Sumial (propranolol) The Drug For Anxiety And Migraines

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 often prescribed to treat migraines and headaches, and even to prevent heart problems in people who have suffered from angina pectoris.

At first glance this drug may seem like a “panacea” in many ways. However, its mechanism of action is based solely on a very specific aspect, on being a beta blocker. That is to say, its active principle, propanol, acts as an antagonist of adrenaline and norepinephrine, and thanks to this, blood pressure is regulated, the heart rate is lowered and all these 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 resort to this drug almost as an “emotional crutch”. In any situation that causes fear, anxiety or concern, 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 where it was precisely discussed the impact on our society of this type of beta blocker. Sumial (propranolol) is used by some people to mask an emotional reality that, far from being managed or faced, is camouflaged, opting to numb the physiological reaction that these emotions provoke. We seek to be functional at whatever cost, and sometimes, overlooking our health.

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

Dr Natasha Bijlani, a consulting psychiatrist specializing in mental health at Priory Hospital in London, says that example is not an isolated one. Many people seek to treat anxiety symptoms without wondering what causes it, why it occurs, and what they could do to better respond to these everyday situations.

Thus, and despite the fact that this drug is not one of those that generates the most dependence, it must 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 emotions, the mind and feel capable of facing any situation.

What is Sumial (propranolol) 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 over-activation, that is, adrenaline and norepinephrine.

Now, most of the characteristics of propranolol have their center in our cardiovascular system. By regulating the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, it manages to reduce 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.
• Also, this drug is effective for those people who suffer from glaucoma (remember that this condition is related to hypertension).

Sumial (propranolol) side effects

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 without side effects or that we can take it every time we consider it.

As we always point out in our space regarding drugs, their consumption must be regulated by professionals. Sumial (propranolol) can present an adverse symptomatology in case we fall into an abuse of it. Let’s see it next:

• Extreme tired feeling.
• 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, as well as pain and a sensation of heat.

Contraindications

Consumption of Sumial is not recommended in the following circumstances:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to propranolol or any of the other ingredients of Sumial.
• In case of suffering or having suffered from asthma or wheezing (wheezing).
• Have or have had heart problems, including 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.
• In case 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 been fasting for a long time.
• When you suffer from metabolic acidosis (excessive acidity in the blood) (eg diabetic).
• If you are pregnant, or consider the possibility of being pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Having a predisposition to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels).

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

To conclude, Sumial is an ideal medicine to treat social anxiety. However, let’s not forget that chemistry is only effective to alleviate a symptomatology, but it can never solve a problem. For that we have psychotherapy.