Hello there people
I take one Propranolol 80mg slow release capsule in a morning and have been doing for the past few weeks. I also take 30mg of Mirtazapine in the evenings to help me sleep and to alleviate the depressive disposition I sometimes find myself with.
A brief review
Firstly we have to bear in mind that everyone is different and although experiences will be similar, there are not set guidlines for text book reactions that fit everybody!
For the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, Propranolol has been a miracle drug. The slow release format means that I recieve a steady dose throughout the day and this has been wonderful in helping me control my panic attacks and anxiety.
For me, panic attacks were often triggered by a rush of feeling dizzy, which sparked off a full blown anxiety meltdown! With propranolol regulating the uptake of adrenaline I find that the 'rush' sensation just doesn't happen anymore which in turn, prevents the attack from ever happening.
My usual blood pressure is 110/80 or there abouts, with a resting heart rate somewhere between 65-80. I have been monitoring my blood pressure (as Propranolol is of course a drug primarily used in treating high blood pressure) and I can report that it has not dropped dangerously low at any point, with the lowest reading being 100/70, and no change in my resting heart rate.
The only downside (and to be honest I cannot 100% be sure it is in fact the Propranolol) is that I have trouble falling asleep. This may well be an interaction with the Mirtazapine. It isn't dreadful and as someone who had insomnia for nearly a year before taking Mirt, I can say it isn't too bad in comparison to the old days!
Yesterday I had my first taste of alcohol since starting the Propranolol. As the ex-manager of a bar this was quite something !
I had two large glasses of 12% rosé (by large we are talking 250ml, just over a third of a bottle in each glass). I did feel drowsier than usual and tipsier than I normally would after that amount. To be honest i am glad I was drinking at home with friends and family as I think the drowsiness would have perhaps panicked me had I have been in a public place.
So, thats all I can tell you about Propranolol for now. I hope this is of use to someone out there
Thanks for reading!
Abigail.