Propranolol

[KLan86]

Good morning,

I have been recently diagnosed with an overactive thyroid and I have been taking 2 x 40mg of propranolol a day and Carbimazole for one week. I wanted to know if I could start weening myself off the propranolol, maybe just taking half a tablet twice a day? I like to have a few gins on a Saturday night and have lots coming up including a hen do and have avoided alcohol since taking propranolol. Also if did manage to come off them and I had a drink on the hen do then felt my heart racing the next day could I take one? Thank you for your help

[SlowDragon Administrator]

what were thyroid results before starting on Carbimazole and propranolol

Have you had TSI or Trab antibodies tested for confirm Graves’ disease

You can’t chop and change propranolol. It has to be reduced very slowly

You can get alcohol free Gin

Important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels too

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I was prescribed propranolol when I had fast pulse, high anxiety, palpitations and tremor. Just double checking that you have had correct antibodies tested for Graves. I ask, because I was misdiagnosed with Graves (largely on hyper like symptoms) but on recommendations from this forum I tested antibodies and found I’m actually hypo with Hashimotos.

Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) needs to be confirmed via positive TRab or TSI:

TRab

TSH receptor antibodies

TSI

Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin

TPO & TG antibodies may be Graves or Hashimotos.

 TPOab

Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

TGab

Thyroglobulin antibodies

As   SlowDragon has said, it’s important to slowly reduce propranolol and monitor how this affects you. I definitely wouldn’t drink alcohol when taking it. For a while after I stopped using it, my Endo said it was ok to carry around a smaller dose as a ‘pill in my pocket’ just in case palpitations re occured. Luckily, when thyroid medication and key vitamins were optimal, I didnt need the beta blocker.

[Opposite]

I am by no means an expert but felt the need to comment as someone just a couple of months post where you seem to be now...

Both being put on Propranolol and the slow weaning off had significant side effects for me. I would be very careful playing around with dosage of this drug.

Hyperthyroidism is serious and I wouldn't dream of drinking after one week of medication.

I am 3 months into treatment and still only just beginning to see improvements.

I hope things are easier for you but please be aware this is a slow process.