Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Propranolol?How Long It Takes to WorkHow Long Does It Last?DosageSide EffectsManaging Anxiety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Propranolol?
How Long It Takes to Work
How Long Does It Last?
Dosage
Side Effects
Managing Anxiety
However, it is sometimes also used off-label to reduce the physical symptoms of performance anxiety and stage fright.
How long propranolol lasts will depend on its dosage form. In its immediate-release form, which is what is typically prescribed for performance anxiety, propranolol may start working within one to two hours of taking it. After one dose, propranolol’s effects can last for six to 12 hours.In its extended-release form, propranolol’s effect can last up to 24 hours.
This article will describe propranolol’s use for anxiety, how long its anxiety-reducing effects last, and what to expect when taking it.
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Propranololbelongs to the medication group called beta blockers.
However, propranolol is also sometimes prescribed off-label for performanceanxietyand stage fright symptoms.
Blocking the “fight or flight” response helps with the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heart rate, shaking, and sweating. Therefore, propranolol is sometimes taken before situations that induce anxiety, such as public speaking or before an exam.
Do Beta-Blockers Work for Anxiety?
How Long Does It Take Propranolol to Work for Anxiety?
Propranolol can be taken before a situation that could cause performance anxiety or stage fright. Its anxiety-reducing effects are noticeable within one to two hours after taking it.
How Long Do the Effects of Propranolol Last?
Propranolol’s effects can vary depending on the preparation and what it is used for.
Immediate and extended-release formulations are available. The immediate release has the benefit of working faster than the extended-release formulation, which peaks in the blood about six hours after dosing.Propranolol immediate-release (IR) is a tablet used before a situation that can cause anxiety, such as speaking in front of a crowd:
When Should I Take Propranolol?
For performance anxiety, propranolol should be taken about 60 minutes (one hour) before the situation occurs.
What Are the Side Effects of Propranolol?
It is important to understand that all medications have side effects, but not all people will have those side effects. Some people experience little or no side effects.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of propranolol may include:
Severe Side Effects
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
What Are Other Methods for Managing Anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental health condition that can affect your ability to live a happy, productive life. Propranolol can help control physical symptoms of anxiety but it does not treat the underlying cause of the anxiety.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your treatment does not control your symptoms. The proper treatment is essential for overall mental well-being.
Methods For Managing Anxiety That Are Not Medications
Cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT)is an option that does not involve the use of drugs to manage anxiety symptoms. This form of therapy combines different interventions, including:
Support groupsare also available to help you cope with anxiety.
Other Medications Used to Manage Anxiety
Propranolol is one of many medications that can be used to treat anxiety. Other anxiety medication options include:
Finding the right treatment for managing your anxiety symptoms may be a trial-and-error process. You can work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right medication for you.
Summary
It mainly helps with physical symptoms like a fast heart rate. The effects of propranolol start within an hour and can last for six to 12 hours if using the immediate-release formulation. However, it’s important to know that propranolol is better for specific types of anxiety, like being afraid of speaking in public, and may not work as well for general anxiety.
It’s best to talk to a healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right choice for you and to learn about possible side effects. Several nonmedication options are also available.
Frequently Asked QuestionsPropranolol is a type of drug also called a beta blocker. There are several beta blockers available. Some common examples are Lopressor (metoprolol) and Tenormin (atenolol). However, unlike propranolol, these medications are not typically used for anxiety.No. Taking your dose with a high-protein meal may increase the bioavailability of propranolol. However, this will not affect how long it takes for the drug to take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Propranolol is a type of drug also called a beta blocker. There are several beta blockers available. Some common examples are Lopressor (metoprolol) and Tenormin (atenolol). However, unlike propranolol, these medications are not typically used for anxiety.
No. Taking your dose with a high-protein meal may increase the bioavailability of propranolol. However, this will not affect how long it takes for the drug to take effect.
The author would like to recognize and thank Norma Ponce, PharmD for contributing to this article.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Szeleszczuk L, Frączkowski D.Propranolol versus other selected drugs in the treatment of various types of anxiety or stress, with particular reference to stage fright and post-traumatic stress disorder.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):10099. doi:10.3390/ijms231710099.Mishriki AA, Weidler DJ.Long-acting propranolol (Inderal LA): pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic use.Pharmacotherapy. 1983;3(6):334-41. doi:10.1002/j.1875-9114DailyMed.Label: Inderal LA- propranolol hydrochloride capsule, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Propranolol hydrochloride tablet.Tyrer P.Current status of beta-blocking drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders.Drugs. 1988;36(6):773-783. doi:10.2165/00003495-198836060-00006Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Clinical practice review for GAD.Gautam S, Jain A, Gautam M, Vahia VN, Gautam A.Clinical practice guidelines for the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD).Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S67-S73. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196975Walle T, Fagan TC, Walle UK, Oexmann MJ, Conradi EC, Gaffney TE.Food-induced increase in propranolol bioavailability–relationship to protein and effects on metabolites.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1981;30(6):790-795. doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.239
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Szeleszczuk L, Frączkowski D.Propranolol versus other selected drugs in the treatment of various types of anxiety or stress, with particular reference to stage fright and post-traumatic stress disorder.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):10099. doi:10.3390/ijms231710099.Mishriki AA, Weidler DJ.Long-acting propranolol (Inderal LA): pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic use.Pharmacotherapy. 1983;3(6):334-41. doi:10.1002/j.1875-9114DailyMed.Label: Inderal LA- propranolol hydrochloride capsule, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Propranolol hydrochloride tablet.Tyrer P.Current status of beta-blocking drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders.Drugs. 1988;36(6):773-783. doi:10.2165/00003495-198836060-00006Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Clinical practice review for GAD.Gautam S, Jain A, Gautam M, Vahia VN, Gautam A.Clinical practice guidelines for the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD).Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S67-S73. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196975Walle T, Fagan TC, Walle UK, Oexmann MJ, Conradi EC, Gaffney TE.Food-induced increase in propranolol bioavailability–relationship to protein and effects on metabolites.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1981;30(6):790-795. doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.239
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Szeleszczuk L, Frączkowski D.Propranolol versus other selected drugs in the treatment of various types of anxiety or stress, with particular reference to stage fright and post-traumatic stress disorder.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):10099. doi:10.3390/ijms231710099.Mishriki AA, Weidler DJ.Long-acting propranolol (Inderal LA): pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic use.Pharmacotherapy. 1983;3(6):334-41. doi:10.1002/j.1875-9114DailyMed.Label: Inderal LA- propranolol hydrochloride capsule, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Propranolol hydrochloride tablet.Tyrer P.Current status of beta-blocking drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders.Drugs. 1988;36(6):773-783. doi:10.2165/00003495-198836060-00006Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Clinical practice review for GAD.Gautam S, Jain A, Gautam M, Vahia VN, Gautam A.Clinical practice guidelines for the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD).Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S67-S73. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196975Walle T, Fagan TC, Walle UK, Oexmann MJ, Conradi EC, Gaffney TE.Food-induced increase in propranolol bioavailability–relationship to protein and effects on metabolites.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1981;30(6):790-795. doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.239
Szeleszczuk L, Frączkowski D.Propranolol versus other selected drugs in the treatment of various types of anxiety or stress, with particular reference to stage fright and post-traumatic stress disorder.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):10099. doi:10.3390/ijms231710099.
Mishriki AA, Weidler DJ.Long-acting propranolol (Inderal LA): pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic use.Pharmacotherapy. 1983;3(6):334-41. doi:10.1002/j.1875-9114
DailyMed.Label: Inderal LA- propranolol hydrochloride capsule, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Propranolol hydrochloride tablet.
Tyrer P.Current status of beta-blocking drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders.Drugs. 1988;36(6):773-783. doi:10.2165/00003495-198836060-00006
Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Clinical practice review for GAD.
Gautam S, Jain A, Gautam M, Vahia VN, Gautam A.Clinical practice guidelines for the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD).Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S67-S73. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196975
Walle T, Fagan TC, Walle UK, Oexmann MJ, Conradi EC, Gaffney TE.Food-induced increase in propranolol bioavailability–relationship to protein and effects on metabolites.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1981;30(6):790-795. doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.239
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