{"id":631016,"date":"2025-01-27T09:30:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T14:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631016"},"modified":"2025-01-14T16:01:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T21:01:33","slug":"does-propranolol-make-you-sleepy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-propranolol-make-you-sleepy\/","title":{"rendered":"Does propranolol make you sleepy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Propranolol<\/span><\/a> is a generic prescription medication sold under different brand names, such as Inderal LA, Inderal XL, Hemangeol, and InnoPran XL. It is used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, conditions that cause irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and heart attacks. <\/span>Propranolol<\/span><\/a> belongs to a class of medication called <\/span>beta blockers<\/span><\/a>. Beta blockers work by preventing the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are stress hormones that cause the heart to work faster and harder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from its use in treating heart diseases, propranolol has other uses. \u201cWhile propranolol is very well known for its ability to lower blood pressure, many people don’t realize it is also often prescribed for instances of social anxiety or stage fright\/fear of public speaking,\u201d says <\/span>Leah Kaylor, Ph.D.<\/span><\/a>, a licensed clinical psychologist. It\u2019s also used for <\/span>treating migraine<\/span><\/a> headaches, overactive thyroid, and severe chest pain (angina).<\/span>
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However, this medication can cause side effects. Its mild side effects include tiredness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. Keep reading to learn more about the adverse effects of propranolol and how to manage fatigue caused by this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does propranolol make you sleepy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cYes, People often complain of propranolol making them feel sleepy within the first few weeks,\u201d Kaylor confirms, explaining that the sleepiness is worse when you first start taking this medication. If you feel sleepy after taking your propranolol dose, healthcare providers sometimes recommend taking the first dose prior to bedtime, says Kaylor.<\/span><\/p>\n

While taking this medication at night may be best if you are new to it, there is no one best time for taking it. \u201cThe timing of propranolol doses depends on the condition being treated and how the medication affects each individual,\u201d says <\/span>Michael Genovese, MD,<\/span><\/a> chief medical advisor at <\/span>Ascendant New York<\/span><\/a>, a mental health treatment facility. He further adds that, in general, propranolol is most effective when taken at the same time every day, whether morning or night, to maintain steady levels in the bloodstream.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from causing drowsiness, propranolol can also affect the pattern or quality of your sleep by <\/span>causing difficulty sleeping<\/span><\/a> and nightmares. \u201cIn some cases, it can cause <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>, as it interferes with melatonin production,\u201d <\/span>Mike McGrath, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified psychiatrist based in Hawaii, says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other common side effects people may experience while on propranolol <\/span>include<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n