Posted by Kat (193.113.185.163) on September 04, 2000 at 18:02:53:
In Reply to: Propranolol? posted by Jeff C. on January 18, 1999 at 16:01:52:
I'm glad you all seem to have had so much luck with Propranolol. I have been taking it for nearly 2 years now, 180mg a day, sometimes more. I have had one BIG headache since 1993 and I'm only 22.
At first it worked, but I had to keep increasing the dosage every month. Now my doctor won't allow me to go any higher, so my headache is back to being as bad as it ever was, and I can't come off these evil pills for fear what would happen with the pain if I did!
Although I've never fainted or had trouble breathing, I have nightmares several times a week -when I manage to sleep. My hands and feet feel like blocks of ice -even in summer. I shake, I stutter, my memory and concentration has been affected. I take at LEAST a week off work every month, I have put on over 4 stone in weight, and I'm more depressed than I have ever been, so now I'm on Lustral as well!!!
Heres some interesting facts for you...
Propranolol is the MOST toxic Beta-Blocker, it is increadibly rapidly absorbed (with the exception of slow-release capsules) so overdose can occur within 20 mins, but may take you between 6-12 hours to react to any "antidotes". It can reduce bloodflow to liver and kidneys, can cause seizures, coma and cardiovascular collapse. It can cause skeletal muscle weakness and even peripheral gangrene!!!
It should not be used if under 18, and not for more than 8 months - which I only found out today, so guess I'm going to my GP in the morning!!!!
Sorry to be so negative when the rest of you seem to have had great success with the drug, maybe its just me, but I would advise you all to be very careful, and try not to stay on it too long.
:(
Kat