[Genevieve]

I just started taking a low dose of propranalol for anxiety, and it seems to be helping -- until it wears off. Does anyone know if it reaches steady state in the blood? Or is it going to be a case of it helping until it wears off and I have to take it again?

Right now, I *just* started it, so I"m taking 10mg in the morning, which will go to 10mg BID in a couple of days. Anyone know the optimal dosing schedule? 12 hours? 8 hours?

Thanks!

(And hi, Cam, 'member me?)

[inkblot]

I know that with propranolol there are different versions and many strengths. Go by the directions that your doc told you. If you take it on a regular schedule each day, then I think it should eventually reach a peak and somewhat steady level, but it also depends on what kind you have (long/short-acting). I have an Rx for Propranolol 20mg (short-acting kind) for occasional heart problems, but I try to not take it. It's not needed every day.

[CamW]

Hi Genevieve! - Most medications, when take on schedule will reach steady state within seven half-lifes; at that point (theoretically) the dose that you take equals the amount of drug and it's metabolites that are excreted.

The dosing regimen for propranolol depends largely on the dosage form of the drug (esp. long-acting v. regular), with the gamut running from once per day to four times per day, depending upon the total daily dose, how fast one excretes the drug, and which formulation of the drug you are taking.

I hope that this does help some. - Cam