Propranolol

[willialal]

Is anyone using Propranolol for their PD symptoms? I've been prescribed propranolol for tremors and was wondering about short and long term side effects.

Thank you, Larry

[park_bear]

science.org/doi/10.1126/sci...

"Propranolol was associated with a markedly increased risk of PD, with a rate ratio of 2.20 (95% CI, 1.62 to 3.00) (Table 1 and Fig. 4B)."

However, association not necessarily causation:

thelancet.com/journals/lane...

"Recent developments

An observational study reported a link between the chronic use of the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, while the chronic use of the β-adrenoceptor agonists was associated with a decreased risk. Further support of this association was provided by a dose-dependent decrease in the risk of Parkinson's disease with chronic β-adrenoceptor agonist (eg, salbutamol) use, and by functional data indicating a possible underlying molecular mechanism. Five additional epidemiological studies have examined the modulation of the risk of Parkinson's disease as a result of the use of β-adrenoceptor-acting drugs in different populations. Overall, similar estimates but different interpretations of the associations were provided. Several findings suggest that the increase in risk of Parkinson's disease associated with β-adrenoceptor antagonists use can be explained by reverse causation because prodromal Parkinson's disease is often associated with non-specific action tremor, which is usually treated with propranolol. The lower risk of Parkinson's disease seen in patients receiving β-adrenoceptor agonists is likely to be indirectly mediated by smoking because smoking has a strong inverse association with Parkinson's disease (people that smoke have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease). Smoking also causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is treated with β-adrenoceptor-agonist medications. Even if causal, the effect of β-adrenoceptor antagonists on the risk of Parkinson's disease would be small compared with other Parkinson's disease risk factors and would be similar to the risk evoked by pesticide exposure. The estimated risk of Parkinson's disease because of β-adrenoceptor antagonists use corresponds to one case in 10 000 patients after 5 years of propranolol use, and would be considered a very rare adverse effect. Thus, not using β-adrenoceptor antagonists would severely harm patients with recommended indications, such as heart disease or migraine. Similarly, 50 000 people would have to be treated for 5 years with salbutamol to prevent Parkinson's disease in one patient, suggesting that primary preventive therapy studies on disease modification are not warranted." [Emphases added]

[Boscoejean]

When my husband saw a neurologist in 2017 the doctor was not sure if he had essential tremor or Parkinsons so he wanted him to try propranolol to see if it would help and the problem was it made him feel dizzy, light headed, and nauseous. This may be because he has always had blood pressure that was low normal so maybe these symptoms were from his blood pressure going too low from this medication - he did not take it for more than a few days because he was so uncomfortable.

[Edge999]

i take it all the time. Doctor says its well known to be safe with likely no side effects. Helps me more with my tremor than madopar and i have datscan confirmed Parkinson’s. I only take 1-2 during stressful situations to calm tremor and anxiety but the doctor says i can take up to 12 safely if i want…

[ottercat in reply to Edge999]

That's what my doc said: safe with likely no side effects. I'm glad it helps you--confirms that my doc is still trustworthy. I have DatScan confirmed R-side Parkinsonian tremor. Propranolol had zero effect on the tremor. And life was as though the air were made of Jell-o. Everything took extreme effort and nothing was pleasant or attractive. Experienced apathy in every domain. For instance, "Time to fix breakfast? Why?" After two weeks of dutiful dosing, I got permission to stop. Whew. Zombieland, good-bye.

[Following_closely]

I was prescribed propranolol for treatment of essential tremor years before I was diagnosed with PD. The main side effect I noticed was reduced blood pressure, which for me was not a problem. It may also have contributed to my Raynaud's syndrome, since this problem seemed to disappear when I reduced my dose. Finally, some people take it prior to particularly stressful events, such as public speaking. I've never noticed any calming effect, but it's possible that I've been taking it for so long that I can't remember what it's like without it.

[beehive23]

antihypertensives, alpha and beta blockers can and do react with C/L (for me ) and can REALLY mess up your head.... hang tough, i added the whle class of drugs to my DNR.

[chuckm9]

tried it for PD tremors. did nothing but then C/L did nothing also.

[Patitou in reply to chuckm9]

C/L is not working for me either on hand tremors. What is your MDS plan for you in the future?

Thanks

[pdpatient]

Yes, I take 10 mg when dyskinesia kicks in. Effective in 15 minutes when we taken under the tongue.

However, be careful about your blood pressure and monitor it closely before and after taking the pill. As others have said, low blood pressure is common especially in older patients.

[Armyman]

much of my Parkinson’s tremor is from anxiety, and the propranolol helps a lot and there are no side effects for me.

[Mimi828]

I too, take it regularly and it calms my tremor and helps a lot with my anxiety. No side effects.

[bassofspades]

Watch your blood pressure carefully.