does propranolol work well for social anxiety?

Answer 1

Having used this many years ago, I would have to say no, initially and with exceptions.
Propanolol Hydrochloride is a beta adrenergic blocking agent and used for a number of reasons. Cellists and violinists, for example, will use it to stop any hand tremors that might affect their performance, as did a snooker player a few years back, who used to come to the table with a pint of beer to steady his hand. It will reduce heart beat, shaking hands and sweating that can be manifestations of anxiety of any sort in a 'mentally well' person.
Unless sweating, shaking hands and fast heart rate contribute significantly to your anxiety in a "social" setting, then it's unlikely to be of much use. If there are specific issues that cause your social anxiety, these can be addressed by councelling and positive reinforcement therapy. If it's just a habit you got into that's snowballed , maybe after reintroducing yourself to the social scene after a relationship break up, then maybe a short prescription of psychotropic drugs, ie Diazepam, will help in the short term, but should only be used to enable you to learn that the things that often make you anxious in a social situation are perhaps largely your own making. You should only use these drugs to break the cycle as they can be very addictive after more than a couple of weeks due to tolerance and psychological dependance, which is why a lot of Doctors are loathe to prescribe them. There is no proven efficasy regarding the treatment of social anxiety by propanolol, though there is liitle harm in giving it a try.
Give yourself a chance if it's a new problem and try and gain insight into the why of your anxiety.
You seem a cautious person if you're asking about a drug your Doctor has already prescribed. Perhaps you should try jumping in with both feet. Excuse me if I've over answered, but what the heck, that's me.

Answer 2

Propranolol is actually a heart-rate regulating medication (beta blocker), which also has the effect of controlling some of the SYMPTOMS of anxiety (eg tremor, racing heart). The thought is that controlling some of the symptoms will have a positive feedback effect on the actual anxiety.

It is mildly effective at best in most forms of anxiety, including social anxiety. But dont expect miracles. It is probably worth trying, but only if you do not have asthma, or abnormal heart rates or rhythms (slow ones, specifically).

Answer 3

Propranolol is good for decreasing the exterior signs of anxiety. It is a great drug for stage fright. It will decrease any shaking associated with the anxiety but will not resolve the underlying problem and anxious feelings. There are many other drugs that can help resolve the actual problem. If you want to continue taking propranolol and 80 mg is too strong, then the dose can be reduced to 40 mg. Just be careful of dizziness and monitor your blood pressure as this is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. If this is a continuous problem, than other drug therapy would benefit you more than propranolol and treat the underlying condition.

Answer 4

Social Anxiety And Shyness Cure : http://tinyurl.com/c9eJWWPAdE

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

Everyone is different. It might work well for you. Talk to your Doctor.

Answer 8

I don't know.......Oh My God, I DON'T KNOW!!!!! What am I going to do? HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLP!!!!!!!