--- title: "Propranolol: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers" description: "Propranolol is a beta-blocker that eases anxiety symptoms, prevents migraines, and treats heart conditions such as high blood pressure and angina." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/propranolol/ robots: noindex --- # Propranolol: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers Treatments Propranolol is a beta-blocker that eases anxiety symptoms, prevents migraines, and treats heart conditions such as high blood pressure and angina. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is propranolol used for? Propranolol is a beta-blocker medicine that blocks the effects of adrenaline, reducing palpitations, tremor and situational anxiety. It is also used to prevent migraines and to treat high blood pressure and angina. If you take propranolol for a heart condition, it should not be stopped suddenly and must instead be tapered off gradually with your GP's guidance. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Propranolol, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about propranolol - Propranolol is classed as a non-selective type of beta-blocker medicine. - It is often used for situational or performance-related anxiety. - It is usually avoided in people with asthma. - It can mask the warning symptoms of low blood sugar in people with diabetes. - Cold hands and feet are a common side effect. ## How propranolol works Propranolol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which are the sites in the body that respond to adrenaline. By blocking these receptors, it reduces heart rate and tremor, which is why it is used for conditions where these effects are helpful. ## What propranolol is used for Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and to prevent migraines, and it also helps control anxiety symptoms, tremor and thyrotoxicosis. It is also used off-label for performance anxiety, such as before a stressful event, even though this is not one of its licensed uses. ## Side effects of propranolol Common side effects of propranolol include fatigue, cold hands, and vivid dreams. Taking too much can lead to bradycardia (a slow heart rate) or hypotension (low blood pressure), so it is important to take the dose your GP has prescribed. ## Cautions with propranolol Propranolol needs to be used with caution in people with asthma, heart block, or diabetes, since it can worsen these conditions or mask important symptoms. Anyone who is pregnant should seek specialist advice before taking propranolol. ## ! Important safety information for propranolol A GP prescribes propranolol and should review your treatment if you have a history of asthma or heart failure. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about propranolol What dose of propranolol is used for anxiety? For anxiety, propranolol is usually prescribed at a low dose, either taken regularly or shortly before a stressful event such as a performance or exam. Your GP will individualise the dose and timing based on how you respond to treatment. Is propranolol safe to take if I have asthma? Propranolol is generally avoided in people with asthma because it can trigger bronchospasm, a narrowing of the airways. A cardioselective beta-blocker may be used instead in some cases, as these are less likely to affect the lungs. What happens if I stop taking propranolol suddenly? Stopping propranolol suddenly can cause rebound tachycardia, a rapid increase in heart rate. Anyone taking it long-term, especially for ischaemic heart disease, should taper the dose gradually under medical guidance rather than stopping abruptly. How does propranolol help prevent migraines? Taken daily, propranolol can reduce how often migraines occur, although it takes several weeks to have its full effect. It is one option among migraine-prevention medicines and is sometimes used as an alternative to topiramate. ## Sources - [NHS — Propranolol](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/propranolol) - [NHS — Migraine](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine)