Scared to start propranolol 10 mg

[Candy1]

My dr prescribed me propranolol 10 mg for anxiety and panic attacks. The last time I was there, my blood pressure was also high as well as my heart rate because I was so nervous. I'm so scared to start this medication. I'm scared it will lower my heart rate so much or stop it. Can someone give me some reassurance? I have to take it everyday for 10 days right now but I'm terrified

[Sparkling_Fairy]

I had the same fear when starting on 80mg slow release, and now it's my favourite thing to take every day because it makes me feel so much better!
I was obsessed with my heart rate at the start and if it would drop into the 60s I would freak out (it's now pretty much always in the 60s) because my resting heart rate used to be in the 80s. I was also worried it would stop my heart, but I can guarantee you it won't. This medication has been prescribed for yonkers and they wouldn't prescribe it if it was going to damage your heart.
I now freak out when my heart goes above 80 I'll never get away from heart anxiety, I swear!
But the medication has helped me a lot. It reduces my other physical symptoms of anxiety as well. They're either gone, or far less severe in intensity. I can't stop you from being scared, you will be maybe even the first few weeks. But nothing bad will happen. And 10mg is a very low dose, you won't even feel any side effects (like fatigue) on that

[Pearly queen]

My dr prescribed me propranolol 10 mg for anxiety and panic attacks. The last time I was there, my blood pressure was also high as well as my heart rate because I was so nervous. I'm so scared to start this medication. I'm scared it will lower my heart rate so much or stop it. Can someone give me some reassurance? I have to take it everyday for 10 days right now but I'm terrified

I’ve been taking these about a year and I hate medication. They calm physical symptoms of panic and anxiety. I’ve had no trouble with them and they don’t drastically slow your heart rate, just calm it down a bit. 10mg is a small dose. Take them, I don’t believe you will regret it.

[Candy1]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. Once you take this medication, do you take it for life?

[nomorepanic]

Hi

This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your post was moved from its original place to a sub-forum that is more relevant to your issue.

This is nothing personal - it just enables us to keep posts about the same problems in the relevant forums so other members with any experience with the issues can find them more easily.

Please also read this post:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=213239

[Sparkling_Fairy]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. Once you take this medication, do you take it for life?

No. If you're not taking it for actual heart issues, then it's safe to stop taking it at any time. Also you're taking the instant release, that's often prescribed for presentations, life events, etc... that may make a person anxious. Most people wouldn't even take those every day.
I take slow release and that needs to be taken every day. But even I can come off it, I would probably just need to talk to my GP first

[BlueIris]

I was prescribed it for migraines, but while they're behaving I take an occasional one when I'm feeling particularly panicky.

[Candy1]

The prescription says propanolol hcl, I don't know what that means. I'm honestly so stressed out. I'm so scared I'll end up in the hospital because of a bad reaction to my heart :(

[Sparkling_Fairy]

Like I said, I can’t stop you from being scared ‘cause I had those fears for weeks too! But it’s been the best thing ever, that’s all I can say

[Candy1]

Thank you 😊