Side Effects of Propranolol to Be Aware of — Talkspace

Common Side Effects of Propranolol

“The most common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and the feeling can cause a sudden drop of blood pressure, low blood sugar, cold hands and feet, and sudden vision problems.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

Propranolol works for anxiety by blocking the action of chemical messengers like noradrenaline and adrenaline. Yes, it can be effective in relieving symptoms of anxiety, but as with any medication, there are adverse effects like headache and others, including:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Decreased sex drive
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Hair thinning or loss

Dizziness

Taking Propranolol can cause dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.  

Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness is another common side effect of taking Propranolol, possibly leading to fainting spells if not monitored carefully.  

Drowsiness

Propranolol may cause drowsiness. Take notice of when you take Propranolol to determine if it’s affecting your sleep at night.

Nausea

Nausea is a commonly reported side effect of Propranolol. It’s more likely when taken at higher doses. Fortunately, nausea often goes away as your body becomes more used to it being in your system.  

Stomach pain

Stomach pain is another potential side effect of Propranolol. It should be monitored closely since it could indicate an allergic or drug interaction that needs immediate medical attention. Be sure to report any stomach pains to your doctor so they can investigate the cause and determine whether medication changes need to be made.

Decreased sex drive

Decreased libido is a possible consequence of taking Propranolol. However, there isn’t much research yet into why this occurs (and it might be due to general fatigue or caused by other factors). If sexual desire does decrease while using Propranolol, speak with a healthcare professional about potentially switching medications or changing your dosage.

Diarrhea and constipation

Long-term use of Propranolol can cause diarrhea and constipation. Diarrhea tends to be more likely than constipation (although individual experiences will vary). Keep an eye out for either symptom developing over time while using Propranolol — if one becomes concerning, consult your doctor.

Hair thinning or loss

It’s usually temporary (and will reverse once the medication is stopped), but beta-blockers like Propranolol can cause hair loss or thinning.