Propranolol is probably the most well-known drug to treat social anxiety. It is a very effective relaxative that reduces tachycardia, pressure and sweating. In addition, this type of beta blocker drug is also commonly prescribed to treat migraines and headaches, and to prevent heart problems in people who have had angina.
At first glance, this drug may seem to us, in many ways, a quick solution, but its mechanism of action is based solely on a very specific aspect: that of being a beta blocker, that is, its active substance, propanol. , acts as an adrenaline and norepinephrine antagonist and, as a result, regulates blood pressure, lowers heart rate and reduces all these anxiety-related physiological symptoms.
- Propranolol is a beta-blocking drug.
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Anxiety.
- Tremors.
- As well as headaches or migraines.
It is important to say that propranolol is one of the most common clinical strategies when it comes to treating social phobia, as well as the fear of public speaking. Well, we know that many people today use this drug almost as an “emotional crutch. “In any situation that is a source of fear, anxiety or anxiety, they use this beta blocker to alleviate the symptoms associated with these internal realities.
A few years ago an interesting article was published in the ‘Daily Mail’ that commented exactly on the impact of this type of beta blockers on our company: propranolol is used by some people to mask an emotional reality that, far from being confronted or treated, camouflages, choosing to fall asleep in the face of the physiological reaction that causes these emotions. We try to be practical at all costs and sometimes even outperform our health.
The article relates the case of several people. We have the example of Laura Woodward, 30, who has taken propranolol since she was a teenager. With this medication you can face social situations that cause you anxiety: dating friends, taking an exam, driving, at a party or a date?
Dr Natasha Bijlani, mental health psychiatrist at Priory Hospital in London, says this example is not isolated, many people seek treatment for their anxiety symptoms without wondering what causes them, why they occur and what they could do to better respond to them daily. Situations.
Thus, and although this drug is not among those that generate the most addiction, it is important to mention that its purpose is not that, this helps you relax and have more control over your body, however, it would be more advantageous to be able to understand and manage emotions, mind and feel able to face any situation.
We are faced with a drug that is as effective as it is useful in many ways, as we have pointed out, its main mechanism of action is to inhibit hormones that treat stress or physiological overactivation, i. e. adrenaline and norepinephrine.
Well, most of the characteristics of propranolol are centralized in our cardiovascular system, by regulating the activity of the sympathetic nervous system we manage to reduce the heart rate, tremors, sweating, as well as all the digestive problems that we experience when we experience a lot. anxiety.
Propranolol is not a psychotropic drug per se, its clinical use goes beyond the psychiatric setting and, as can be inferred from its mechanism of action, it ends up being indispensable for people with heart problems. Well, that does not mean that it does not have side effects and we can take it whenever we want.
As we have always spoken in our space about drugs, its use should be guided by professionals, propranolol can present undesirable symptoms if abused. Let’s see below:
In conclusion, we only warn you that this medicine should not be used for asthma, hypotension, kidney problems or diabetes. It is best to consult with our doctor and, once again, remember the point raised throughout our article. Propranolol is useful; it is an ideal drug to treat social anxiety, however, let’s not forget that chemistry is only effective for relieving symptoms, but it can never solve a problem, for this we have psychotherapy.