Propranolol: Has anyone been... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Propranolol

Joolsg profile image
21 Replies

Has anyone been prescribed propranolol for racing heart & does it trigger worsening RLS? I've read conflicting studies. Some say it helps RLS, others say it makes RLS worse.

If anyone has personal xperience, I'd be grateful to hear.

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Joolsg profile image
Joolsg
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21 Replies
SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson

All the studies I have seen have said it helps. One said it didn't affect it. Check out Google Scholar and put propranolol and RLS in the search box.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toSueJohnson

Thanks Sue.

Jelbea profile image
Jelbea

Hi Jools I was put on small dose of propranolol and Valium when in hospital 2 years ago for anxiety. I did not want it as I had bad experience of beta blocker years ago - caused very slow heart rate. However I took it while in hospital and four days later at home I awoke feeling really poorly. My arms had a mind of their own (like restless arms) and I felt weak and shaky - so bad I ended in A&E. Told to stop propranolol and the following day my hair started to fall out. I lost about one third of my hair which has not grown back. I do not remember what legs were like - only that I suffered muscle spasms and shaking all over. Others seem able to take beta blockers without trouble. Hope this helps

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toJelbea

Thank you so much for that info. It's very helpful. Always better to hear of someone's experience on a drug.

Dougg profile image
Dougg

Hi Joolsg.

I take propranolol on an as-needed basis for benign tremor. I've never noticed that it has made my RLS worse. I do wonder if it actually helps a bit, but I can't tell for sure. Good luck!

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toDougg

Thanks Dougg. Do you have any of the side effects they list like nausea and light headedness or hair loss?

Dougg profile image
Dougg in reply toJoolsg

None. With regard to hair loss, I’m already partially balding, but that began long before I started propranolol, and I haven’t noticed any change as a result.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toDougg

😅Thanks Dougg

BeachGolfer profile image
BeachGolfer

I also take Propranolol for benign tremor and have not had any exacerbation of my RLS. Neither has it helped the RLS.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toBeachGolfer

Thanks BeachGolfer. Very helpful. Any side effects from it?

BeachGolfer profile image
BeachGolfer in reply toJoolsg

No side effects at all.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toBeachGolfer

😊Thanks

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

The wonderful Dr. Buchfuhrer replied within 5 hours of my query and has confirmed that propranolol will control a racing heart and will not worsen RLS. That is encouraging.

Pippins2 profile image
Pippins2

Hi Joolsg I have it prescribed to help with the palpitations etc when my thyroid goes overactive overactive due to Graves Disease. I haven't noticed any worsening of my RLS whilst on it and no other side effects. Pipps x

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toPippins2

Thanks so much Pipps. That's encouraging.How are you? I know you were going through withdrawal on the Patch. How's it going?

Lunawildwolf profile image
Lunawildwolf

It works for me to reduce anxiety. Went without for a couple of days, which confirmed my need for it. No effect on my R.L.S, or any bad side effects.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toLunawildwolf

That's really helpful. Thank you.

AHG123 profile image
AHG123

Hi I have recently started taking low dose Propranolol for anxiety. No effect on mild RLS. I think it keeps me awake and try to alter the time of day I take it.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toAHG123

Thanks for that information. Useful to know.

Anne_liz profile image
Anne_liz

I have been taking a low dose of propanolol for about 4 years now and have not noticed any change in my restless legs.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toAnne_liz

Thanks. That's very encouraging.

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