If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably heard someone mention taking a beta blocker before a presentation, audition, first date or big exam to combat performance anxiety. People in the public eye have been doing this for years to help with the physical signs of high-stress moments, but it’s being talked about much more openly these days. So it’s no surprise that prescriptions are on the rise -- up 28% from 2020 -- and are becoming more popular among teen girls and young women.
Beta blockers like propranolol work by blocking adrenaline, which helps calm symptoms like a racing heart, shaky hands, sweating or shaky voice. Performance anxiety is often very situational. Even highly confident, successful people can experience intense physical symptoms before speaking or performing.
For some people, beta blockers can feel like a “secret weapon,” helping the body stay calm enough for skills and preparation to take over in occasional, stressful events, not on an everyday basis.
It’s important to note that experiencing performance anxiety doesn’t necessarily mean someone has an anxiety disorder or is generally anxious. And beta blockers don’t treat general anxiety, including frequent anxious thoughts, chronic worry or panic attacks. For ongoing anxiety that affects daily life, talk with a healthcare provider about the best treatment plan, like therapy, stress management, lifestyle changes, or medications specifically approved for anxiety disorders.
Even though beta blockers are generally considered safe and non-addictive when prescribed appropriately, they are still real medications and aren’t right for everyone. People with low blood pressure, asthma, certain heart conditions or some other medical concerns may not be good candidates. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue or lightheadedness.
Beta blockers should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider -- that means no borrowing from a friend or ordering casually online!
Bottom line: for situational performance anxiety, beta blockers can be a very effective tool for some people, but they’re not meant to treat generalized anxiety and should be used with medical guidance.