I have anxiety problems and I will be having a job interview the coming week. I just came across propranolol and would like to give it a try. But I would like to know if its safe to use. I heard it can lower libido - is it permanent? I just want to use it for performance anxiety only and not every day.

Dr. Prof Jagadeesan M SPsychiatrist19yrs exp

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Anxiety occurs due to reduced serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in mind (brain). Propanolol reduces the autonomic symptom of anxiety, that is elevated heart rate, bp and does not act on the cause of anxiety. Get your symptoms and condition properly assessed by a psychiatrist either in person or online and take proper remedy. Take over the counter propranolol can cause sudden bradycardia (low heart rate) or hypotension with serious consequences. Good luck. 

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Dr. Saras PrasadPsychiatrist6yrs exp

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No problem. You can use it on n off. But also contact psychologists to learn relaxation and grounding techniques to relax you before the performance.  

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Hello. Propranolol is a very safe and first line of drug used in performance anxiety on when needed basis. It does not cause dependence like benzodiazepines. Few doses of propranolol can never cause low libido. Also if a patient is taking it on a regular basis then also side effects are temporary and goes away in few weeks in its own most of the time so next time when you have an interview take 20 mg of tab propranolol 15-20 min before the interview starts. Hope I answered your question.  

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Yes you can.  

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