Beta-Blocker Withdrawal (Propranolol, Metoprolol)

Published by Joseph, EditorCompiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated Oct 26, 20263 sources

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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer

⚠ Medical warning

Stopping this medicine suddenly can be dangerous for your heart and blood pressure. Don’t stop without talking to your prescriber. Call 911 for chest pain, a racing heart, or a sudden severe headache.

Quick answer

Beta-blocker labels warn that after abrupt stopping, people have had worsening angina and, in some cases, heart attacks. The propranolol label says to reduce gradually over at least a few weeks; the metoprolol succinate label says over 1 to 2 weeks. The NHS says that after stopping propranolol, side effects can last up to 1 week. Because heart disease may be undiagnosed, this applies even if you take it for blood pressure, anxiety or migraine.

Beta-blockers withdrawal timeline at a glance

When did you last use or take it?

⚠ Medical warning (read before using this)

This places the typical ranges from this article's sources on your date. It is not a prediction or a diagnosis, and being past a phase does not mean symptoms or risks are over.

A rough guide from published sources, not medical advice. Everyone is different.

Phase	When	What you may feel	Severity	Red flags
Early rebound	The first days after a sudden stop	Fast or pounding heartbeat; Anxiety, tremor; Return of the symptoms it treated (such as blood pressure or migraine)	Moderate	Chest pain, a racing or pounding heart, or a severe headache with very high blood pressure (call 911)
Heart risk window	Days to about a week after stopping (NHS: side effects up to 1 week)	Chest pain (angina); Higher blood pressure	Can be life-threatening	Chest pain or pressure (call 911); Signs of a heart attack or stroke

Print a daily symptom log for this timeline · My quit tracker

Symptoms, phase by phase

The propranolol label says there have been reports of worsening angina and, in some cases, heart attack after abrupt discontinuation, and that abrupt withdrawal may worsen symptoms of an overactive thyroid, including thyroid storm. The metoprolol label adds that because coronary artery disease is common and may be unrecognized, it shouldn’t be stopped abruptly even in people treated only for high blood pressure. The NHS says stopping propranolol suddenly may make your health problem worse, and side effects of stopping can last up to a week.

Early rebound: The first days after a sudden stop

Fast or pounding heartbeat
Anxiety, tremor
Return of the symptoms it treated (such as blood pressure or migraine)

Heart risk window: Days to about a week after stopping (NHS: side effects up to 1 week)

Chest pain (angina)
Higher blood pressure

What makes withdrawal longer or shorter

Heart disease. The risk is greatest if you have angina or coronary disease, even if undiagnosed.
How long you’ve taken it. The NHS says extra symptoms are more likely after long-term use.
Thyroid problems. Abrupt stops can trigger thyroid storm in people with an overactive thyroid.
Clonidine. If you take both, your doctor needs to plan the order of stopping.

When to see a doctor or get help now

Before stopping, even if you take it for anxiety or migraine.
Call 911 for chest pain, shortness of breath or a pounding heart that won’t settle.
Before surgery; labels say beta-blockers usually shouldn’t be routinely stopped beforehand.

Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.

Tapering

The propranolol label says to reduce over at least a few weeks; the NHS says your doctor will usually reduce it over 1 to 2 weeks; the metoprolol succinate label says 1 to 2 weeks. We don’t publish dose-by-dose schedules. Your prescriber should set your plan, and adjust it if symptoms appear.

Tips for getting through it

Keep taking it until your doctor’s plan says otherwise
Check pulse or blood pressure at home if advised

Frequently asked questions

Can I stop propranolol if I only take it for anxiety?

Talk to your doctor first. The NHS says stopping suddenly can cause extra side effects, and labels warn of heart risks.

How long does propranolol withdrawal last?

The NHS says side effects can last up to a week after stopping.

Is metoprolol withdrawal dangerous?

It can be for people with heart disease. The label says to reduce over 1 to 2 weeks.

Next steps

Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Antidepressants & Other Prescriptions board in our community forum. Planning to stop? See the Tapering & Talking to Your Doctor board, and talk to a doctor before you stop. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.

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