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What Causes Breathlessness In A Low BP Patient While On Propranolol?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2016
Question: I take Propranolol for anxiety, and have been taking it for several years. When I was last in hospital, recently, I was told that my blood pressure needed to be taken before taking the propranolol otherwise it could not be administered to me. I realize that this medicine is also for blood pressure, but I do not take it for blood pressure. Normally, I have very low blood pressure, relatively normal. Many times in hospital I was not given the Propranolol, because my blood pressure was very low. Once I left the hospital, I visited my clinic and I was told that I didn't have to worry, that I could simply take the propranolol twice daily. I would like to make a comment that sometimes I feel a strange sensation where I cannot get enough air, I am wondering if this was due to low blood pressure, many times I just ignored it. One last note, I am a psychiatric patient of 40 years old, first diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2001 and then schizoaffective bipolar disorder in 2010. PS I would just like some advice on what I should say to my psychologist and psychiatrist, to bring it to their attention. Note, I have suffered from panic attacks in the past, hence the anxiety medicine of Propranolol being prescribed to me. - my name is XXXX
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello Jariell, and thanks for your question.

I've read over your history and your question carefully. Here are my thoughts.

I do not think this sensation of not being able to get enough air is related to the propranolol. It is true that propranolol can decrease blood pressure, but symptoms of low blood pressure usually manifest as lightheadedness, not shortness of breath.

This sensation you are describing is likely a somatic symptom of anxiety. The sensation of not being able to get a full breath is a common symptom in people with anxiety. So rather than being caused by propranolol, it is actually likely that this symptom will be TREATED by propranolol, and over time will get better and go away.

I hope this was helpful.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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What Causes Breathlessness In A Low BP Patient While On Propranolol?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello Jariell, and thanks for your question. I've read over your history and your question carefully. Here are my thoughts. I do not think this sensation of not being able to get enough air is related to the propranolol. It is true that propranolol can decrease blood pressure, but symptoms of low blood pressure usually manifest as lightheadedness, not shortness of breath. This sensation you are describing is likely a somatic symptom of anxiety. The sensation of not being able to get a full breath is a common symptom in people with anxiety. So rather than being caused by propranolol, it is actually likely that this symptom will be TREATED by propranolol, and over time will get better and go away. I hope this was helpful. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.