hope76: Propranolol withdrawal

[hope76]

Hi all, I successfully tapered off benzodiazepines from 2015 to 2019. Still have some mild protracted benzo withdrawal symptoms but overall was pretty functional. Now I have a new problem. I developed a crisis with my vision which provoked a lot of anxiety in August. I started to take propranolol 10 mg immediate release about two weeks ago to help deal with the anxiety. I was up to taking total of 40 mg a day. Unfortunately I started to get rebound symptoms like clockwork four hours after each dose. This includes anxiety, body shaking and heart racing. I have switched over to propranolol ER 60 mg as of two days ago, which seems to be covering the symptoms for about 12 hours, and then the rebound symptoms begin again. I’m asking my doctor about adding in a second dose of propranolol ER to cover the second 12 hour period. Honestly, this roundabout with the immediate release feels a lot like the Xanax interdose withdrawal I dealt with during my benzo days. My overarching goal is to get off the medication as it just seems to be making things worse. It’s clear I cannot taper from the immediate release version so I need to find some kind of compounding pharmacy that can prepare smaller doses of propranolol extended release. 60 mg is the smallest dose that is commercially available. I am in pretty bad shape, and would appreciate any input if others have been through this. I did use 10 mg of immediate release, propranolol during my benzo taper on a daily basis for the last couple of years of my taper. Post benzo withdrawal, I tapered it propranolol without any difficulty. Because of the previous experience, I assumed propranolol was safe for me. But my body seems to be reacting a lot differently this time. Help!

Edited October 11, 2023 by FireflyFyte
Updated title

[FireflyFyte]

Hi Hope,

 

Welcome to SA. Please summarize your drug history in your signature by following the instructions at How to Summarize Your Drug History in Your Signature. You may need to be on a computer to complete this.

We have information about tapering propranolol at Tips for tapering off propranolol as well as Tapering Beta Blockers or Alpha Blockers.

 

Please let us know if you have further questions.

 

Thanks,

 

Firefly

[hope76]

Thank you. I will fill out the signature when I can. I’ve been having some vision problems that prevent me from using the computer right now.