Propranolol (Beta Blocker)

Help your heart find its normal rhythm

Slow down your heart rate and say goodbye to palpitations with propranolol, an FDA-approved medication that can improve symptoms associated with dysautonomia/POTS, which frequently occurs with Long COVID and ME/CFS.

Only pay if your prescription is approved.

Stand strong again

Dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment when you sit up or stand, known as orthostatic intolerance, are common symptoms for those with forms of dysautonomia. Propranolol can help stabilize and reduce your heart rate, allowing your nervous system to remain in balance even when you stand.

Reduce heart palpitations

If you are dealing with the distinctly uncomfortable and unnerving sensation of feeling your heart pounding or racing in your chest (palpitations), propranolol may help. In a study on POTS, low dose propranolol significantly reduced heart palpitations and shakiness.

Improve exercise tolerance 

A study on people with POTS found that propranolol used in low doses allows for better heart rate control, which correlated with better tolerance for exercise (noted by an improved VO2 max during exercise). What activities would you do with a bigger energy envelope?

Brain Fog

Chest discomfort

Migraine

Rapid heart rate

Fatigue

Dizziness and lightheadedness

Learn more about the promising benefits of propranolol

Orthostatic intolerance (symptom worsening upon upright position) is very common in Long COVID, ME/CFS, POTS, and other forms of dysautonomia. Propranolol can be a game-changer for people living with the discomfort of a racing heart, dizziness, brain fog, palpitations, etc. whenever they are upright by slowing down heart rate and reducing the force of heart contractions.

  • Propranolol plays a crucial role in treating autonomic dysfunction associated with dysautonomia. By blocking the receptors responsible for the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine (catecholamines produced by the sympathetic nervous system), propranolol reduces heart rate and acutely improves symptoms in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

  • Propranolol can be used to treat a variety of persistent symptoms impacting patients living with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and dysautonomia. These symptoms can include:

    • Tachycardia (fast heart rate)

    • Heart palpitations

    • Migraines

    • Fatigue

    • Muscle and body aches

    • Chest discomfort

    • Sleep disruption

    • Orthostatic intolerance

    • Exercise intolerance

    • Dizziness and lightheadedness

  • While propranolol is safe and generally well-tolerated by patients experiencing a range of conditions, there can be side effects, such as:

    • Headaches

    • Dry mouth

    • Fatigue

    • Restlessness

    • Unusual dreams

    • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness

    • Cold fingers and toes

    • Nausea or vomiting

    • Diarrhea

    • Stomach pain

    More severe side effects requiring medical attention include:

    • Chest tightness

    • Cough producing mucus

    • Difficulty breathing

    • Worsening of chest pain

    • Very slow heartbeat or heart rate

    • Erectile dysfunction

    • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles

Ready to try propranolol?

Take advantage of propranolol in three easy steps.

Fill out a condition assessment.

1

Share your symptoms, current conditions, allergies and complete a health assessment.

Our clinicians will review your health profile.

2

An expert clinician from RTHM Direct will review your assessment within 1 business day and prescribe the requested medication if it is a good fit for your case. Pay $0 unless medication is prescribed.

Get approved and pick-up your prescription.

3

Pick up and pay for the prescribed treatments at your preferred pharmacy using the coupon card we provide.

Pricing

Propranolol

$59

Online Consultation

Propranolol

Total

Pay at pharmacy

$59.00

No payment is required until a prescription is approved.

RTHM patient voices 

“RTHM has given me hope. After struggling with Long COVID for two years, even with the help of a Long COVID clinic, I was still doing all of my own research and trying to keep my doctors advised of the state of the art in treatments.”

— Stuart S.

How do RTHM clinicians prescribe propranolol?

Every patient’s journey towards health is unique, especially when managing chronic, complex conditions like Long COVID and ME/CFS. That is why we start patients at lower doses and gradually increase dose to find the most effective dose with the fewest side effects. 

If you are taking propranolol for the first time, you will initially receive a 30-day prescription at a lower dose, along with clear instructions on how to safely increase your dosage while monitoring blood pressure and heart rate. After 30 days, you will check back with RTHM on your symptoms, blood pressure, heart rate and any side effect changes from taking the medications and our clinicians will assess your health status and prescribe the appropriate dose for the remaining 60 days.

If you have already found your stable dose of propranolol, you will have the option to receive a 90-day supply of medication.

Safety is our top priority

The eligibility criteria, the dosing protocols and the treatment guides for every treatment offered via RTHM Direct have been designed by a team of clinicians and pharmacists focused on complex illnesses.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of Long COVID, ME/CFS, and other chronic conditions, we are upholding the highest patient safety standards while expanding access to treatments.

And in case you missed anything.

  • Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are known for their heart rate-regulating capabilities and have proven to be a key ally in the management of symptoms such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) and palpitations - symptoms that often dominate the landscape of POTS and Long COVID.

  • Propranolol is not recommended for everyone. Let your physician know if you have any of the following conditions before taking propranolol:

    • Liver or kidney disease

    • Pregnant or breastfeeding

    • Diabetes

    • Circulation conditions

    • Thyroid disorders

    • Congestive heart failure

    • Severe allergies (that may require an epi-pen)

    • Muscular disorders like myasthenia gravis

    • Depression

    • Asthma

    • Angina (chest pain)

    • Severe bradycardia (very low heart rate)

    • Heart block

    • Psoriasis

    • Glaucoma

  • Doses of propranolol through RTHM Direct begin at the very low dose of 2.5mg. If well-tolerated, this amount will increase weekly until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved. You must maintain a detailed log of your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms to help your provider find the right dose for you.

  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If you are close to the time of your next dose, wait to take the next dose and then resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose.

  • While propranolol is safe and generally well-tolerated by patients experiencing a range of conditions, there can be side effects, such as:

    • Headaches

    • Dry mouth

    • Fatigue

    • Restlessness

    • Unusual dreams

    • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness

    • Cold fingers and toes

    • Nausea or vomiting

    • Diarrhea

    • Stomach pain

    More severe side effects requiring medical attention include:

    • Chest tightness

    • Cough producing mucus

    • Difficulty breathing

    • Worsening of chest pain

    • Very slow heartbeat or heart rate

    • Erectile dysfunction

    • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles

  • Keep this medication in the container provided by the pharmacy. Ensure it is properly closed and out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

  • Our selected medications are low-risk and research-backed to improve symptoms of chronic complex conditions.

    Each medication assessment is created by a team of expert clinicians and pharmacists, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety.