Sumial (propranolol): why you should quit it to treat anxiety

Sumial (propranolol) is possibly the best-known drug for treating social anxiety.. It is a very effective relaxant that reduces tachycardia, general tension and sweating. Likewise, this type of beta-blocker drug is also usually prescribed to treat migraines and headaches, and even to prevent heart problems in people who have suffered angina.

At first glance, this medication may seem like a “panacea” in many aspects. However, its mechanism of action is based solely on one very specific aspect, being a beta blocker. That is to say, Its active ingredient, propanol, acts as an antagonist of adrenaline and norepinephrine.and thanks to this, blood pressure is regulated, heart rate lowers and all those physiological symptoms related to anxiety are reduced.

It should be said that Sumial (propranolol) is one of the most common clinical strategies when treating social phobia as well as stage fright. Now, it is known that today There are many people who turn to this drug almost as an “emotional crutch.” In any situation that causes fear, anxiety or worry, this beta blocker is used to cushion the symptoms associated with these internal realities.

The problem of our social anxiety

A few years ago an interesting article was published in the Daily Mail which talked precisely about the impact on our society of this type of beta blocker. Sumial (propranolol) It is used by some people to mask an emotional reality that, far from being managed or faced, is camouflaged, choosing to numb the physiological reaction that those emotions provoke. We seek to be functional at whatever price, and sometimes, overlooking our health.

This article talked about the case of several people. We have the example of Laura Woodward, 30 years old. She has been taking summial (propranolol) since she was a teenager. Thanks to this drug she can deal with those social situations that generate anxiety: meeting friends, taking an exam, when you have to drive, when going to a party, having a date…

Dr Natasha Bijlani, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in mental health at the Priory Hospital in London, comments that this example is not isolated. There are many people who seek to treat the symptoms of anxiety without asking themselves what causes it, why it happens and what they could do to respond better. in these everyday situations.

And so Although this drug is not one of those that generates the most dependence, it should be said that its purpose is not that. Relax, it helps; Having greater control of your own body is always positive and beneficial. However, it is even more important to be able to understand and manage our emotions, our mind, and feel capable of facing any situation.

What is Sumial (propranolol) used for?

We are facing a drug that is as effective as it is useful for many aspects.. As we have already pointed out, its main mechanism of action is to inhibit those hormones that mediate stress or physiological overactivation, that is, adrenaline and norepinephrine.

However, Most of the characteristics of propranolol have their center in our cardiovascular system. By regulating the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, it reduces heart rate, tremors, sweating, as well as all those digestive problems that we experience when we have a lot of anxiety.

It is very useful for patients who have overcome angina pectoris or a heart attack. Thanks to its vasodilating and relaxing action, it is usually of great help for people who experience migraines or tension headaches.Sumial (propranolol) is also useful for treating thyroid gland problems.Likewise, this drug is effective for those people who suffer from glaucoma (remember that this condition is related to hypertension).

Mechanism of action of propranolol

As with other drugs in the beta-adrenergic family, to trigger the action, propranolol competes with adrenergic neurotransmitters. These receptors have a catecholamine structure at the binding site.

By binding to these receptors, propranolol blocks sympathetic neurotransmission in the smooth muscle of blood vessels and the heart, which is where there are the most receivers of this type. In this way, blood pressure drops and the heart slows down.

Therefore, the direct consequence of this blockade is a reduction in heart rate both at rest and during exercise. Thanks to this, symptoms such as tachycardia, sweating or tremors typical of anxiety are attenuated, giving the patient a feeling of control during situations that trigger these feelings.

Side effects of Sumial (propranolol)

Sumial is not properly a psychotropic drug. Its clinical use goes beyond the psychiatric field and as we can deduce from its mechanism of action, it is almost essential for people with heart problems. Now, all this does not mean at all that it is devoid of side effects or that we can take it whenever we consider it.

As we always point out in our space regarding drugs, their consumption must be guided by professionals. Sumial (propranolol) can present adverse symptoms if we abuse it. Let’s see it below:

Feeling of extreme tiredness.Slowed heart rate. Sleep disturbances, especially nightmares.Cold hands and feet (circulation does not reach the extremities as it should due to low pulse).Raynaud’s disease: Numbness and spasm in the fingers, plus pain and a burning sensation.

Contraindications

The consumption of Sumial is not recommended in the following circumstances:

If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to propranolol or to any of the other components of Sumial. If you suffer or have suffered asthma or wheezing.Have or have had heart problemsincluding heart failure or heart block, or if you have ever had a very slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure (hypotension), or poor blood circulation. If you have a specific type of angina pectoris called Prinzmetal’s angina.If you have ever been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland) that is not being treated with other drugs.If you are doing or have had a prolonged fast.When you suffer from metabolic acidosis (excessive acidity in the blood) (e.g. diabetic). In case of be pregnant, or consider the possibility of being breast-feeding, or are breast-feeding. When suffering from predisposition to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels).

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the consumption of propranolol increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and can aggravate the symptoms of people with diabetes, further altering their body’s response to insulin.

To conclude, Sumial is an ideal medication to treat social anxiety. However, let us not forget that Chemistry is only effective in relieving symptoms, but it can never solve a problem.. That’s why we have psychotherapy.

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