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Buy Propranolol Online? Here's What You Need to Know

Emerging Writers' Festival  
26/05/2020

Millie Baylis is a writer and arts worker, living on Wurundjeri land. She writes essays, memoir and commentary, with recent work in Kill Your Darlings, Overland and The Victorian Writer. In 2019 she was a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk fellow and the managing editor of Visible Ink, and in 2020 she is a Moreland Writer in Residence and the Program Coordinator for the Emerging Writers’ Festival.

What drew you to working at EWF?

As an emerging writer myself, I’ve loved attending EWF for years. I think Amazing Babes was the first festival event I ever went to, and I remember being so moved by the incredible work shared by so many amazing women that night. I’ve always loved the welcoming, enthusiastic culture of the festival, as well as the stimulating discussions on the craft of writing and its place in this world.

I’ve worked various jobs in the arts (including at the Wheeler Centre), ushering and getting to listen in on heaps of amazing literary events. Last year, I had a ball working front-of-house for EWF – except for when, while on stage at the National Writers’ Conference trying to get Maria Tumarkin’s mic working, the fly on my pants broke open in front of everyone… but that’s what emerging is all about, right?

It’s extremely exciting to have the chance to contribute to a festival I care about so much now as the Program Coordinator.

Why is celebrating emerging voices in writing important to you?

 There are so many answers to this question! For emerging writers, I think it can be really validating to be invited to share your work and/or ideas in public. That recognition and legitimation can give one the confidence to carry on – something that can be really hard when you’re just starting out. I also believe that writing is a craft that needs practice, and EWF offers a very tangible place for writers to do that – often in front of their first audience too.

There’s so much incredible work being made beyond the more established literary outlets that deserve to be seen and read and listened to. I think it’s so important to help platform this broad range of work, as well as helping writers form connections with each other, from across the continent (and from Aotearoa too.) There’s a shitload of talent to celebrate!

What are you working on outside of EWF?

 I’m working on my own essays – largely to do with mental and physical chronic illness, drawing on memory as well as literature and research to consider the body, trauma, violence, small joys and ideas of ‘healing’.

And I’ve recently joined the team that makes Chronically Chilled, a podcast/radio show about chronic illness and disability, on 3CR.

Is there a book that you feel is the equivalent of a warm hug to you?

To be honest, I’m not often drawn to books of a feelgood nature – but perhaps I should be!

Shadowboxing, the collection of semi-autobiographical linked short stories by Tony Birch, is maybe my favourite book. Birch is so generous and skilled at portraying small, specific moments of his characters’ humanity with such tenderness – I find something profoundly reassuring and hopeful in them.

More recently, Laura McPhee-Browne’s debut novel Cherry Beach made me sob, but it also definitely held me and stroked my hair sweetly after.

If you were an under the sea creature, which would you be?

I want to say a dolphin (from a position of aspiration, rather than recognition). Unlike humans, dolphins have to breathe consciously – it’s not a reflex. There is something staggeringly beautiful about this small but essential detail; that with each breath, they choose to live.

They’re also one of the few animals that are known to have sex for pleasure (and maybe, really, that must influence the breathing thing.) 

Our program launch is all about digital nostalgia – have you got a favourite nostalgic technology throwback?

 Like so many millennials, I spent my pre-teen years – every day at the school library, and every night at home on the family computer via the dial-up modem – talking to other young emos on MSN, and then MySpace. On weekends, I’d take a bus and then a long train to the city to meet internet emos IRL on the Flinders Street Station steps. We’d share headphones to listen to songs on our mp3 players, then return home to change our MSN names to whatever lyrics most matched our mood. (*~* </3 And I’m nothing more than a line in your book </3 *~* – Appears Offline.) I miss the tackiness and earnestness of our curated Myspace profiles back then – one’s choice of Myspace layout and graphics and profile song and ‘who I’d like to meet’ section was an expressive art form! – compared to the sameness of profiles online these days. (Cher Tan, genius emerging writer, wrote a brilliant piece about this btw.)

What are you most excited about for EWF20?

I’m thrilled by how accessible the festival will be online – and how that will mean more people can take part in our huge program of performances, panels, workshops and projects. I’m looking forward to hearing the hard conversations people will have about writing during this intensely unsettling time, to have my thinking challenged, and to experience all kinds of storytelling.

Our program’s out in just a week, and I’m busting to spill its secrets but I won’t, lol. Be sure to check it out when it goes live on June 2 – and I hope to see you during the festival online!

Emerging Writers’ Festival 2020 runs from 16-23 June online.

Thinking Of Buying Propranolol Online? Let’s Look At The Big Picture First. Visit Our Pharmacy ↓


Propranolol in Australia: A Doctor’s Guide to a Proven Beta-Blocker for Anxiety, Migraine, Tremor and More

Written from a doctor’s perspective for Australians over 30 who want practical, evidence-based options.

Attention: The Hidden Burden of a Racing Heart, Shaking Hands and Recurring Dizziness

If you are over 30, you may have experienced any of these situations:

Many Australians dismiss these symptoms as “just stress” or “getting older.” But as a doctor, I see these problems regularly, and I also see how much they can be improved with the right treatment. One of the most versatile, well-studied and affordable medicines available on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is propranolol. It is not a new drug — it has been used since the 1960s — but it remains one of the most useful tools in modern medicine. This article explains why propranolol may be worth discussing with your GP.

Interest: What Is Propranolol and How Does It Work?

Propranolol belongs to a class of medicines called beta-blockers. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on beta receptors in the heart, blood vessels and other tissues. In simple terms, it reduces the body’s “fight or flight” response. This leads to:

Unlike some newer beta-blockers, propranolol is non-selective, meaning it affects beta receptors in multiple parts of the body. It is also lipophilic, so it crosses the blood-brain barrier. This central action is one reason propranolol is particularly helpful for physical symptoms of anxiety and for certain neurological conditions.

Table 1: Common uses of propranolol in Australian practice
Condition How propranolol helps Typical use in adults over 30
Performance anxiety / situational anxiety Reduces tremor, palpitations, sweating and voice shakiness 10–40 mg taken 30–60 minutes before a stressful event
Migraine prevention Reduces frequency and severity of migraine attacks 40–240 mg per day, usually in divided doses
Vestibular migraine May reduce attacks of dizziness, unsteadiness and vertigo Often 40–160 mg per day, started low and increased slowly
Essential tremor Reduces visible hand, voice or head tremor 10–40 mg as needed, or higher daily doses under supervision
Orthostatic tremor May reduce leg tremor and unsteadiness when standing Off-label use; dose individualised by a specialist or GP
Overactive thyroid / radioiodine pretreatment Controls palpitations, tremor, sweating and anxiety before definitive treatment 10–40 mg three to four times daily, adjusted to heart rate
High blood pressure and certain arrhythmias Lowers blood pressure and slows abnormally fast heart rhythms 80–320 mg per day in divided doses

Desire: Real-World Scenarios for Australians Over 30

1. Propranolol vs Atenolol: Which Is Better for Anxiety?

One of the most common questions I hear is: “Should I use propranolol or atenolol for anxiety?” Both are beta-blockers, but they are not the same.

Table 2: Propranolol vs atenolol for anxiety
Feature Propranolol Atenolol
Beta receptor selectivity Non-selective (blocks beta-1 and beta-2) Cardioselective (mainly beta-1)
Crosses blood-brain barrier Yes, strongly Minimally
Effect on physical anxiety symptoms Excellent — reduces tremor, palpitations, sweating, shaking voice Modest — mainly reduces heart rate, less effect on tremor and sweating
Onset after oral dose Around 30–60 minutes Around 1–2 hours
Duration of action 3–6 hours — good for situational use 6–9 hours — longer, but less targeted for anxiety
Best suited for Performance anxiety, public speaking, essential tremor, migraine Blood pressure, angina, certain heart conditions

Bottom line: For situational anxiety — the racing heart, sweating and tremor before a presentation or performance — propranolol is generally the better choice. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and block peripheral beta receptors makes it more effective for the physical symptoms that people over 30 often find embarrassing or disabling. Atenolol is a fine drug for blood pressure, but it is not the first beta-blocker most doctors choose for anxiety.

2. Vestibular Migraine and Orthostatic Tremor: Two Under-Recognised Problems

Many Australians over 30 suffer from vestibular migraine, a condition that causes dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness and sensitivity to motion, sometimes without a typical headache. Propranolol is one of the most commonly used preventive medicines for vestibular migraine. It can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, helping people return to work, driving and normal social life. It is usually started at a low dose and increased gradually, under GP or neurologist supervision.

Another less common but very distressing condition is orthostatic tremor. People with this condition feel unsteady and tremulous in their legs when standing still, but the feeling improves when walking or leaning on a chair. Propranolol is used off-label for orthostatic tremor and can provide meaningful relief for some patients. The dose must be carefully individualised, and specialists are often involved.

3. Radioiodine Therapy: Propranolol as a Pretreatment

If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease), your endocrinologist may recommend radioiodine therapy to destroy the overactive thyroid tissue. Before the procedure, your doctor may prescribe propranolol to control symptoms such as:

Propranolol is particularly useful here because it works quickly and does not contain iodine, so it does not interfere with the uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid gland. It also reduces the conversion of T4 to the more active T3 hormone, helping patients feel calmer and more stable before definitive treatment.

4. Swimming Safety and Competitive Sport: What You Need to Know

Many Australians swim for fitness, join ocean swims or compete in club events. If you take propranolol, there are some safety points to understand:

For competitive athletes, propranolol is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List in certain sports where beta-blockers could reduce tremor and improve precision.

Table 3: Propranolol and WADA status — key points
Aspect Status
Prohibited in-competition? Yes, but only in specific sports such as archery, shooting, golf, billiards, darts, and some skiing/snowboarding disciplines
Prohibited out-of-competition? Generally no, except in certain sports — always check the current WADA list
What if you medically need propranolol? You may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) through Sport Integrity Australia
For recreational swimmers and gym users No WADA restrictions, but follow medical advice on exercise intensity

Practical advice: If you compete in a precision sport, check the current WADA Prohibited List before using propranolol. Your GP or sports physician can help with a TUE if the medicine is medically necessary.

5. Switching from Other Beta-Blockers to Propranolol

Some patients are already taking another beta-blocker such as atenolol, metoprolol or bisoprolol for blood pressure or a heart condition. If you and your doctor decide that propranolol would be more suitable — for example, because you also need help with anxiety or migraine — the switch should be done carefully. Never stop a beta-blocker suddenly, as this can cause rebound high blood pressure, rapid heart rate or chest pain.

Table 4: Approximate beta-blocker switching guide — for discussion with your doctor
Current beta-blocker Common daily dose Approximate propranolol equivalent
Atenolol 25–50 mg once daily Propranolol 40–80 mg twice daily
Metoprolol 50–100 mg twice daily Propranolol 40–80 mg three times daily
Bisoprolol 2.5–5 mg once daily Propranolol 40–80 mg twice daily
Carvedilol 6.25–25 mg twice daily Propranolol 40–80 mg three times daily

These are approximate equivalents only. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on your heart rate, blood pressure, kidney function and the reason you are taking the medicine. Because propranolol is shorter-acting and non-selective, it is usually given more than once daily.

Action: How to Access Propranolol 80 mg Tablets in Australia

Propranolol is available in Australia as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine. It comes in several strengths, including 10 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg and 160 mg tablets. The 80 mg tablet is commonly used for maintenance treatment once a stable dose has been established — for example, in migraine prevention, essential tremor or blood pressure control. It is available as a generic medicine and is subsidised on the PBS for approved indications, making it very affordable.

Table 5: Propranolol 80 mg in Australia — practical facts
Item Details
Prescription status Schedule 4 — requires a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner
PBS listing Yes, for approved indications such as hypertension, migraine prophylaxis, angina and arrhythmias
Common strengths 10 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg
Typical 80 mg dosing Usually one 80 mg tablet twice daily, or as directed by your doctor
Cost Low with PBS subsidy; generic brands keep out-of-pocket costs minimal

What to Discuss with Your GP

Before prescribing propranolol, your doctor will review your medical history and check for conditions that may make propranolol unsuitable, such as:

If you are over 30 and tired of living with unpredictable palpitations, tremor, migraines or dizziness, propranolol may be the right option. It is not addictive, it does not cause sedation in the way benzodiazepines do, and it has decades of safety data behind it.

Your next step: Book a standard consultation with your GP — either in person or via telehealth. Say you would like to discuss whether propranolol is suitable for your symptoms. If it is appropriate, you can leave with a prescription and fill it at any Australian pharmacy. For many patients, the change is noticeable from the very first dose.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. Always consult a qualified Australian healthcare professional before starting, changing or stopping any medicine.



2020.emergingwritersfestival.org.au
2020.emergingwritersfestival.org.au
2020.emergingwritersfestival.org.au