Propranolol

[Joolsg]

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.

[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 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue.

[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 in reply to Jelbea]

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

[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 in reply to Dougg]

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

[Dougg in reply to Joolsg]

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 in reply to Dougg]

😅Thanks Dougg

[BeachGolfer]

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

[Joolsg in reply to BeachGolfer]

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

[BeachGolfer in reply to Joolsg]

No side effects at all.

[Joolsg in reply to BeachGolfer]

😊Thanks

[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]

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 in reply to Pippins2]

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]

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 in reply to Lunawildwolf]

That's really helpful. Thank you.

[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 in reply to AHG123]

Thanks for that information. Useful to know.

[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 in reply to Anne_liz]

Thanks. That's very encouraging.