Hi, I am a 39 year old male who HAD a very nasty Cannabis habit for the last 20 years or so. I smoked between 10 to 15 joints a days every day until 3 weeks ago I felt I needed to quit. That day came and in my mind I knew I had to stop and I did, I stopped completely and also I stopped smoking cigarettes too. As soon as I stopped I had serious trouble sleeping, total loss of appetite but most of all a racing heart with very serious anxiety. I coped with this for a few day but I could not cope and felt the need to see my Doctor. Upon seeing him he said I must take Propranolol (40mg 3 x day) to slow my heart and help the anxiety. I was very wary of taking such a medicine due to it having a direct effect on the heart. I did end up taking it and I know it has helped me massively but after seeing the Doctor again I have just been taking half the stated dose upon his approval (20mg 3 x day). He has told me that if I feel I need more than I should take upto the original stated dose (40mg 3 x day). Now, after 3 weeks of this medication I have noticed that if I am awake longer I need to take it 20mg 4 x day as opposed to 20mg 3 x day.

Firstly, may I ask if the condition I now find myself in directly related to Cannabis withdrawal and also Nicotine withdrawal?

Secondly, I am a little worried that I may become addicted/dependent on Propranolol and I know that I could not cope with the anxiety without Propranolol. Could this be possible and could I need them forever?

Lastly, if my symptoms are a result of Cannabis and Nicotine abuse how long are they likely to last and when/if I will ever be normal again?

I would also like to add that I do feel the Propranolol does make a massive difference and I feel that the symptoms of abuse/withdrawal are becoming less and less but I know I still need the medication.

All answers would be very much welcome and appriciated, thank you.