Propranolol 80mg sr & 160mg sr national shortage

[lauz_lea]

Bit of a heads up re the narional shortage around the sustained release versions of this medication.

I've been waiting for Boots to fill my prescription since 18/12/25 totally unaware that there's a national shortage due to manufacturing issues. Neither the GP or Boots contacted me to tell me, and now I'm down to two pills left.

Tomorrow morning will be spent making a lot of calls to pharmacies far and wide to see if i can find one with any in stock.

[Lblue]

Unfortunately the UK shortage is predicted to run until March 2026 for the 80mg tablets, the 160mg ones may be available later this month (January).

I take the 80mg SR myself and the best my pharmacy was able to offer me was the 40mg instant release tablets. I only have about 4 tablets of 80mg SR left and I am dreading the switch.

[lauz_lea]

I was extremely lucky, after ringing around 20 pharmacists I found one that had my 80mg SR in stock and were able to fill my prescription. It turned out they had more than enough so my GP kindly issued a prescription for a further amount to last me through the shortage.

Not sure where in the country you are Lblue but worth calling around if you havent already.

[Lblue]

I was extremely lucky, after ringing around 20 pharmacists I found one that had my 80mg SR in stock and were able to fill my prescription. It turned out they had more than enough so my GP kindly issued a prescription for a further amount to last me through the shortage.

Not sure where in the country you are Lblue but worth calling around if you havent already.

I'm glad you've gotten some! Unfortunately I wasn't so lucky, I'm stuck with the 40mg instant release, I'll reply with how I get on with them for anyone else stuck in the same situation as me

[lauz_lea]

I hope they work well for you, keep up updated.

[Lblue]

Just checking in with how I've been doing so far. I found cutting the 40mg tablets in half hasn't been to bad for me, I'm essentially taking 20mg at 9am, 3pm and 9pm. I find this spacing helps mimic the sustained release as best I can, the full 40mg made me feel heavy and consulted with my mental health nurse about this.

I think I've felt the odd flutter or nerves kick in but otherwise it's not been too bad so far, I'd say even to be expected after being on Propranolol 80mg for the last 3 years.

[lauz_lea]

Glad you're getting on OK with it