How Promptly Does Propranolol Work in Managing Anxiety?
Key Takeaways
- Propranolol can reduce anxiety within 30 minutes to 1 hour - Jump to Section
- Duration varies; take as directed for events or possibly for months - Jump to Section
- Propranolol is a beta-blocker primarily treating heart conditions - Jump to Section
- Side effects include tiredness, dizziness, and cold hands or feet - Jump to Section
It can be hard to find relief if you've been dealing with anxiety. You may feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your feelings and worry that things won't ever improve.
Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms. Propranolol is a prescription medication that treats various conditions, including anxiety.
But how quickly does this drug work? Read on to learn more about propranolol and its potential effects on reducing anxiety in those who take it.
How Quickly Does Propranolol Work for Anxiety?
Propranolol is relatively fast-acting in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, it isn't as immediate as other medications, such as Xanax that commonly treat panic attacks.
It generally takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to experience the effects of propranolol. These effects are most pronounced for about 4 hours after dosage but can occur for up to 12 hours.
How Much Propranolol Should I Take for Anxiety?
The usual dose of propranolol to treat anxiety is 40mg once per day. Physicians can increase it to 40mg to 3 times daily or up to 80mg per dose.
The dosage depends on the following factors:
- Severity of symptoms
- Body weight
- Response to treatment
How Long Do Beta Blockers Take to Work for Anxiety?
It usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to experience the effects of propranolol. These effects can last for up to 12 hours.
Speak with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dose. You may also ask about other treatment options if you take beta-blockers for anxiety.
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How Long Will I Need to Take Propranolol for Anxiety?
There's no standardized duration for taking propranolol to treat anxiety. You may take it once to deal with an anxiety-inducing event or take it daily for several months.
You should take propranolol about an hour before the event to feel its effects. The dosage should also be at most the amount your doctor and caregivers prescribe propranolol for.
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What is Propranolol?
Propranolol is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication that acts as a beta-blocker. It mainly treats heart conditions, such as:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
Beta-blockers like propranolol have also proven to be effective in treating situational anxiety, performance anxiety, and other anxiety disorders. They do this by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine or "adrenaline."
Does Propranolol Affect Mental Function?
Propranolol hasn't been shown to impair cognitive function or cause mental health-related side effects. In one study, it improved cognitive functioning in 16% of participants. On the other hand, it worsened functioning in 17%, with no significant impact on the rest.
Common Side Effects of Propranolol
Propranolol causes your heart rate to slow, lowering your blood pressure. This mitigates the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shortness of breath and a racing heart. This can make you feel calmer and more relaxed.
It's still possible to feel adverse side effects. The side effects of propranolol are typically mild and include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (caused by a slow heart rate)
- Cold hands and feet (blood supply to extremities might be affected)
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- Nausea
Is Propranolol Safe?
Propranolol isn't physically addictive. However, you may become accustomed to the relaxed feeling that propranolol provides. This is especially true for those treating anxiety.
Propranolol is safe to take for an extended period. People taking it for several years haven't reported any severe side effects.
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Propranolol Statistics
14.5
Million
Estimated number of prescriptions of propranolol hydrochloride in the U.S.
36.88
Dollars
Average total drug cost for propranolol hydrochloride.
10.02
Dollars
Average out-of-pocket costs for propranolol hydrochloride.
Summary
Propranolol is an FDA-approved medication that treats heart conditions and helps manage physical anxiety symptoms. It can take 30 minutes to 1 hour for propranolol to start working. The effects typically last for up to 12 hours.
The appropriate dose of propranolol for anxiety is 40mg once per day. Physicians can increase it to up to 80mg per dose, depending on the severity of symptoms and other factors.
Propranolol doesn't cause mental health-related side effects. It may even improve cognitive functioning in some people. Speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for you.
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Related Articles
- Steenen et al. “Propranolol for the treatment of anxiety disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2016.
- Jorstad-Stein et al. "Social Phobia: An Update on Treatment." Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2009.
- Stein et al. "Social Anxiety Disorder." Lancet, 2008.
- "Propranolol Hydrochloride - Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2013 - 2020." ClinCalc.com, n.d.
- "ClinCalc DrugStats Database." ClinCalc.com, n.d.
