Brand Names:
Inderal Inderide
What is it?
Propranolol is in a family of drugs, called beta-blockers, which are normally used to lower blood pressure or help relax the heart after you’ve had a heart attack. Some beta blockers can be used for a variety of other conditions.
What’s In It For Me?
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will probably pick a different beta-blocker like metoprolol (Toprol or Lopressor) or carvedilol (Coreg) to treat it; more often, propranolol is used to treat other problems. Some other uses for propranolol include preventing migraines and quieting an unexplained/harmless tremor.
The Good
Propranolol works pretty well to decrease how often you get a migraine, and makes them not as bad when they do happen. As far as treating high blood pressure, they aren’t as many studies out there as for some other similar medications.
“ 
The Bad
Propranolol basically makes it so your heart can’t beat quite as strongly or quickly. This can leave you feeling tired and sluggish, especially when you first start taking it. Exercising may be more difficult; try to give your heart enough time to get going. Beta blockers can make you feel dizzy; this is especially true if you don’t have high blood pressure to start with. Get up slowly because that is when you would be most likely to get light-headed.
Propranolol can interfere with your sleep; it may even cause weird dreams or nightmares. Some people may gain a few pounds on propranolol, probably not enough to go up a pants-size. Others may complain of a decreased sex drive. There are other options available to treat these conditions, so let your doctor know if something is bothering you. Most importantly, don’t just suddenly stop taking propranolol – your blood pressure could shoot up and you could get chest pains or other serious problems.
”
The Controversial
Fact Boxes
For The Cynic
No drug treatment will prevent you from ever having another migraine – don’t expect propranolol to be any different.
FThe Cost
Cheap – luckily propranolol has been generic for a while, so it is pretty cheap (on $4 plans) unless you want the “extended-release” form.
It can be a good option for preventing migraines, especially for people with high blood pressure.
Written by:Sarah Boothand edited by ProfJameson
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