Inderal LA (Propranolol Hydrochloride) for Migraine

Inderal LA (propranolol hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent common migraine headaches in adults.

How Inderal LA Works and How It’s Taken

Inderal LA is a type of beta-blocker that works by blocking beta receptors, which are places in the body that respond to stress signals. These receptors have been found in blood vessels on the surface of the brain. The exact way Inderal LA helps prevent migraine is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Inderal LA when adults need help preventing common migraine headaches.

Inderal LA is given as a long-acting capsule by mouth, typically once daily.

Typical Dosing for Migraine

The recommended starting dose of Inderal LA for migraine is 80 milligrams once daily.

For people who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is 160 to 240 milligrams once daily.

A doctor may increase the dose gradually to help reach the best migraine prevention. If there is not a satisfactory response within four to six weeks after reaching the maximum dose, a doctor may advise stopping treatment gradually over several weeks.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

These include:

Heart failure — The heart cannot pump well enough, which can cause shortness of breath, swelling, or sudden weight gain.
Very slow heart rate or heart block — A dangerously slow heartbeat or problems with the heart’s electrical signals can occur.
Low blood pressure — This can cause dizziness, syncope (fainting), or weakness.
Bronchospasm — Tightening of the airways can cause wheezing or trouble breathing.
Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis — These can cause hives, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Severe low blood sugar, including masked warning signs — Blood sugar can drop, and early signs such as a fast heartbeat may be harder to notice.
Severe skin reactions — Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis can cause painful rash, blistering, or skin peeling.
Thyroid storm after stopping suddenly in people with hyperthyroidism — A dangerous worsening of overactive thyroid symptoms can occur.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

What To Know Before Taking Inderal LA

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to propranolol hydrochloride or any ingredients in Inderal LA. Do not take Inderal LA if you have a known hypersensitivity to propranolol hydrochloride.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Some medicines can interact with Inderal LA and may increase side effects or change how the medicine works.

Do not take Inderal LA if you have cardiogenic shock, sinus bradycardia, greater than first-degree heart block, or bronchial asthma.

Inderal LA is also FDA-approved to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), chest pain (angina pectoris) caused by coronary artery disease, and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, a condition that affects blood flow from the heart.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Inderal LA, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Inderal LA can pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking Inderal LA.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Inderal LA?

In a 34-week study of 62 people with migraine, propranolol 20 to 80 milligrams taken three or four times daily significantly reduced the number of days with headache and the associated severity of the headache compared with placebo (an inactive treatment). Inderal LA is used to help prevent common migraine headaches, not to treat a migraine attack once it has started.

How long does Inderal LA take to work for migraine?

The starting dose for migraine prevention is 80 milligrams once daily, and the dose may be increased gradually to reach the best response. If there is no satisfactory response within four to six weeks after reaching the maximum dose, treatment should be discontinued. This means it may take several weeks to know how well it is working.

Can Inderal LA cause fatigue or sleep-related side effects when used for migraine?

Yes. Reported nervous system side effects of Inderal LA include insomnia, weakness, fatigue, low energy, and vivid dreams.