Propranolol is a widely prescribed medication in the UK. It is often used to manage a number of different conditions such as high blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, migraines, and anxiety.
Propranolol is a beta blocker, and it works by slowing down the heart rate as well as reducing the force of each heartbeat. This helps the body to maintain a steadier heartbeat.
For many people undergoing treatment for heart issues, or even addiction issues, people often wonder whether or not you can drink alcohol whilst taking this medication.
This blog explores the risks, side effects as well as the consequences of combining propranolol with alcohol, especially for those who are recovering from an addiction or long term health issues.
Propranolol is a type of beta blocker, and it is commonly prescribed for a number of issues including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, anxiety, migraines or angina, which is a type of chest pain [1].
Propranolol works by slowing down the heart rate and reducing blood pressure, allowing the body to respond more calmly to stress, tension and anxiety.
Because of this calming effect, propranolol is sometimes used in drug and alcohol rehab and recovery settings, to manage withdrawal symptoms during a medical detox, it is where anxiety or physical agitation is usually present [1].
If you have recently been prescribed propranolol, then it is important to understand that drinking alcohol while taking propranolol is not recommended.
While some individuals may consume small amounts without any immediate issues or harm caused, it is important to understand that medical guidance generally advises caution or entire avoidance when drinking alcohol and consuming propranolol.
This is because of the interaction between alcohol and the way that propranolol works.
As discussed above, it is not advised to drink alcohol when taking propranolol. Below are just some of the reasons why this is the case.
As discussed above, propranolol is used to lower blood pressure. In fact, both propranolol and alcohol both work to lower blood pressure. When combined, it can lower blood pressure too much [2].
This can result in dizziness, light-headedness, fainting or irregular heartbeats. These symptoms happen because both substances together will cause an individual’s blood pressure to drop too low, which is a condition known as hypotension.
For people undergoing a drug or alcohol detox and rehab treatment, this can be particularly dangerous, as the body is already under a huge amount of strain, especially during the detox stage of recovery [2].
It is important to remember that alcohol is a depressant. Likewise, propranolol is also used for its calming and sedative effects.
Together, they will slow down your reaction times, cause unusual levels of tiredness and increase the likelihood of blackouts or falls. This is particularly risky for older people who are prone to falling, or those with underlying health conditions.
As discussed above, propranolol regulates your heart rhythm which is why it is used to treat so many cardiac conditions. However, it is important to remember that alcohol can disrupt your heart rhythm.
This means that mixing the two can lead to complications such as unpredictable changes to heart rate, heart palpitations and an overall increased strain on the heart.
Some studies suggest that there is no immediate danger to life when mixing alcohol and propranolol.
These studies all suggest that small amounts of alcohol may be tolerated by certain individuals, depending on the dosage of the medication, how frequently you consume alcohol and when, your overall health and what your alcohol tolerance levels are like.
However, it is important to understand that even small amounts and moderate drinking habits can produce unwanted effects, particularly when first taking propranolol or adjusting to a new dose amount.
In fact, medical advice typically recommends that you should certainly avoid consuming alcohol for the first few days of your treatment on propranolol.
Likewise, if your dose increases then you should also avoid drinking alcohol until your body has gotten used to the new dosage.
As with any type of medication, you should always speak to your local GP or healthcare professional before combining medication with alcohol. From an addiction perspective, it is often safer to avoid alcohol entirely whilst recovering from an addiction.
For those undergoing treatment or still dealing with alcohol or drug addiction, then propranolol may be prescribed to manage your withdrawal symptoms, your anxiety during your medical detox as well as tremors.
Whilst this works well, continuing to drink alcohol or consume other addictive substances whilst taking propranolol is not recommended and will massively undermine your recovery.
Likewise, it will most likely mask the warning signs of addiction and also increase the risk of relapsing in the future.
When recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, you are also likely to experience some form of mental health issue, including psychosis, depression or anxiety.
Propranolol is often prescribed for anxiety, particularly physical symptoms such as rapid heart rates, excessive sweating and trembling.
Nevertheless, continuing to drink alcohol or consume other addictive substances will only ever increase your anxiety and depression levels over time, reducing the benefits of taking propranolol.
As a result of this, you will want to be prescribed more propranolol, which could lead to a dependency. This creates a cycle where alcohol worsens the very symptoms that propranolol is meant to treat in the first place.
If you have recently been prescribed propranolol and choose not to drink whilst taking your medication, then you might be on the lookout for alternatives to alcohol.
In drug and alcohol rehab and beyond, replacing alcohol with healthier alternatives and better habits will massively support your recovery process.
For example, you could replace your drinking habits with exercise, walking, mindfulness or meditation.
Likewise, you could drink healthier alternatives such as juices, coconut water or herbal teas. These alternatives help to rebuild healthier routines without compromising your health or your medication.
If you start to mix alcohol with propranolol, despite risks, this may indicate a deeper issue with your alcohol consumption.
This might mean that you have a severe, moderate or severe addiction issue and should speak to a medical professional as soon as you can to discuss your alcohol consumption and whether professional treatment might be needed.
It is important to remember that support for addiction issues is available through your local GP, community addiction teams and inpatient as well as outpatient drug and alcohol treatment.
As with any type of health issue, early intervention can prevent issues and long term complications and will put you on the right path to recovery.
As discussed above, small amounts of alcohol whilst taking propranolol might not cause immediate harm for some people. However, it is also important to remember that medically, it is not recommended to mix alcohol with propranolol.
The combination of these two substances will lower your blood pressure too much, increase the side effects of the medication and it will also interfere with how the medication works in the first place.
For those dealing with an addiction issue or undergoing treatment, you should avoid drinking alcohol entirely during this period.
This is because propranolol is often prescribed to stabilise the body. However, alcohol makes it less stable, both physically and mentally.
If you are unsure whether or not you should mix alcohol with propranolol, or you are concerned about how much alcohol you are consuming, then you should speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
If your alcohol use is becoming difficult to manage, then reaching out for help and support could be the most important step you take in your recovery journey.
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/propranolol/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an advisor with more than 20 years in the field. His knowledge covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an advisor and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
