| Is it side effects from propranolol (for migraine) or something else?
Sorry that this is long, I hope it’s not too difficult to read.
I’m 21 (in UK) and for the last few months I’ve had a lot of trouble sleeping. It can be as late (or early) as 7 am before I’m able to fall asleep, some days I’ve been lucky to get 4 hours. Once I do finally fall asleep I’m often restless and only lightly asleep. I’m also not sure if I’m dreaming or just half asleep but I’m having ‘dreams’ of figures/shapes/people standing by the bed or the door. (ß sorry that bits hard to explain)
I know insomnia, nightmares and vivid dreams can be a side effect of the propranolol, but I’ve been on it nearly a year now and have only had this problem for the last few months.
My friend however suggested that it could be depression rather than side effects, but I also know depression can be a side effect.
I’ve always had a low mood but it’s been worse this last few months. I looked up other side effects of depression and realised I had quite a few.
· Bad memory.
· Lack of concentration (can’t do the same thing for too long in one)
· Quickly lose interest in what I’m doing or when someone is talking to me
· I have no desire to socialize or go out and enjoy my hobbies
· I’ve lost my appetite. I only eat when I am really hungry and because I have to.
· My words sometimes are jumbled when I talk. E.g. It started to come out as “I bought a bin of tisc….” Instead of ‘a tin of biscuits’. (Seems to happen more often when I’m about to start my period)
· I’ don’t have any motivation or energy for things.
· Low self esteem
· I’m always indecisive
Some of these symptoms I’ve had or felt like for many years, and looking on the Internet suggests it might be dysthymia.
The propranolol hasn’t got rid of my migraines but it has reduced the amount and the severity of them. I think I’ve had 5 in a year but I’ve had 2 migraines within a week and a half of each other this month. Could it be I need a higher dose (I’m on 40mg, twice a day)? Or does everything I’ve said indicate I need to try something else?
I’ve got an appointment to see my GP in a few days but has anyone had a similar experience? Or any ideas as to what’s going on? Any help is appreciated.
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