How Long Does It Take for Propranolol to Work?

Propranolol is a beta blocker that helps manage a variety of health conditions — from high blood pressure and migraines to performance anxiety and tremors. It comes in several oral forms, including immediate-release (IR) tablets, extended-release (ER) capsules (Inderal LA), and an oral liquid. It’s also available as an intravenous (IV) injection that’s used in medical settings.

So, how long does it take propranolol to work? The answer can vary based on why you’re taking it and the form you’ve been prescribed.

How long does propranolol take to work?

It depends. After taking propranolol, you may notice relief from symptoms related to performance anxiety, tremors, or chest pain within a few hours of a dose. And it can also start lowering your blood pressure within hours. But for uses such as migraine prevention, it can take weeks to start seeing a benefit.

How long propranolol takes to work can also depend on the specific form and how it’s given:

• Tablet and liquid (IR): Propranolol usually starts working within 30 minutes to 2 hours, with peak effects between 1 and 4 hours after taking a dose.

• ER capsules: These take longer to reach peak effect, typically around 6 hours, but they provide more stable propranolol levels throughout the day.

• IV injection: IV propranolol works within minutes and is used in emergency settings, such as for life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms.

How long does it take to see the full effects of propranolol?

Full effects from propranolol can take days to weeks, depending on the reason you’re taking it. For high blood pressure or heart conditions, it may take up to a week to reach its full effect. For migraine prevention, it can sometimes take up to 12 weeks.

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Typically, you’ll start with the recommended starting dose. Depending on how you respond, your prescriber may gradually increase your dose to find one that’s most effective for you.

Are there factors that can affect how long propranolol takes to work?

Yes, several factors can affect how fast propranolol works in your body:

• Formulation: IR propranolol is absorbed and starts working faster than the ER form, which is absorbed more slowly.

• Dose: Higher doses may work faster, but your specific dosage will be tailored to balance effectiveness and safety.

• Reason for use: Quick symptom relief is more likely for performance anxiety or tremors, while longer-term benefits take more time.

• Individual metabolism: Your age, liver function, and other factors can influence how quickly your body processes propranolol.

• Other medications: Some medications or substances, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and cigarettes, may affect propranolol’s effects or levels in the body.

Because response times can vary from person to person, it’s important to give propranolol time to work. Follow up with your healthcare team if you’re unsure whether it’s helping.

What to expect when starting propranolol

When starting propranolol, your healthcare team will likely review the basics — your dosage, possible side effects, and key interactions. Be sure to follow their instructions on how to take propranolol and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Mild side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are common when starting propranolol. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Depending on why you’re taking propranolol, you may notice:

• Lower blood pressure or heart rate

• Tremors that are smaller or less noticeable

• Less chest discomfort or migraine frequency over time

• Reduced physical symptoms of anxiety before a performance, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shaky hands

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Propranolol for performance anxiety: Propranolol is taken off-label for performance anxiety. Though it works well for some people, research on its effectiveness is limited.

• Common propranolol side effects: Learn about the most common side effects of the beta blocker and when you should contact your prescriber.

• What to avoid: Did you know that certain medications and substances can be risky to combine with propranolol? Here’s what you should know about key propranolol interactions.

If your blood pressure goes too low (hypotension) or if your heart rate slows down too much (bradycardia), tell your healthcare team right away. They may need to lower your propranolol dose or switch you to a different medication.

How long do you need to take propranolol?

How long you need to take propranolol can depend on why you’re taking it. Many people take it long term to manage chronic health conditions, while others take it short term or only as needed.

• For chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, or migraine prevention, propranolol is usually taken daily and long term.

• For performance anxiety, propranolol may be taken as needed before a triggering event.

• For specific situations, such as before surgery for pheochromocytoma, you might only take propranolol for a few days.

Your healthcare team will recommend a treatment plan based on your health condition and how well you respond to propranolol. Don’t stop taking propranolol suddenly without medical guidance. This can cause symptoms such as a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, or other serious effects.

Good to know: If you need to stop propranolol, your prescriber will help you lower the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

How to save on propranolol

There are several ways to save on propranolol, which is available as both brand-name and generic medications, depending on the dosage form. 

• Propranolol oral tablets: GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of generic propranolol tablets. It may cost as low as $7.64 for a 30-day supply at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount.

• Propranolol oral ER capsules: GoodRx can help you save over 95% off the average retail price of generic propranolol ER capsules. It may cost as low as $10.20 for a 30-day supply at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount.

• Propranolol oral liquid solution: GoodRx can help you save over 95% off the average retail price of generic propranolol oral solution. It may cost as low as $8.42 for a 30-day supply at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount. Brand-name propranolol oral solution (Hemangeol) is used for a specific health condition in babies. It’s a limited distribution drug, only available at specialty pharmacies.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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