Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Propranolol is a type of medication called a beta-blocker. It's a prescription medication sold under the brand names Inderal, InnoPran XL, and Hemoangeol.
It’s typically used to treat:
It's available as a tablet, solution, and an extended-release oral capsule. Understanding how beta-blockers work is essential when considering alcohol intake while on medication. Other beta-blockers that have been approved for use in the United States include:
Propranolol blocks certain natural chemicals, like epinephrine, in your body. Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is a hormone that plays an important role in managing your blood pressure. This allows your heart and blood vessels to relax.
Taking beta-blockers like propranolol reduces your heart rate and lowers blood pressure. This lessens the strain on your heart and improves blood flow
Lowering high blood pressure can help prevent:
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Take propranolol as directed, and don't take more of it longer than your doctor prescribed. This medication should come with a guide and directions, read and follow the instructions carefully, and ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Swallow the extended-release capsules and tablets whole. The extended-release capsule can be taken with or without food and should be taken at bedtime. It's important to take the medication in the same way each time.
The oral solution should be mixed with water to make swallowing easier. Do not shake the medication before use.
If you miss a dose, take the tablet as soon as possible unless it's nearly time for your next dose. Never double your dose to compensate for a skipped or forgotten dose.
Propranolol's dosage will be different for each person and the condition they're treating. The amount you take also depends on the following factors:
The typical dosage for social or performance anxiety is 10-40mg. Follow your doctor's orders and the directions on the label, and don't change your dosage unless your doctor tells you to. Consult your doctor for any questions or changes in your prescription.
Taking propranolol may cause side effects. They're usually not life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable. Beta-blockers may also hide signs of low blood sugar levels.
These side effects include:
Most people who take beta-blockers like propranolol will experience at least one of these side effects. These side effects can be exacerbated if you drink alcohol while on propranolol or other beta-blockers.
Although it happens rarely, propranolol does have serious side effects. Check with your doctor immediately if you start to experience the following:
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Propranolol can interact with certain medications and conditions. This can worsen existing symptoms or increase your risk of experiencing severe side effects. You should consult your doctor if you:
Additionally, treatment for high blood pressure may include weight control and dietary changes, especially for foods high in salt. Check with your doctor before changing your diet.
Propranolol can interact with other medications and cause unpleasant side effects. These medications may include, but are not limited to:
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Mixing beta-blockers and alcohol can have dangerous interactions. Alcohol interacts with the blood pressure-reducing effects of beta-blockers and causes your blood pressure to drop further.
You may experience the following due to very low blood pressure:
Alcohol can also decrease the effects of beta-blockers. If you're taking propranolol to treat heart problems, drinking alcohol may counter its effects. It’s simply best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking prescription medications altogether.
Consuming alcohol while taking propranolol can be harmful or toxic to your body. The impact of mixing these substances can depend on your gender and age.
This is because women tend to reach a higher level of blood alcohol concentration faster than men, allowing them to get drunk much faster. Meanwhile, aging slows your body's ability to break down alcohol, causing it to remain in your system longer.
Aside from experiencing extremely low blood pressure, the side effects of drinking alcohol with propranolol include:
Alcohol can also worsen existing side effects such as anxiety and glaucoma. Because of the potential risks and complications from mixing propranolol and alcohol, it's important to consult your doctor about any alcohol-related concerns regarding your prescription.
Drinking alcohol can take a toll on your health. However, the magnitude varies depending on factors like your tolerance, weight, food intake, and more.
These are some common side effects of drinking alcohol:
There are also some long-term side effects of drinking too much alcohol. Heavy or binge drinking can lead to severe physical symptoms.
These include:
Drinking too much also tends to weaken the immune system. This makes the body an easier target for diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. There is also a strong scientific consensus regarding an association between alcohol consumption and several types of cancer.
If you're taking propranolol for anxiety, it's unlikely to experience an overdose due to its low dosage compared to other uses. However, drinking alcohol while on propranolol can increase the risk of an overdose.
You might take more propranolol than necessary due to how alcohol reduces its effects. Symptoms of a propranolol overdose include:
If you are worried that you are experiencing a propranolol and alcohol overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Although propranolol isn't physically addictive or habit-forming, you can misuse it or depend on it. This is especially true for performance or social anxiety. It's important to inform your healthcare provider if you're overusing or relying on propranolol.
On the other hand, alcohol is an addictive substance that can lead to long-term health problems and dependence. Overcoming an alcohol addiction requires professional treatment.
However, people react differently to treatment, so exploring different options is important. Available treatment options include:
Propranolol is a prescription beta-blocker used to treat various medical conditions including high blood pressure and anxiety. It works by blocking a hormone called epinephrine to relax your heart and blood vessels.
Although propranolol is typically safe it can have uncomfortable and even severe side effects. It can also interact with alcohol and other substances, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
The interaction between propranolol and alcohol is especially dangerous because it can drastically lower your blood pressure. It can also reduce the beneficial effects of beta-blockers.
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