HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Propranolol Be Taken While Having High Blood Pressure?

default
Posted on Thu, 6 Oct 2016
Question: If a person is on medication for high blood pressure and also has acute anxiety, is it okay to take Propranolol when prescribed by a Neuropsychiatrist? I've taken Lorazepam (.5mg as needed 3x a day) for about 6 years, but I suffer daily from anxiety.
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is safe to take Propranolol in your clinical situation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and would explain that there is no contraindication to Propranolol in your clinical situation.

You should know that it is a beta blocker which can pass through the brain blood barrier.

So it helps control tachycardia and high blood pressure related to anxiety or panic attacks and also has a calming effect in your central nervous system.

It has no interactions with your current therapy.

So, it is OK to take it.

Regarding Lorazepam, I would not recommend taking it for a long period of time as it can cause addiction and tolerance (which means that you have not the same effects after sometime and you can suffer from withdrawal syndrome if stopped cold turkey).

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Propranolol Be Taken While Having High Blood Pressure?

Brief Answer: It is safe to take Propranolol in your clinical situation. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I carefully passed through your question and would explain that there is no contraindication to Propranolol in your clinical situation. You should know that it is a beta blocker which can pass through the brain blood barrier. So it helps control tachycardia and high blood pressure related to anxiety or panic attacks and also has a calming effect in your central nervous system. It has no interactions with your current therapy. So, it is OK to take it. Regarding Lorazepam, I would not recommend taking it for a long period of time as it can cause addiction and tolerance (which means that you have not the same effects after sometime and you can suffer from withdrawal syndrome if stopped cold turkey). You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri