Do I need to taper propranolol when stopping as-needed use for performance anxiety?

There is no single stopping plan for everyone who takes propranolol. Someone who takes an occasional prescribed dose before an event has different needs from someone taking it every day. Your dose, length of use, and heart health also matter.

Stopping regular propranolol suddenly can cause serious heart problems, including worsening chest pain or a heart attack, especially in people with heart disease. Do not assume that a prescription for anxiety makes sudden stopping safe. Your physician may recommend lowering the dose over time.

Tell your physician how often you actually take it, including any extra doses or recent increases. If you have begun using it more often than prescribed, ask for a review rather than managing the change yourself.

For a missed as-needed dose, do not double the next dose or take a late dose without checking your instructions. If you want to stop because of side effects, contact your care team. Severe symptoms such as fainting, chest pain, or trouble breathing need urgent medical attention.