Medications · FAQ
What should I do if propranolol does not help my performance anxiety?
Short answer
Contact your physician rather than increasing propranolol on your own. It may reduce shaking or a racing heart without easing worry. Results vary. Your physician can review the timing, dose, and whether another approach fits better. If anxiety affects everyday life, ask about a broader mental health evaluation.
If propranolol does not help as expected, do not take extra tablets or combine it with someone else's anxiety medicine. More medicine can lower your heart rate or blood pressure too much without addressing the worry itself.
Tell your physician what happened, when you took the dose, and which symptoms remained. It helps to separate physical symptoms, such as shaking, from anxious thoughts or fear. Propranolol may reduce some physical symptoms while leaving worry unchanged. Results vary. Your physician can review whether the treatment plan still fits your needs.
If anxiety happens often, leads you to avoid work or social events, or disrupts sleep, ask for a broader evaluation. Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and other treatment options may help address ongoing anxiety. Results vary. Practicing presentations and reducing excess caffeine may also be part of a plan. Results vary.
Propranolol is not emergency mental health treatment. Anyone in crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 if there is immediate danger or a medical emergency.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
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