Propranolol overdose? Help!?

I took 3 x 40mg of propranolol about 10 minutes ago, not feeling anything as of yet but will I be fine or should I do something? Haven't eaten all day and I'm 16 and weigh 65 kilos

Comments

  • I'm not sure about the dosing, but you should eat something right away, a candy bar or a sugary drink would be perfect. If you start feeling light headed or have difficulty breathing then you need help. Propanolol is a beta blocker, beta adrenergic receptors stimulate the heart to beat faster, and your blood vessels and bronchi to dilate. So the opposite will happen when you take beta blockers. Beta also stimulates the liver to make glucose once the glucose you eat has all been used up, that is why you should eat something, because beta blockers will stop this from happening. Beta stimulates renin release from the kidney, so beta blockers will result in a lower blood pressure and excess Na+ in the urine. If you take too much too often you can lose too much Na+ and be at risk for seizures and arrhythmias.

    What are you taking propanolol for? You're very young and a healthy weight so I'll take a wild guess and say you haven't had a heart attack. :P

    Thyroid problems? Arrhythmias?

  • My biggest concern is hypotension (low blood pressure), and bradycardia (very slow heartbeat). Which is directly in correlation with the medical student. The low blood pressure, and decreased heartbeat will lead to the dizziness as well as light-headedness. Also of great concern is the breathlessness. The propranolol is a beta-blocker which not only blocks the receptors on your heart thus slowing it down, but it also blocks the beta-receptors in your lungs. This can lead to bronchospasms...basically you will have shortness of breath, and in general it will be difficult for you to breathe.

    As a pharmacist with 15 years of practice I would recommend a visit to the emergency room just to be on the safe side. While at the ER you can have your symptoms checked by a physician who can determine if you require further medical care. Hopefully you have someone who can drive you, and stay with you until your situation is under control.

  • You should contact your doctor or pharmacist, or your nearest ER to get expert help. Having said that, 120mg should not be enough to do any serious harm, but can cause a slow heart beat and cause symptoms such as dizziness, sickness, confusion, hallucinations, body spasms, breathlessness on exertion, and fainting.

    If you start to experience any of these symptoms it's important to seek medical attention. Do you have anyone with you who can look out for you?

    Hope this helps,

    Alex

  • Drink water and eat something asap and go to the hospital if you dont feel better

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