Propranolol vs Skullcap for anxiety
Short answer: For anxiety, more users report improvement with Skullcap — 100% of 31 reports, versus 94% of 101 for Propranolol.
Propranolol has 268 meta-analyses and 1,961 randomized trials on PubMed; Skullcap has 5 and 3.
Based on 166 reports about Propranolol and 97 about Skullcap. Not medical advice.
| Propranolol Medication | Skullcap Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| Users say it helped | 79%helped105 reports · high confidence | 81%helped46 reports · medium confidence |
| Verdict | Mostly positive | Mostly positive |
| Research | AResearch: Strong | BResearch: Moderate |
| Meta-analyses / RCTs | 268 / 1,961 | 5 / 3 |
| Mainly used for | ||
| Anxiety % reporting improvement | 94% (101) | 100% (31) |
| Sleep % reporting improvement | 40% (5) | 100% (12) |
| Heart & lipids % reporting improvement | 100% (12) | — |
| Mood % reporting improvement | 20% (5) | 67% (3) |
| Common side effects | insomnia, depression, fatigue, weight gain | dysphoria, drowsiness, liver damage, unusual next |
| Typical dose reported | Not listed | 2-4 g / PRN |
In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, mirtazapine, biperiden, and vitamin B6 were associated with the greatest efficacy for AIA, with vitamin B6 having the best efficacy and tolerance profile. Trazodone, mianserin, and propranolol appeared as effective alternatives with slightly less favorable efficacy and tolerance profiles. These findings should assist prescribers in selecting an appropriate medication for treating AIA.
JAMA Netw Open, 2024 ↗“I just got a script for propranolol that I can take as needed and it's been a game changer.”
Besides, no severe adverse effects was identified by CHM. CHM, especially classical Chinese herbal formulas, could be used as potential candidates for COVID-19 in this battle.
Pharmacol Res, 2020 ↗“St. John's Wort, Passion Flower, Hops, and Skullcap. My sleep improved with those.”
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Percentages come from first-hand user reports and are not clinical outcomes. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. How we rate