulance because my heart was beating so fast but they took an ekg snd sir was normal and just anxiety

But when I wake up in the middle Of the night my body e we I’ll shake so I have to shake it off

Caitlyn6 profile image
Caitlyn6

Exactly how I feel. It might be that a dr puts you on a different beta blocker with a longer 'half life'. It was explained to me that the problem is propanalol doesn't stay in ur system very long and ur body gets used to it. A slow release beta blocker might give you a lower pulse without the awfulness of this drug. Your body can get a rebound effect after stopping it where ur pulse and blood pressure go high as u are hyper sensitive. Also it works on the beta receptors in ur lungs so can effect breathing. However, long term I think you are best off beta blockers. It's amazing how much you learn when u suffer side effects of these horrible drugs. These drugs should be off the market.

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Caitlyn6

Completely agree people shouldn't have to suffer these tablets unless it's absolutely nessesary, thanks for all your help, wish you all the best x

Rawbar profile image
Rawbar in reply to Kdev97

My Doctor took me off propranolol becss as use of the bad side effects and put me on clonzepam

OliveRSutton profile image
OliveRSutton in reply to Caitlyn6

Like many many meds, it depends upon each patient and circumstances. Low dose, occasional use he!ps IMMENSELY and if I don't take it for days, weeks, or months, I have no problem YET. I'm sorry to see so many scary, negative side effects and withdrawal experienc es. Doctors should be OBLIGATED to disclose this first!

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to Caitlyn6

I didn't like the idea of taking propranolol in the first place because my heart was fine, but I have social anxiety and was desperate. Now I think I'll live a life of solitude if it means it's without beta blockers.

Rawbar profile image
Rawbar in reply to NoMoreDrugs

I agree

dunestar profile image
dunestar

I don't have any experience of propranolol but I did have a hard time coming off bisoprolol. Heart banging very loudly in my ears and couldn't sleep. Of course this makes you anxious and you can get quite quickly into some nasty feedback loops. Eventually things calmed down. I vowed never to take beta blockers again and think it's much better to try other ways to deal with anxiety, tai chi, breathing exercises or whatever helps you.

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to dunestar

No way of doing that when you are in a social situation! I only took propranolol because it was cheaper than therapy.

No_fixed_abode profile image
No_fixed_abode

I stopped them after nearly 2 moths of usage where they had no useful affect. They barely lowered my BP, and they did nothing for the possible physical symptoms of anxiety I was having. However, they did just about stop me taking any form of exercise where I might exert myself, that was awful...

I stopped taking them in the first week of February, it is only on April the 1st that my resting heart rate returned to normal, almost 2 months! During that time for the most part my heart rate was a lot higher (up to 20BPM) than I would expect, and it would rise very quickly for a minimal amount of exercise. (Tracked with a Fitbit)

Bob

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to No_fixed_abode

I've notice the same increase in my heart rate. I have a doctors appointment in half an hour and I want to talk through everything with the doctor as I am doing a half marathon in October so want to make sure I'll be okay to start training in the next month

No_fixed_abode profile image
No_fixed_abode in reply to Kdev97

Wow! Good job you are off them then! Well, because of something that happened when I ramped up the exercise not long after coming off them, I am now scheduled for an angiogram tomorrow. I suspect it will prove to be fine and it was the withdrawal process that has caused the issue.

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to No_fixed_abode

I'm hoping that as I was only taking them for 5 days It will be fairly quick for me to get back to normal. It really has been the worse week thanks to these awful tablets

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL in reply to No_fixed_abode

Having the same issue, was on prppanalol for a month, 40mg a day, then I stopped it, Holly sh*t what a night mare, sinus tacky at 120, if I stood up it went up to 150, on day 4 now on veraprilmil and Digoxin for rate control until it settles down.

Does anyone know how long this withdrawal lasts ?

Thanks

Fran1989 profile image
Fran1989 in reply to GymmyNZL

Hi how long did it take you to recover?

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL in reply to Fran1989

Well, never just stop a beta blocker !! So I ended up with beta block rebound syndrome. Nasty!! The first 2 weeks were hell, after that things started to settle down. It's a long road, propanalol is a lipid soluble beta blocker which means it can cross into the brain quite easily, this can cause issues in people like me (I have anxiety) , atenalol is water soluble and is less likely to cause depression. Everyone is different, I became super paranoid when ever my heart rate increased, this caused panic attacks etc. The issue is, is that when Ur on a beta blocker your body starts to compensate by increasing the number of adrenaline receptors, but since the beta blocker stops adrenaline from binding you don't notice, when you all of a sudden stop the beta blocker your body has all the adrenaline sites it's can now bind to which means you get all these very real exaggerated symptoms.

It's taken me 4 months to truely get back to "normal " but that's because I gave Anxiety and OCD,

The upside is, it comes right , just don't every just stop taking a beta blocker !

Fran1989 profile image
Fran1989 in reply to GymmyNZL

I stopped taking it cold turkey my doctor advised me to due to my blood pressure being lowered to much....... I do notice a difference in my anxiety from when I first stopped but still get shaky and anxiety mostly in the mornings my hunger has returned since I was eating as soon as I stopped...... I have anxiety but it’s manageable but right now I feel a little more worse then normally....

Rawbar profile image
Rawbar in reply to Fran1989

Ever since I stopped Propranolol my body is shaky all over Zhsd this happened to anyone else?

Jules20202 profile image
Jules20202 in reply to GymmyNZL

Hi, I am going through this mess with propranolol withdrawal. Glad to hear some success stories and you are doing better. Wondering did you have to be switched to another beta blocker to get things under control for a while? The fast heart rate and anxiety are a nightmare. Thanks:)

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL in reply to Jules20202

Yeah they are a nightmare, no I just took it very slowly, but you could ween off if you can, Why did you stop ?

Jules20202 profile image
Jules20202 in reply to GymmyNZL

Thanks for replying. It was for migraine prevention. The side effects were awful and kept me feeling sick for 3 weeks. Never imagined what an ordeal it would be to stop taking it. Maybe this works for some but it is like poison to others. Looking forward to putting it behind me.

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL in reply to Jules20202

What dosage were you on ? You will find due to the 1/2 life you can cut right down to a small dose like 10mg every 2nd day and the horrid withdrawals go away, stay on that and the keep cutting down slowly eg monthly not weekly. I was put on isoptin so I couldnt take any beta blockers. If it's still messing with you, ask to try atenalol it might be better as it doesn't screw with your head so much. I think people need to remember that beta blocker do work, they are a very important drug post MI and extremely effective for high BP but propanalol is not a cardio selective beta blocker hence why it's used for migraines. Not all beta blockers are alike .

Jules20202 profile image
Jules20202 in reply to GymmyNZL

It was 10mg three twice a day. Thanks for sharing the info I will try that:)

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL in reply to Jules20202

I was on 40mg 2x a day for 2months, so not long, but enough to cause issues.

It really is very un-nerving, night time was the worse for me, then it moved to afternoons lol, the anxiety feeds this so try and keep calm , but the first 2 weeks are the worst, I'm only now feeling more normal, it all started at the end of August for me, baby steps, and of course everyone is different ! ;)

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to GymmyNZL

Do you know how long propranolol stays in the body? I found the effects start to wear off after an hour or so.

I took them as and when, so not many, but I have been completely withdrawn for 4 months. My heart is beating like mad at night, and I don't feel right. My elbows ache.

I don't know what the cure is. I think I have high blood pressure due to propranolol lowering it for so long, my heart has overcompensated. I'm worried about a heart attack.

Fran1989 profile image
Fran1989 in reply to Jules20202

You were on it for 3 weeks? how long as it been since you stopped it and what are you feeling?

Jules20202 profile image
Jules20202 in reply to Fran1989

Hello, I stopped it for 4 days with consequence. Had tachycardia 145 bpm & HBP 150/105 from the withdrawal. Had to go to the hospital they changed to metoprolol tartrate (another beta blocker) to bring heart rate down. I started new prescription of it and now it is causing same symptoms. shortness of breath, nausea, HR jumps if I walk across house, shaking all over and in chest. Of course anxiety too. I did not have any of that before taking beta blockers. I am 45 yr old otherwise healthy woman no history of heart or blood pressure problems. This started as to help for migraine prevention. I have taken a leave from my job. Drs dont seem to acknowledge this process in body it has triggered. I cant find help with it and know how it will ever be better. Has been a nightmare.

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to Jules20202

I think my doctor fobbed me off too, probably because I'm still walking around and alive, but I'm worried about the long-term effects of my heart working in overdrive.

I'd rather have the anxiety which was only in social situations than these palpitations which are all the time. I was a healthy 21 year old.

Jules20202 profile image
Jules20202 in reply to NoMoreDrugs

The withdrawal symptoms will diminish day by day. It does get better and back to normal but is a journey. I found the effects of the beta blocker continues to cause issues with the autonomous system for a couple months. Get plenty of rest, don’t do anything to exert yourself causing heart rate to shoot up but dont get too upset when it does. I know harder to do than not but tell yourself its your body “resetting” itself. Practice taking slow, calm deep breaths. This will pass, give it time and know you can be better again. Blessings.

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL in reply to Jules20202

Hi Jules,

Propanalol is what they call lipid soluble, this means it has more of an ability to cross into the brain, so to is metoprolol.

I have experienced the exact same issues as you, you are not alone ! I survived and at 45 if you are otherwise healthy, a BP of 150/105 isnt in the short term going to do long term or sort term damage, sure its elevated, but there is a reason for that.

You should ask your Dr for Atenalol, this is not lipid soluble and therefore doesn't come with all of the psychological issues which can be associated with Lipid soluble beta blockers.

So im now 7 months off propranolol, and things are finally back to normal ! Its nuts, i use to work in cardiology as a physiologist, but never imagined in a million years that beta blocker withdrawal could be such a nightmare !

Anxiety is normal part of this too, after all your body is physiologically having a panic attack, I'm also a musician and took it before performances and for anxiety.

Atenalol worked really well for me, when every my heart rate started to rocket up, i took 12.5mg (1/4) of a 50mg tablet, it gets rid of the sinus tachy in about 20 - 30 mins and things return to normal.

As as usual, as soon as a physician hears you suffer from anxiety, its all out the window and its just anxiety ! Beta blocker withdrawal is real, its documented, its researched. What isnt well documented is how long it lasts, in most people only a few weeks, for me its over 6 months, but my heart rate is come down more and more each week as it down regulates the beta receptors.

Good news, while it feels like you are going to die, its yet to happen to me, but its very very unsettling.

Hang in there :)

Chinchops76 profile image
Chinchops76 in reply to GymmyNZL

Hi,

I have been on propranolol since 9th April. I started at 10mg 3x day and a week later was told to up to 20mg 3x day due to my anxiety. However, thought this was interfering with me as had aches (especially around elbows and chest twinges) which waned after a bit. Spoke to a mental health nurse who said I could reduce back down to 30mg a day. It seemed to help however still chest twinges. Spoke to Dr who said reduce to 20mg a day for a week which I have done but aches seem to have returned less than a week later. They're not constant but just strange. I am now down to 10mg a day for a week. Has anyone else experienced this or is it my health anxiety because of the situation we're in (aches are a sign but I have no temp, no sore throat or cough)?

I hate this feeling!

jediknight8 profile image
jediknight8 in reply to Jules20202

I'm actually experiencing this now, I haven't been able to function for a couple of days. Wish I never started taking them

Jules20202 profile image
Jules20202 in reply to jediknight8

I just read your post. How are you feeling? It is possible to get off the med and it does get better. It just takes time.

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to No_fixed_abode

I'm surprised they stopped you from exercising, yet didn't reduce anxiety. Isn't it both a matter of fast heart rate?

I stopped propranolol suddenly, and 4 months later I have heart palpitations.

Ayfaymenah202 profile image
Ayfaymenah202 in reply to NoMoreDrugs

Started taking propanolol 40mg twice daily because an ECG revealed I had tarchycardia which made my bp shoot for a day. The following week I did and Eco exam, and everything was fine. Now I'm having panic attacks, anxiety, weakness and can't eat. I suspected the drug to be the cause, and my doctor advised me to quit. I've been on it for two weeks only. I didn't take it for one morning, and I was a serious mess that same night. Experienced serious shakiness, and weakness. I had to take a pill that night to calm down. Took one more yesterday morning, and I'm trying not to take another ever again.

Kristy75 profile image
Kristy75

Let us know what the doctor says. I too was on propranolol for PVCs but it never worked. With what you all are saying I wonder if it wasn’t the cause of making them worse.

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Kristy75

Hi kristy went to the doctors today. Had a good chat with him. He said that only a couple of the withdrawal side effects I was experiencing are from the propranolol the rest is Purley my anxiety making everything worse as per usual. Listened to my heart and everything sounded good, but for good measure I'm booked in to have an ecg done in two weeks as well as blood work

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to Kdev97

I know for sure my heart palpitations are the cause of propranolol withdrawals as my anxiety wasn't even that bad and was only social situations. Feel worse now.

Kristy75 profile image
Kristy75

That’s good news! I have terrible anxiety as well. Do you find the sertraline works well?

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Kristy75

I've been on sertraline before and it was really good, however this time around especially after the propranolol, I've decided to stop making medication and try getting some counselling and making lifestyle changed like quitting smoking, excercise and getting into some hobbies. I just don't want to be relyant on tablets

Glasgowgirl1947 profile image
Glasgowgirl1947

My husband was put on Propranolol because of what the GP said was a benign tremor and it wasn't Parkinson's because he could stop the tremor if we touched his arm. After about 3-4 months he collapsed in the bathroom and was wedged between the toilet and the radiator after a struggle I managed to get him to his feet but he slipped right through my arms and was unconscious on the floor. I dialled 999 but the call handler wasn't sure if they would send an ambulance! He suddenly came too and said he urgently needed the loo. I got him up and once he'd gone I thought I would try to get him into bed which we managed. He was as white as a sheet, even his freckles had gone! Just then there was a bang on the door and 3 paramedics came in. One did all the test, another took all the results down and the other girl spoke to me. After a lot of tests, they said he was improving but said if they took him to the hospital he would be hours on a trolly in the corridor to have the same tests. They phoned our GP and got an appointment with him for the afternoon. They suggested we insist on a referral to a consultant neurologist as they believed he did have Parkinson's. Big dos and little dos and 6 months wait we got a private appointment and a DAT scan which confirmed he had Parkinson's!! He was told to stop the Propranol by the GP after his collapse, he didn't cut down just stopped dead. I don't think he had side effects but we were so worried about Parkinson's that it might have been possible and we just didn't notice. Sorry to go on but this is his experience of the drug, I will never forget the fright I got when I heard the first fall!!

Caitlyn6 profile image
Caitlyn6 in reply to Glasgowgirl1947

How awful for you. Hope u manage the diagnosis well.

Glasgowgirl1947 profile image
Glasgowgirl1947 in reply to Caitlyn6

Thank you for this x

Kdev97 profile image
Kdev97 in reply to Glasgowgirl1947

I can't even begin to imagine what that must have been like. But I'm glad he is now able to get the help now that they know what is wrong, all the best x

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to Glasgowgirl1947

Why did he collapse? Was it the propranolol?

I had an ambulance round because I felt like collapsing after taking it.

OliveRSutton profile image
OliveRSutton

GPS are just general (non specific) practitioners (practicing). They don't know jackshit about medication negatives. I don't trust a GP strictly on anything

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to OliveRSutton

I had two GPs tell me different things. One said don't stop beta blockers suddenly and take them everyday, the other said I could take them "as and when". Now I've got heart palpitations.

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL

Hi Kdev

I was on prppanalol for a month 80mg, I cut down to 40mg once a day and then stopped... Holly shit ! My heart went crazy, terrible sinus tachy and andrenaline releases tachy lasting days up to 147bpm, all sinus . Had an echo and ETT so all is ok there but prppanalol has ground my life to a halt at the moment ! I'm on day 4 of withdrawals, on isoptin and Digoxin to keep my rate down, add to that GAD and it's a recipe for a hell time :( no Dr or ED care if its all sinus... How long did your with drawals last ?

Thanks

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to GymmyNZL

Are you OK now? Thank God I was only on 10mg, at most I took three at once so 30mg.

My doctor seems to have fobbed me off because my ECG and listening to my heart was fine, but I don't feel the same as I did before I took these pills. My heart is beating like mad, especially when lying down.

Tmore38 profile image
Tmore38 in reply to NoMoreDrugs

It's definitely in your head, as with seemingly the majority of people on this post.

The dosages you're all listing are minuscule. I'm especially shaking my head at those that take 10 mg a day, which literal infants can take.

Oryall profile image
Oryall

I was put on it for my blood pressure and also anxiety.. it kept me awake and made me feel worse than I already did . My new dr put me on a different one that seems to work

Fran1989 profile image
Fran1989

I was taking propanolol 40 mg for a month quit cold turkey due to my heart rate decreasing my Doctors told me to get off because of that ......oh boy my anxiety was up the roof couldn’t sit still had no appetite the first week died down after that but still was left with some anxiety it’s gotten better each week and I’m am now 2 months off but it’s was terrible still have anxiety with a few low moods here and there hopefully I can recover 100 percent soon

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to Fran1989

I'm surprised the doctor didn't wean you off. Did/do you have any withdrawal symptoms after quitting cold turkey?

I have palpitations after 4 months.

Ayfaymenah202 profile image
Ayfaymenah202 in reply to Fran1989

I've been on propanolol 40mg (twice daily) for 2 weeks. ECG shows I got tarchycardia, Eco says everything is okay . For some days now, I've had some really weird feelings, sleepless nights, weakness and unable to eat. Basically the side effects of taking the drugs. My doctor said I can quit taking it, but now I'm just as scared of the side effects of stopping!!! it's really messing me up, and It's not up to 24 hours since I took the last dose.

jediknight8 profile image
jediknight8

I'm experimenting this now, I've had to come off them after 2 weeks. Cant believe how horrible they are

Potatogall profile image
Potatogall

This is normal. I am exactly the same.

Elerid1425 profile image
Elerid1425

Are you all ok now Kev? Did the withdrawals ease after about a week?

I know it was a while ago now but I’m now going through the same.

I’m day 4 of withdrawals now too, spoke to GP yesterday and they told me the exact same thing that it’s mainly my own anxiety and suggested going back on propranolol but at a lower dose however I’m unsure as the last 4 days have been so awful, I don’t want to be back at square one. Did you manage ok just coming off them? Did it get better and I guess was the GP right? Thanks

NoMoreDrugs profile image
NoMoreDrugs in reply to Elerid1425

I've been off propranolol for social anxiety for 4 months. When I lie down (but maybe it's all the time), such as right now, my heart feels like it's pounding out of my chest. Not painful but uncomfortable and makes it difficult to relax before sleeping. I also feel like it beats boomBoomBOOMboom and then goes boom-boom, boom-boom, boom-boom but suddenly does that thudding thing.

I never had ANY of this before taking them, but then I stopped 10mg three times a day suddenly after a bad reaction (chest tightness, weakness, felt like I was going to die, had an ambulance round but by then symptoms had subsided).

I also have aches all over right now, particularly in my elbows. I get twinges here and there, including in my chest. I don't know what's going on and can't get to the GP because of coronavirus. I don't want to waste 111's time.

Now I don't know what to do. I feel like beta blockers are the cure of palpitations, but they're what caused it in the first place. I'm worried about high blood pressure, making me high-risk for coronavirus, and whether I'm prone to a heart attack, even though I'm 22.

Apart from the one bad occasion, I can't say 10mg propranolol was that bad, but climbing the stairs felt like more of an effort. Anyone else?

San27 profile image
San27 in reply to NoMoreDrugs

same happened to me. Except I haven’t used them for so long and I just stopped using them today. I know it sounds so silly 😂😂 but to help with my chest pain and heart palpitations I’ve actually been using an onion. You peel an onion and press it against your chest or wherever you’re feeling weird. And what it does is cos it has chemicaIs can’t remember what you can search to up but basically it helps with the chest pains. It used for congestion relief but I’ve found it to help with mine. It’s used for sinus relief but I also found it helped me not focus on my heart rate. Which I could hear in my ears really loud. It’s also helped me remain calm. You just press it tightly onto your chest. I’ve been able to relax more. Traditionally it was used for cold and flu and respiratory symptom relief. And I completely understand you I’m in the same boat where I’m worried about getting High blood pressure cos of these stupid drugs and their side effects. I’ve been using it at night and I’ve been able to sleep so nicely cos I was an insomniac for 3 days cos of PROPRAnolol. But I am feeling better and I hope you do too. I’m sorry you feel like that and honestly the exact same thing happened to me and the exact same worry I have too. But I’m trying to remain calm. Try this. And possibly try drinking onion juice too. And if it doesn’t work for you then I’m sorry. You have to figure out different methods to deal with anxiety which we both have. The thing is it’s hard enough already having it. But we expect a quick fix. But more times that isn’t the case. It’s progress as I’ve come to learn having anxiety. 😂😂 it’s trial and error. and what makes it worse for me is me wanting me to be fixed and fine if I’m suffering a attacks. And it never works that way. But I really do hope you feel better. The palpitations are the worse. And honestly this method had made me distract myself from not hearing them. Have it attached to you at night or all day tightly pressed. See how it works out. I’m sorry if it doesn’t and I really do hope you get better and we overcome our anxiety disorders. All the best. Btw search onion poultice on google for more info.

GymmyNZL profile image
GymmyNZL in reply to NoMoreDrugs

Hi NoMoreDrugs,

So beta blockers are a very effective way to manage palpatations. But palpatations is a very broad term, this can mean thumping in your chest, a "skipped" beat, a racing (tachycardia).

Beta blockers are not one fits all and "111" sounds like you are in New Zealand (so am I). What i can say is going cold turkey is not wise (take it from me) and you should ween off these slowly. You could also try a non lipid soluble beta blocker, these tend to have less psychological effects.

Mysteriomonkie profile image
Mysteriomonkie

I’ve been on 40mg to 120mg a day of propranolol for about 10 months for anxiety. Before I went on it, I’d had serious, constant, breathing issues. What it did well was give me 2 hours I could work....I work as a singing leader, hence 2 hours is enough. The next 5 hours were total hell, blurred vision, hallucinations, chest pain, breathing difficulties, etc. My doctor didn’t listen but finally, 5 days ago, I saw a nurse practitioner who immediately withdrew it as I’d developed severe vertigo. The last 5 days have been rough, lot of near fainting, heart palpitations and dizziness.....but as long as I don’t stand up, sit down or move from laying down, it’s OK. I’m assuming it’s going to remain bad for the next few days, but there are moments I feel near just very ill.

Propranolol works well for some people. I don’t think it’s horrific for all, or even most, but it’s not a wonder drug. Beta blockers are terrible things and are an excuse not to prescribe diazepam. Doctors hate diazepam because it’s addictive....propranolol is physically addictive....I just assume it’s cheaper. I’m not glad you were ill coming off it, but I am relieved it’s not just me feeling like hell and it might get better. I knew it was an issue 2 days after starting it, but my doctor refused to believe me and told me to persist. I’m under no illusions medications are necessary for me, so I always take the tablets. It’s stolen nearly a year of my life and made me incredibly ill in a way that was worse than the thing it was meant to treat. My only advice to anyone is if it still makes you feel ill after a week, don’t just keep taking it.

Simbricks profile image
Simbricks in reply to Mysteriomonkie

Hello! Are you taking any drugs to ease the withdrawal

Mysteriomonkie profile image
Mysteriomonkie in reply to Simbricks

I wasn't offered any at the time. Came off it cold turkey over 11 days, by day 12 I was in a terrible pyhsical state. After much arguing with my doctor, who tried to re prescribe propranolol, she finally prescribed me a drug called Pregabalin. Now, I'm still quite ill....but I'm 'new medication' ill which is fine. The 1st tablet sorted nearly all of it, within an hour...I can drive, I can eat, I can walk and I can work. Propranolol is not for me, and I'm quite annoyed my doctor didn't listen as I see a doctor once every 5-10 years....I'm not a frequent customer. There are alternatives to beta blockers for anxiety, the fustration has been I knew darn well there were, but Propranolol is being pushed as a one drug fits all thing, and that's not right.

Tmore38 profile image
Tmore38 in reply to Mysteriomonkie

Promoting diazepam over a beta blocker lol. Some of you people are terrifyingly ignorant of pharmaceuticals.

Mysteriomonkie profile image
Mysteriomonkie in reply to Tmore38

While your enthusiasm is amusing, I'm not promoting anything. What I said is I had a severe reaction to Propranolol, one which my GP and psychiatrist now understand. Propranolol is a performance anxiety drug, not one which was remotely suitable for my particular condition. I'm not remotely "ignorant of pharmaceuticals", I nearly died. A combination of Mirtazapine, Pregabalin and Diazapam is suitable for me. Lot's of people have severe issues with Propranolol....some people have problems with Diazapam. My issue couldn't be treated with Propranolol as it was 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What I have is nothing to do with performance anxiety, and isn't relevant to counselling, it's a physical, chemical manifestation where I don't feel anxious, but my body goes into overdrive. Diazepam in a proper dose, over a short period of time followed by a low dose, would almost certainly have resolved the major problem within a week.

Rawbar profile image
Rawbar

I wake up in the middle of the night amp start shaking but I’ve always shaked a little

When I stand up I can shake it off

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