Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow it WorksDosageSide EffectsInteractionsContraindicationsWarningsOther Migraine Treatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How it Works
Dosage
Side Effects
Interactions
Contraindications
Warnings
Other Migraine Treatments
Propranolol falls under a broad category of drugs called oral migraine prevention medications (OMPMs). These drugs were developed to treat other conditions but were subsequently found to be helpful for migraines.
This article looks at propranolol for migraines, how it works, how it’s taken, and the potential side effects and warnings associated with propranolol.
Does propranolol work immediately for migraines?No, propranolol is intended to be taken every day to prevent migraines. It will not stop one already in progress. Propranolol takes several weeks to begin working.
Does propranolol work immediately for migraines?
No, propranolol is intended to be taken every day to prevent migraines. It will not stop one already in progress. Propranolol takes several weeks to begin working.
Medications for Preventing Migraine
Siriporn Kaenseeya / Getty Images
How Does Propranolol Work for Migraines?
Propranolol is in the class of drugs called beta-blockers. It’s usually used to treat cardiac conditions, such as:
It’s also prescribed to treat a certain type of tumor of theadrenal gland, a small gland above the kidneys.
The way propranolol helps prevent migraines is still not well-known. Several theories exist.
Highly Effective DrugThe American Academy of Neurology rates propranolol as a “level A” drug for migraine prevention. This means it’s been found to be highly effective.
Highly Effective Drug
The American Academy of Neurology rates propranolol as a “level A” drug for migraine prevention. This means it’s been found to be highly effective.
How Much Propranolol Should I Take for Migraines?
Propranolol is available as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release capsule. The immediate release tablet should be taken on an empty stomach.
The extended-release capsule can be taken with or without food—but you must be consistent: decide whether to take it with or without food and then stick to that.
Studies have looked at different doses of propranolol.In one, participants took 80 mg per day. Other reports suggest doses between 40 mg and 160 mg daily.
Formigraineprevention, doctors usually prescribe:
It takes between four to six weeks for propranolol to start working. Many consider this delay to be a downside of the drug and understandably become frustrated with the long wait time.
A Word From VerywellHaving patience is key when it comes to propranolol, both because it can take several weeks to be effective and also because it should not be abruptly stopped after being used for an extended period of time. Discussing a taper schedule with your healthcare provider is important.—NICHOLAS R. METRUS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Having patience is key when it comes to propranolol, both because it can take several weeks to be effective and also because it should not be abruptly stopped after being used for an extended period of time. Discussing a taper schedule with your healthcare provider is important.—NICHOLAS R. METRUS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Having patience is key when it comes to propranolol, both because it can take several weeks to be effective and also because it should not be abruptly stopped after being used for an extended period of time. Discussing a taper schedule with your healthcare provider is important.
—NICHOLAS R. METRUS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Potential Side Effects of Propranolol
Propranolol is usually very well tolerated, but side effects are possible. Some of the more common include:
As with any medication, discuss potential side effects with your doctor before you start taking this drug.
Propranolol Drug Interactions
Some substances may interfere with propranolol.For this reason, it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including:
If you’re taking propranolol and Maxalt, your healthcare provider may lower your Maxalt dosage. (Don’t lower it without talking to your provider.)
Who Shouldn’t Take Propranolol for Migraines?
Propranolol isn’t safe for everyone.
Propranolol is released into breastmilk, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you’re breastfeeding.
Propranolol is unsafe for people with certain health conditions, including:
What Are the Warnings for Propranolol?
Take propranolol only as prescribed. Stopping it suddenly may cause a heart attack. To avoid this, slowly reduce your dosage of propranolol over at least a few weeks under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Propranolol may mask the signs of:
Certain other conditions may exclude you from being able to take propranolol, or require that you take it while closely monitored. These include:
Propranolol is considered a well-tolerated and generally safe drug. Still, there are other serious warnings associated with taking it. Be sure to review these in detail with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right drug for you.
Warning: AlcoholAvoid alcohol while on propranolol. Alcohol can also lower your blood pressure. Taking propranolol and alcohol together can make your blood pressure dangerously low.
Warning: Alcohol
Avoid alcohol while on propranolol. Alcohol can also lower your blood pressure. Taking propranolol and alcohol together can make your blood pressure dangerously low.
Other Migraine Treatment Options
If propranolol is not right for you, you have other options for migraine prevention. These include:
Summary
If propranolol works for you, your migraine attacks will be shorter, less intense, and less frequent. It may take up to six weeks before you’ll notice this effect.
Propranolol may cause side effects and may interact with other medicines. Make sure to discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your doctor before you start taking this drug.
6 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.Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(3):e0212785. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785Lu J, Anvari R, Wang J, et al.Propranolol as a potentially novel treatment of arteriovenous malformations.JAAD Case Rep. 2018;4(4):355–358. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.005Silberstein SD, Holland S, Freitag F, et al.Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society.Neurology. 2012;78(17):1337-45. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182535d20Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2019;14(3):e0212785. Published 2019 Mar 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785Ha H, Gonzalez A.Migraine headache prophylaxis.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(1):17-24.U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AcessData.Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules.
6 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.Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(3):e0212785. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785Lu J, Anvari R, Wang J, et al.Propranolol as a potentially novel treatment of arteriovenous malformations.JAAD Case Rep. 2018;4(4):355–358. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.005Silberstein SD, Holland S, Freitag F, et al.Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society.Neurology. 2012;78(17):1337-45. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182535d20Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2019;14(3):e0212785. Published 2019 Mar 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785Ha H, Gonzalez A.Migraine headache prophylaxis.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(1):17-24.U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AcessData.Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules.
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.
Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(3):e0212785. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785Lu J, Anvari R, Wang J, et al.Propranolol as a potentially novel treatment of arteriovenous malformations.JAAD Case Rep. 2018;4(4):355–358. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.005Silberstein SD, Holland S, Freitag F, et al.Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society.Neurology. 2012;78(17):1337-45. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182535d20Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2019;14(3):e0212785. Published 2019 Mar 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785Ha H, Gonzalez A.Migraine headache prophylaxis.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(1):17-24.U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AcessData.Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules.
Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(3):e0212785. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785
Lu J, Anvari R, Wang J, et al.Propranolol as a potentially novel treatment of arteriovenous malformations.JAAD Case Rep. 2018;4(4):355–358. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.005
Silberstein SD, Holland S, Freitag F, et al.Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society.Neurology. 2012;78(17):1337-45. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182535d20
Jackson JL, Kuriyama A, Kuwatsuka Y, et al.Beta-blockers for the prevention of headache in adults, a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2019;14(3):e0212785. Published 2019 Mar 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212785
Ha H, Gonzalez A.Migraine headache prophylaxis.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(1):17-24.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AcessData.Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules.
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