Hello doctor, I was affected by a social anxiety disorder. In the past two years, first, I used Inderal for one year and then Paroxetine 20 mg (SSRI) tablets. There was the best improvement in my confidence. Now from the last two weeks, I have not taken any happen. Do I want to use Inderal tablets again when I have to give the presentation or when I am in the classroom discussion? When I used the Inderal tablets, there were no harmful side effects; only a few happen like headaches, hand sweats and constipation. I searched on the internet and it says that it has very harmful side effects such as memory problems, sexual problems and many more. Is it so? Kindly help me. When I used this tablet I feel better and improved confidence. Please tell me the dosage of Inderal. Is it a safe medicine?
Hello. How long have you been having social anxiety problems? How severe and persistent are the anxiety symptoms? If anxiety is predominantly situational, like before giving public presentations, then you can try Inderal (Propranolol) occasionally as needed. Contra-indications like asthma, low BP (blood pressure), etc., need to be ruled out before trying Inderal. This will avoid any significant side effects. Other side effects like dizziness, cold extremities are usually mild and short. What dose of Inderal where you prescribed before? Usually, it can vary between 10 - 40 mg when needed (maximum two or three times a day only). If anxiety is pervasive across all situations, it will be better to consider going back on SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Paroxetine or other alternatives. Discuss it with your doctor. Also, try counseling and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) strategies to manage anxiety. It will be helpful.