3 replies to this topic

[Veil]

I was wondering if anyone with any knowledge on Beta-Blockers or drug induced alopecia could tell me what the likelihood of hair loss/thinning from sporadic use (once every 4-6 months) of 80mg of Propranolol.  I was prescribed Propranolol in April for performance anxiety/GAD and used it every day for a week.  About a month later, I started to grow my hair out and noticed that whenever I would run my fingers through my hair, I was met with ~6 strands.  I'm a bit of a hypochondriac, and immediately jumped online to view other's experiences with the drug.  I found that beta-blocker induced hair loss can happen, but all that I came across was a result of extended use.  

 

With this being said, I haven't used the drug since April, but I have a presentation coming up.  I was considering cutting the dose in half just to be careful, but I was hoping someone could let me know if this is even necessary because I won't need to use it again for some time.

 

I should also mention that I was extremely stressed before I noticed the hair shedding over the summer and had been sick with 102 fever for about a week, so it may be attributable to that.  I also eat healthy and sleep 8 hours a night/don't smoke, drink, etc..

 

TLDR; can a single dose of 80mg Propranolol cause hair loss/shedding? Does anyone have any alternative tips to stop shaking in front of a crowd? 

 

Thank you!

[Jim Morrison]

Possible but very unlikely that the b-blocker caused your hairloss. If you anyways had a high stress level, the b-blocker for a whole week was very contraproductive. Even if you dont realize it, b-blockers often give you very bad nightmares (well known side effect). Thus, you had stress "day and night". Pretty sure that caused your hairloss.

 

In your case I would not recommend to take the blocker for a whole week, but just the day of the presentation. In the days before go with sth calming like l-theanine or valerian and if you have trouble sleeping 5htp or melatonin, maybe stilnox.

 

Then I would switch to a blocker that has a very short half life. I prefer Oxprenolol. Unfortunately. it is difficult to get now. I order it from the UK. Half life is about 4 hrs. Titrate your dose before (for me its 40mg) and take it 1h before the presentation.

[Veil]

Thank you for the response.  I was wondering if you could tell me what an effective dosage of L-Theanine would be.  I've also heard people have success with sublingual administration; would this be more powerful than simply taking the pill? Do you know anything about Rhodiola Rosea? I've heard good things and was considering supplementing with it daily in place of Ashwagandha - I've heard you shouldn't supplement with GABA agonists for a long period of time.

[cuprous]

I've shared your concerns as a fellow beta blocker user.  I have, on occasion, taken it several times a week and I at least believe it caused some shedding.  For me the benefits far outweigh the risks.   I wonder if you need 80mg though.  I take 10 and I find it adequate (male, 36, 160lbs).