What are the side effects of Propranolol?

Users most often report insomnia, depression, fatigue, weight gain, vivid dreams. Side effects came up 14 times across 166 reports.

User reports can't establish safety. PubMed lists 268 meta-analyses and 1,961 randomized trials. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take other medication.

Propranolol side effects

Across 166 first-hand reports, people mentioned a side effect 14 times (about 8 per 100 reports). The most common: insomnia, depression, fatigue. User reports show what people notice — they can't tell you whether Propranolol is safe for you.

Reported side effects

insomnia4

depression2

fatigue2

weight gain2

vivid dreams1

detachment1

robotic feeling1

irritability1

What got worse for some people

Mood80% worse · 20% better · of 5 Sleep60% worse · 40% better · of 5

In their own words

“Minimal decrease in anxiety but I am pretty sure that it only reduces physical symptoms, not mental.”

Didn't helpRead the discussion ↗

“Only 10mg is enough to make me feel comfortable and confident in public speaking.”

HelpedRead the discussion ↗

“Propranolol has changed my life - it blocks the effect of adrenaline in the body.”

HelpedRead the discussion ↗

Is Propranolol safe? What the research covers

AResearch: Strong268 meta-analyses · 1,961 randomized trials on PubMed

J Affect Disord · 2025

Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion: Beta-blockers are increasingly prescribed for anxiety, yet there is a lack of robust evidence of effectiveness. There is a need to understand when and why practitioners are using these drugs, and to undertake a large RCT to provide definitive evidence of whether beta-blockers are an effective and safe treatment for anxiety.