Uses, Side Effects, Dosage — Talkspace

Propranolol Uses

What is Propranolol used for? Propranolol is FDA-approved to treat multiple conditions. For example, it’s used for tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. Propranolol can ward off a heart attack and decrease the strength and recurrence of migraine headaches. As noted, there are also off-label uses for anxiety. 

Tremors 

Tremors are involuntary muscle contractions that can cause shaking. Propranolol can block certain nerve receptors that control muscle contractions, thus reducing their intensity or stopping them altogether. 

Angina 

Angina is just another name for chest pain. It can be caused by reduced oxygen supply to the heart from narrowed coronary arteries or increased demand for oxygen from physical activity or stress. By blocking certain receptors on nerves that control blood vessels around the heart, Propranolol helps relax vessels so more oxygen-rich blood can reach them and relieve symptoms like chest tightness or heaviness.

Hypertension 

Hypertension is caused by a rise in resistance to blood flow through the major arteries leading away from the heart, resulting in elevated systolic pressure readings. By loosening up muscles around large arteries close to the heart, Propranolol can lower this resistance so that more oxygen-rich blood can reach it and reduce hypertension.  

Cardiovascular function

Propranolol’s action on nerve endings controlling cardiovascular function might improve overall cardiac performance, restoring normal sinus rhythm and preventing further arrhythmia-related episodes.  

Migraine 

A severe migraine headache can cause intense pain that’s often accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. Studies have found evidence showing that daily use of low-dose Propranolol can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. It’s not fully understood why or how this works, but the ability to modulate vascular response and inflammation around the brain stem area, where most migraines originate, seems to play a part. 

Off-label uses for mental health

Off-label Propranolol uses can treat some types of anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It’s important to note that Propranolol doesn’t actually address the underlying causes of anxiety. What it does do is relieve some of the symptoms by blocking the action of hormones that cause increased heart rate and lead to feelings of stress.

“While effective towards symptomatology for heart disease, it’s also shown efficacy in addressing anxiety symptoms including rapid heartbeat, shaking, and other physical symptoms.”

– Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C, LICSW, LICSW