Does Stopping Propranolol Abruptly Cause Heart Rate Problems?

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Question: I just started taking Gabapentin for migraines and was taken of propranolol 120mg. I've started on 300mg of the Gabapentin but I'm to increase to 600mg by next week. I was worried about coming off propranolol cold XXXXXXX but my doctor said it would be O.K. and my pharmacist did too but today my BP is in the normal zone but my HR will not come down even in a resting state. Should I be do something?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If your heart rate is 60-90 beat/min it is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I am Dr.Rovena
I read carefully your query and medical history.

In order to give you a valuable opinion I need to know:
- how is your heart rate?
-Do you have any other symptom related to fast heart rate such as chest pain,palpitations,breathless?

The normal range for heart rate is 60-90 beats/min and when it is over 100 beats/min it is called tachycardia.

If your heart rate is in normal range (60-90 beats/min),your blood pressure is in normal range and you don't experience any of the above symptoms I think you are fine and don't need to do anything.

If you experience such symptoms you should consult your treating doctor.

Hope I was able to help you.If you have further questions I will be happy to help.
Take care

Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (30 minutes later)

In the time it took you to answer things changed. The BP did not stay down. The last one was 150/77 with HR 102 and that was because I got up and walked outside to the car to get my cell charger for my phone. If I get up and move it goes up too. I was getting sick to my stomach from the headache and couldn't take it much longer. I had phenagren suppositories and I took one. I'm not sick any more and my headache is finally backing off. Now if my BP and HR would only drop.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
keep monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Keep monitoring the blood pressure and heart rate.
This situation (with fluctuated blood pressure and fast heart rate) might continue a few days until your body is adapted in new terms without Atenolol.

If your blood pressure keep staying high I suggest to consult your treating doctor.

If you have further questions please feel free to write me.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (32 minutes later)

Thank you. I will.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take care

Detailed Answer:
It was a pleasure.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj