Worried about taking propranolol!

Hello everyone would just like to see if anyone can relate or give a bit of advice! Ive suffered with depression and health anxiety all my life (im 21 years old) and have been on numerous anti-depressants im currently taking citalopram alongside propranolol (inderal). I was taking 10mg of propranolol 3 times a day for about 3 months but ive recently had a setback amd had to come home off holiday early due to severe panic attacks. so went to the doctors and now have put me on 40mg 3 times a day of the propranol. The thing im worried about is that apparently this drug can cause breathing difficulties if you have asthma or wheezing and should not be taken. Ive not had asthma before but strangely enough its one thing i fear most and doctors have insisted i take this medication. Breathing is one of my main health anxiety worries and now im on a stronger strength im scared this side effect is going to appear and thats like my worst nightmare! So im scared of not being able to breathe and have an asthma attack! I know i shouldnt look at side effects :( but if anyone could comment it would be really appreciated. Thanks

Hi Lucy,

You have been on propranolol successfully without that side effect, and I highly doubt you would suddenly have that particular side effect at a higher dose. I tried propranolol a few months ago and had trouble breathing on the starter dose. Once I figured out it was the propranolol, I stopped taking it.

If for some reason you do have a reaction -- and I know this is one of your biggest fears -- it won't completely restrict your breathing, it's just a little uncomfortable for awhile... like you're wearing a turtleneck that's a little too tight. The good news is that the medication will wear off in a few hours and you never have to take it again at that dosage.

Maybe you could break the 40 in half and take 20 to see what happens, and then take the other half if you feel okay after 30 minutes or so.

-Cat

Hey, that's what we do best... panic more than we should. :)

I'm glad you're doing fine with the 40 dose.

-Cat

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you have been dealing with health anxiety and depression I know how tuff they are to live with.

I have never taken propranolol so can't comment but I would of though if you were going to get the side effect of breathing difficulties you would have on the 10mg dose so i'm sure your going to be fine on the 40mg but if you do notice any side effects go back and speak with your prescribing doctor.

Hibee

Lucy,

Look at the facts and remember that anxiety will have us believe a whole lot of things that aren't likely to happen!

Here are the postive things to keep in mind:

You have already taken 2 of your pills without trouble, add to that the fact that you don't have a pre-existing breathing issue like asthma...and those are the people who may have trouble with this Rx...and keep in mind, the s/e's are only a possiblility to begin with...not a guarantee!

Now look at the flip side...

...the only reason you are really having this fear is due to anxiety. It is causing you to search out negative reviews and reactions that have no bearing on your situation.

So try your best to have faith that all will be well...it has so far, and will continue so.

Use your coping skills to keep calm (see our Resources) and keep us posted, so we can keep cheering you on.;)

S.C.