How quickly does propranolol work for anxiety? 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In some cases, they may prescribe it off-label to treat anxiety. Propranolol, which is available as a generic drug and under the brand name Inderal, is a type of beta-blocker. Beta-blockers work by blocking the heart’s receptors for epinephrine. Epinephrine acts as a stimulant for the heart, causing it to beat harder and faster. By blocking epinephrine, propranolol helps relax the heart. In some cases, it can also help relax the blood vessels. In the 1960s, researchers found that propranolol has an antianxiety effect in people. Doctors have since prescribed it off-label to treat anxiety. Off-label means that the prescribed medication is not specifically intended for that use and does not have current approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that use. Propranolol does not treat the underlying psychological causes of anxiety. Instead, it may help with some of the physical symptoms that anxiety can cause. These can include:rapid heartbeatsweatingfeeling dizzyshaky hands or voice A 2016 review found that for short-term use, it was just as effective in treating panic disorders as benzodiazepines, which include Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam). However, despite this, the authors conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of propranolol for the treatment of any anxiety disorders. If a doctor does prescribe propranolol for anxiety, it typically starts to work relatively quickly to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. This article reviews how quickly propranolol works for anxiety and provides other information about the time frames surrounding its use. How quickly does propranolol work for anxiety Share on PinterestEtienne Girardet/Getty ImagesDoctors may prescribe propranolol off-label to help with the physical symptoms of anxiety or stage fright. Athletes and other performers may also benefit from using propranolol, although its use is not permitted in certain sports and competitions. When people take propranolol for anxiety symptoms, it should start to work within an hour. Propranolol has a half-life of about 4 hours, which means that the effects will likely start to fade about 4 hours after taking a dose. An extended-release version of the drug is also available, which will take longer to start working but remain effective for longer. However, doctors do not generally prescribe this form of the drug for anxiety. How long do the effects of propranolol last Propranolol has a 4-hour half-life. Its concentration in the blood is highest between 1 and 4 hours after taking a dose. Depending on the person’s need, a doctor may recommend taking a dose three or four times a day to maintain the effects of the medication. Some people may only need to take it shortly before a stressful event, such as a performance or speech. What is the best time to take propranolol The best time to take propranolol will vary depending on the person’s needs and any other medications they take. Evidence suggests that taking propranolol with protein-rich foods increases its bioavailability in the blood by 50%. A doctor will provide instructions on when a person should take propranolol for their anxiety symptoms. They may recommend daily dosing or only taking it on an as-necessary basis. In either case, a person should follow the recommended dosage and only take it according to their prescription. They should also continue with other therapies for their anxiety, which may include psychotherapy, other medications, or certain lifestyle adjustments. How long will a person need to take propranolol for anxiety Propranolol is relatively safe for most people, meaning that someone should be able to take it for as long as necessary or for the duration their doctor prescribes. It is important to note that propranolol does not treat the underlying causes of anxiety. A person will need additional therapies to treat anxiety and may only need propranolol on an ad-hoc basis or for a short period. Other treatments that can effectively treat anxiety include:psychotherapy, or talking therapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)other medications, including antidepressants and antianxiety medicationsstress management techniquessupport from organizations and support groups Side effects Propranolol is relatively safe to take, but it can cause side effects in some people. Possible side effects include:gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and diarrhearashes and other skin reactionserectile dysfunctiona slow heart rate when stopping the medicationlow blood pressurean increased risk of anesthesia complications A person should talk with their prescribing doctor about any medications they are taking. The doctor can determine whether propranolol may interact with these other medications and make any necessary changes to the prescription. Summary Propranolol may help with the physical symptoms of anxiety. It is relatively fast-acting and should be most effective for the first 4 hours. A doctor may prescribe it for daily use or recommend using it as and when a person feels the need. A person should review all their medications with the doctor and take propranolol according to their prescription. Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2022Heart DiseaseMental HealthAnxiety / StressDrugs 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Anxiety disorders. (2022). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disordersFarzam, K., et al. (2022). Beta blockers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532906/Label: Propranolol hydrochloride tablet. (2019). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d71ac16a-e2df-4630-9653-28749ece80a2Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules. (n.d.). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018553s037lbl.pdfSteenen, S. A., et al. (2016). Propranolol for the treatment of anxiety disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4724794/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Philip Ngo, PharmD — By Jenna Fletcher on September 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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