Inderal® is a drug used to treat high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, and heart disease. As it helps to block the body's production of adrenaline, it also has been used as a treatment for stress and performance anxiety. It is available as both instant- and extended-release capsules, as well as a liquid syrup. The most common side effect of Inderal® is nasea; it can also cause complications for those suffering from asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Beta-blockers like Inderal® inhibit norepinephrine and epinephrine — two bodily chemicals that bind to nerve receptors and increase heart rate and blood pressure to manufacture adrenaline and infuse the body with energy. By blocking these chemicals, Inderal® decreases hypertension by widening blood vessels and reducing heart rate. Consequently, this medication may also be used to provide relief from migraine headaches and chest pains due to its dilating, pressure relieving properties.
Inderal® can also be used sporadically to relieve performance anxiety. Prior to stressful events, the heart rate increases and causes the body to manufacture extra adrenaline; this process may lead to sweating, trembling, shaking and speech impediments. This drug lowers the heart rate and blocks adrenaline, consequently having a calming effect on the person taking it. Typically, a single dose of instant release Inderal® is used to alleviate apprehension.
Patients suffering from tremors have also benefitted from using Inderal®. Doctors believe this medication improves functionality by blocking restricting nerve impulses directed towards the muscles. A patient may take 20 to 160 milligrams (mg) a day for the treatment of tremors. Doses are typically administered once or twice a day.
Generally, Inderal® comes in capsule form as extended release pills or instant release, although a concentrated liquid-syrup form of the drug is available. The extended release variety of this brand enters the bloodstream slowly and consequently only needs to be taken once a day. Instant release tablets enter the bloodstream within one hour and may be taken up to four times a day. Capsules should be swallowed whole with 8 ounces of water and should not be chewed or snorted; the liquid form of the medication can be diluted in 8 ounces of water or juice. Doses should be taken daily at the same time as directed by a physician; people should not double up to compensate for a missed dose.
This medication is not devoid of side effects. The most common side effect is nausea. People suffering from respiratory afflictions like asthma or chronic bronchitis may experience difficulty breathing after using this drug because it constricts breathing passages and may lead to a build up of fluid in the lungs. Precautions should be taken by people suffering from kidney problems or are allergic to beta-blockers. Hypotension, low blood pressure, is another possible side effect of taking Inderal®.
