Propranolol
Propranolol is a beta blocker. The drug is widely used in medicine for the treatment of high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), migraines (headaches) abnormal heart rhythms and essential tremor. In the USA, the most common indication for the use of Propranolol is for the treatment of blood pressure. In the off-label use beta blockers are popular for reducing stage freight among performers.
Propranolol Facts
| Other names | Propranolol, Avlocardyl, Avlocardyl, Deralin, Dociton, Inderal, Inderalici, Inderal LA, InnoPran XL, Sumial |
| Chemical formula | C16H21NO2 |
| Effects | Used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Relieves the symptoms of performance anxiety. |
| Dosage | Varies. |
| Legal status | Prescription drug. |
| WADA status | Prohibited. |
It is often combined with other medications for the treatment of other heart conditions. The drug has the ability to decrease the work of the heart, slow the heart rate and open up the blood vessels in the body. This allows for the heart to relax and the blood pressure to decrease.
Beta blockers, such as Propranolol, are sometimes abused by musicians, speakers, and other performers to relieve the symptoms of performance anxiety. As they reduce heart rate and other symptoms such as shaking hands, using beta blockers has become popular undergound drug. In some study 27 % of musicians playing in the major U.S. symphony orchestras reported taking beta blockers.
Propranolol is available in various doses. For essential tremor, it is only taken in the smallest dose of 2 mg (twice a day). For the treatment of blood pressure, slightly higher doses are required.
The side effects of the drug include low blood pressure, constipation, lightheadedness and fatigue. While Propranolol is generally a very safe drug, one should be monitored frequently by a doctor when taking Propranolol.
Propranolol should not be taken if you have heart failure, slow heart rate or asthma. It can make each of these conditions worse.