How long for propranolol to take effect?

Propranolol is a beta blocker. Beta blockers are designed to show down the heart, calming down the body and lessening the stress. Following this, levels of adrenaline will lower. Like other beta blockers, Propranolol is mostly used to treat various heart conditions such as an irregular heartbeat and hypertension, which further down the line can help lower your blood pressure. It can also be used to treat chest pains and to improve your heart’s function after a heart attack. Another condition that Propranolol can treat is benign essential tremors (BET). BET is a disorder than can affect parts of the body, causing uncontrollable shaking. This can happen anywhere but most commonly it occurs in the arms, hands, neck, torso and head.`

How does Propranolol work? What effect will it give me?

Propranolol works by blocking the physical effects of anxiety. These physical effects include a faster heart rate, sweating and shaking. By blocking the physical symptoms of anxiety, Propranolol can help you feel calmer, less nervous and more composed. It does not affect your cognitive functions, instead focusing on your body’s reactions to stress.

Propranolol has been known to cause weight gain. Although, this extra weight is usually extra fluid retention rather than body fat. Any weight that has been gained by beta blockers is most often only temporary and the majority of people find that their weight stabilises after the first few months of them taking the medication.

Your ability to exercise may be affected by taking Propranolol as it reduces your heart rate. This is usually experienced by feeling more tired and exhausted 

Because Propranolol can reduce your heart rate, it can have several effects on your ability to exercise. After you take propranolol, you might feel fatigued and exhausted more easily after intense exercise. If you do frequently participate in cardiovascular exercise, it is very important to take the effects of Propranolol on board. Using a heart rate monitor to track your workout is recommended.

Are there any side effects of taking Propranolol?

Propranolol is extremely safe when taken correctly, however like all medications, there are potential side effects.

Common side effects: These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and short lived.

• Feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded

• Cold fingers or toes

• Difficulties sleeping or nightmares

• Feeling sick

• Serious side effects

It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking propranolol. Tell your GP straight away if you have:

• A shortness of breath with a cough which gets worse when you exercise

• Swollen ankles or legs

• Chest pain

• Irregular heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing and tightening of your chest

• Yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow

How do I take Propranolol?

Propranolol is not known to upset your stomach, so you can take it with food or without – that is entirely your choice. However, regardless of food, it is best to take it as the same time each day to allow you to get into a routine. It’s good to swallow the tablets whole with some water.

What if I forget to take it?

Sometimes we can forget to take our medication, regardless of how rock solid our routine is. If you do forget to a take a dose of Propranolol, you must take it as soon as you remember, regardless of the time. However, if it is very close to your next dosage, you can just wait for the next dosage and take it as normal. You must never take two doses at once because of a missed tablet.

If you forget to take a dose of propranolol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as normal.

What if I take too much?

The amount of Propranolol that would equate to an overdose can vary from person to person. However, signs of taking too much are a slowed down heart rate and difficulty breathing. You can also feel dizzy and begin to tremble.

How long does Propranolol take to work?

Propranolol usually starts to work within a few hours. For heart conditions or to treat high blood pressure, Propranolol can sometimes take up to a week to begin fully working. You may not feel any different but that does not mean it is not working - it's vital to keep taking your dosage.

Sources

• NHS - Propranolol

• Drugs.com - How Quickly Does Propranolol Work?

• Young Minds - Propranolol