Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Propranolol

Whether you're dealing with high blood pressure, migraines, essential tremor, or performance anxiety, Propranolol is one of the most widely prescribed beta-blockers in the United States. The good news? Unlike some medications that require a specialist, Propranolol can be prescribed by many different types of doctors — and finding one near you is easier than you might think.

This guide walks you through exactly which providers can prescribe Propranolol, how to find one, and what to expect at your first appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Propranolol?

Propranolol is not a controlled substance, which means a wide range of healthcare providers can prescribe it. The type of doctor you see usually depends on why you need it:

• Primary care doctors and family medicine physicians — The most common prescribers for hypertension, anxiety symptoms, migraine prevention, and essential tremor. This is often the easiest place to start.
• Cardiologists — If you have atrial fibrillation, a history of heart attack, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a cardiologist may manage your Propranolol prescription.
• Neurologists — Frequently prescribe Propranolol for migraine prophylaxis and essential tremor.
• Psychiatrists — Sometimes prescribe Propranolol for performance anxiety, PTSD-related symptoms, or akathisia (a side effect of other psychiatric medications).
• Endocrinologists — May prescribe it to manage symptoms of thyrotoxicosis or thyroid storm.
• Pediatricians — Can prescribe Hemangeol (the liquid form of Propranolol) for infantile hemangioma in babies.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants — In most states, NPs and PAs can prescribe Propranolol independently or under physician supervision.

For most people, a primary care doctor is the best starting point. They can evaluate whether Propranolol is right for you and refer you to a specialist if needed.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are the most effective ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Propranolol in your area:

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's provider directory. Most insurers let you search by specialty and location on their website or app. This ensures you find an in-network doctor, keeping your out-of-pocket costs low. Generic Propranolol is usually a Tier 1 medication with copays of $0 to $15.

2. Search on Zocdoc

Zocdoc lets you search for doctors by specialty, insurance plan, and availability. You can often book same-day or next-day appointments. Search for "primary care," "internal medicine," or the relevant specialty for your condition.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already have a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to a specialist if your condition requires one. For example, if you have complex migraines, your PCP may refer you to a neurologist who has more experience fine-tuning Propranolol dosing.

4. Try Telehealth

Propranolol is widely available through telehealth platforms. Since it's not a controlled substance, many online providers can prescribe it after a virtual consultation. Popular telehealth options include:

• Your insurance plan's telehealth service (often $0-$25 copay)
• Teladoc, MDLive, or Amwell
• Direct-to-consumer platforms like Done or Cerebral (for anxiety-related prescribing)

Telehealth is especially convenient for performance anxiety prescriptions, where the evaluation is usually straightforward.

5. Community Health Centers

If you're uninsured or underinsured, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer care on a sliding-fee scale based on your income. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. These clinics regularly prescribe medications like Propranolol and can also help you access discount programs and patient assistance.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you see a doctor about Propranolol, here's what typically happens:

Before the Visit

• Make a list of your symptoms and how long you've had them
• Write down all medications, supplements, and OTC drugs you take (Propranolol has important drug interactions)
• Note any history of asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart conditions
• Know your family's medical history, especially heart disease

During the Visit

Your doctor will likely:

• Check your blood pressure and heart rate
• Review your medical history and current medications
• Ask about your symptoms and what you've tried before
• Discuss whether Propranolol is appropriate for your condition
• Explain the starting dose (often 20-40 mg for most conditions)
• Order baseline bloodwork if needed (liver function, thyroid labs)

The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If your doctor prescribes Propranolol, they'll likely start with a low dose and increase gradually.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• What dose should I start with, and how often should I take it?
• Should I take the immediate-release or extended-release version?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• How will we know if it's working?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking Propranolol?
• What happens if I miss a dose?

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes the prescription, here's what to know:

Filling it should be easy. Generic Propranolol tablets and capsules are widely available at virtually every pharmacy. There is no shortage of tablets or capsules in 2026 — the current shortage affects only the oral solution and injectable forms.

The cost is low. With insurance, expect to pay $0 to $15. Without insurance, generic Propranolol can cost as little as $4 to $10 with a discount coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare. Many pharmacies like Walmart and Kroger include Propranolol on their $4 generic lists.

Follow-up matters. Your doctor will usually want to see you 2 to 4 weeks after starting Propranolol to check your blood pressure, heart rate, and how you're tolerating the medication. Don't skip this appointment.

If you need help locating a pharmacy that has your specific formulation in stock, Medfinder can help you search pharmacies near you in real time.

Final Thoughts

Propranolol is one of the most accessible prescription medications available. It's been around for decades, it's affordable, and it can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers. Whether you visit your primary care doctor, use telehealth, or go to a community health center, getting a Propranolol prescription is usually a straightforward process.

The most important step is simply making that first appointment. If you're not sure where to start, your primary care doctor is almost always the right call.