Home / Health / Blood Pressure Pill Warning: 12 Deaths Reported
Blood Pressure Pill Warning: 12 Deaths Reported
25 Oct
Summary
- 12 deaths occurred due to deliberate overdoses of propranolol.
- Experts urge patients not to stop prescribed propranolol.
- Sudden discontinuation of propranolol can worsen health.
A medical expert has advised patients not to discontinue propranolol, a common blood pressure medication, despite recent figures indicating 12 deaths and 318 overdoses in a single year. These fatalities were exclusively linked to intentional overdoses, not to individuals taking the drug as prescribed.
Pharmacist Raj Patel emphasized that patients prescribed propranolol should continue their medication regimen as directed. He cautioned that stopping the drug suddenly could negatively impact heart function, blood pressure, breathing, and brain activity, and may worsen underlying health conditions.
The NHS advises that abrupt cessation of propranolol, particularly after long-term use, can result in severe withdrawal symptoms. These may include irregular heart rate, sweating, and shaking. Doctors typically manage discontinuation by gradually reducing the dosage over one to two weeks.
Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is prescribed for high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. It also aids in managing anxiety symptoms by blocking adrenaline's effects. However, excessive intake can be very dangerous, leading to slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and seizures.
