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Beta blockers used for anxiety


Benefits, Side Effects, and Risks

What are beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are a class of medication that helps control your body’s fight-or-flight response and reduce its effects on your heart. Many people take beta-blockers to treat heart-related conditions, such as:

  • high blood pressure
  • heart failure
  • an irregular heartbeat

Doctors can also prescribe beta-blockers for off-label use like for help managing anxiety symptoms. Read on to learn more about how beta-blockers impact anxiety, and whether they could work for you.

Beta-blockers are also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They prevent adrenaline — a stress-related hormone — from making contact with your heart’s beta receptors. This prevents adrenaline from making your heart pump harder or faster.

In addition to relaxing your heart, some beta-blockers also relax your blood vessels, which can help to reduce blood pressure.

There are many beta-blockers available, but some of the more common ones include:

  • acebutolol (Sectral)
  • bisoprolol (Zebeta)
  • carvedilol (Coreg)
  • propranolol (Inderal)
  • atenolol (Tenormin)
  • metoprolol (Lopressor)

All beta-blockers used to treat anxiety are prescribed off-label. Propranolol and atenolol are two beta-blockers that are often prescribed to help with anxiety.

Off-label drug use

Using a drug off-label means that a drug has been approved by the FDA for one purpose, and it’s being used for a different purpose that hasn’t been approved. A doctor can still prescribe it for this purpose because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, not how doctors use them to treat their patients. Your doctor can prescribe a drug off-label if they think it’s best for your care.

Beta-blockers won’t treat the underlying psychological causes of anxiety, but they can help you manage some of your body’s physical reactions to anxiety, such as:

  • a fast heart rate
  • shaky voice and hands
  • sweating
  • dizziness

By decreasing your body’s physical reactions to stress, you may feel less anxious during stressful times.

Beta-blockers work best for managing short-term anxiety about specific events, rather than long-term anxiety. For example, you can take a beta-blocker before giving a public speech if that’s something that makes you feel anxious.

A 2016 review of existing research about using short-term propranolol for treating different anxiety disorders found that its effects were similar to those of benzodiazepines. These are another class of medication that’s often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, benzodiazepines can cause a range of side effects, and some people have a higher risk of becoming dependent on them.

Still, the same review found that beta-blockers weren’t very effective for social phobias.

People respond differently to medications, especially when it comes to treating mental health issues like anxiety. What works for one person may not work at all for someone else. You may also need additional treatment options for your anxiety while taking beta-blockers, to get to the more psychological aspects.

Both atenolol and propranolol come in pill form. The amount you should take depends on both the type of beta-blocker and your medical history. Never take more than what your doctor prescribes.

You’ll likely notice results the first time you take beta-blockers for anxiety, but they can take an hour or two to reach their full effect. During this time, you’ll feel your heart rate decrease, which might make you feel more relaxed.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might suggest taking a beta-blocker regularly or just before stressful events. Usually, beta-blockers will be used in combination with other treatments such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and other medications.

Beta-blockers can cause some side effects, especially when you first start taking them.

Possible side effects include:

  • fatigue
  • cold hands and feet
  • headache
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • depression
  • shortness of breath
  • vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation

Call your doctor if you experience any more serious side effects, including:

  • very slow or irregular heartbeat
  • low blood sugar
  • an asthma attack
  • swelling and fluid retention, along with weight gain

If you notice mild side effects, don’t stop taking the beta-blocker without talking to your doctor first. If you take beta-blockers regularly, you may have serious withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop.

For some people, the side effects of beta-blockers may actually cause anxiety symptoms. You should follow up with your doctor as soon as possible if you feel like taking beta-blockers is increasing your anxiety.

While beta-blockers are generally safe, certain people shouldn’t take them.

Before taking beta-blockers, make sure to tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma
  • low blood sugar
  • final stage heart failure
  • very low blood pressure
  • very slow heart rate

If you have any of these conditions or symptoms, you may still be able to take beta-blockers, but you’ll need to work with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.

Beta-blockers can also interact with other medications used to treat many heart conditions and antidepressants, so make sure you keep your doctor up to date about any medications, supplements, or vitamins you take.

Beta-blockers can be helpful in managing symptoms for some people with anxiety. It’s been shown as a viable treatment option for short-term anxiety, especially before a stressful event. However, beta-blockers aren’t as useful for long-term treatment.

If you’re interested in trying beta-blockers for managing your anxiety, speak with your doctor. They can advise on the best treatment plan for you that will help manage your specific symptoms.

Benefits & Risks – Cleveland Clinic

It’s not uncommon for certain situations to make your heart pump a bit faster or make your hands start a-trembling. Maybe it’s getting on an airplane. Or public speaking. Or taking a big test.  

For people who experience situational or performance-related anxiety, beta-blockers (a medication commonly prescribed for heart conditions) can provide some relief. 

We talked with psychiatrist Jack Owens, MD, about how beta-blockers work for some people who experience short-lived anxiety in specific situations.   

“Beta-blockers work to dampen down the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response,” Dr. Owens explains. “Often, when people think of anxiety or a panic attack, it’s accompanied by a racing heart, sweating or shaking. Beta-blockers can work by lessening those symptoms.” 

What are beta-blockers, and are they the answer to your anxiety? Dr. Owens breaks it down. 

What are beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Approximately 30 million adults use a beta-blocker. For most people, these medications are prescribed for heart conditions like high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.  

Are beta-blockers good for anxiety?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves beta-blockers for treatment of heart-related conditions. Their use for anxiety is considered “off-label use.” That means beta-blockers aren’t specifically intended to be used for performance anxiety, but they can still be legally and safely prescribed for that use.   

“‘Off-label’ means that we are using an FDA-approved medication but not necessarily for the condition the FDA approved it for,” Dr. Owens says. “Often, we use off-label medications because a drug has an unintended benefit or because there is some evidence to suggest it is helpful in other circumstances.” 

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The FDA says that after it approves a medication, it’s able to be used in other situations when medically appropriate. 

Research has backed the use of beta-blockers to relieve the physical effects of anxiety, like sweating, shaking or a racing heart.  

“When your doctor prescribes you a medication to be used off-label, it’s important to have an open risk-benefit discussion with them,” Dr. Owens advises. “As with any medication, you’ll want to be upfront about any other conditions you have and any other medications you may be taking.” 

How do beta-blockers work? 

Beta-blockers slow down certain activities in your cells. Essentially, they work like this: 

  1. Your body produces adrenaline (the body’s “fight-or-flight” hormone). 
  2. Adrenaline goes around your body clinging to receptors — places on the surface of your cells that it can latch onto. 
  3. When enough adrenaline sets up shop, it gets your cells all amped up and ready to spring into action. That can cause your heart to speed up or make you sweat or tremble. 

Beta-blockers work by … well … blocking the receptors that adrenaline is looking for. It’s like a game of musical chairs, where the beta-blocker steals a seat and the adrenaline goes off and sits on the sidelines. If adrenaline can’t bind to your receptors, you don’t get those effects of adrenaline overload.  

Who’s a candidate for beta-blockers for anxiety? 

Dr. Owens says beta-blockers are best used for people who experience anxiety in specific situations, like stage fright for example, rather than for people who live with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.  

“Beta-blockers are usually reserved for people who experience anxiety around specific occasions but are otherwise able to function in their capacity,” Dr. Owens notes.    

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That’s because beta-blockers only deal with the physical effects of anxiety, not any underlying chemical imbalance or psychological reasons for anxiety. In this way, beta-blockers are like a bandage — they’ll stop the bleeding, but they won’t fix the uneven floorboard that you tripped over. 

Are there risks to taking beta-blockers? 

Beta-blockers have been used and studied extensively since the 1960s and are generally well-tolerated by most people. Some people, including those living with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes shouldn’t take beta-blockers.  

Side effects are usually mild and may include: 

  • Dizziness. 
  • Dry mouth or eyes. 
  • Fatigue. 
  • Insomnia, sleep changes and nightmares.  
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). 
  • Low blood pressure. 
  • Nausea. 
  • Slow heart rate. 

Importantly, Dr. Owens says beta-blockers shouldn’t be used without a prescription from your healthcare provider. Your provider will be able to make the best determination as to whether you’re a good candidate for beta-blockers or other medication. 

Other ways to manage anxiety    

There are other options to help manage your in-the-moment anxiety. Dr. Owens suggests deep breathing techniques as a way to calm your nervous system when you find yourself in an anxiety-provoking situation.  

“Controlling your breath is a good way to ‘trick’ your brain,” Dr. Owen explains. “Concentrating on breathing gives the subconscious part of your brain a specific task to do and distracts your mind from runaway thoughts.” 

If you experience more chronic anxiety and find that anxiety is keeping you from enjoying your life or going about your day-to-day activities, talk to a healthcare provider. They’ll be able to help you determine a treatment plan that’s right for you.  

Can beta blockers help with anxiety? – Drink-Drink

What are beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are a class of drugs that help control your body's fight-or-flight response and reduce its effect on the heart. Many people take beta-blockers to treat heart conditions such as:

  • high blood pressure
  • heart failure
  • irregular heartbeat

Doctors may also prescribe beta-blockers for off-label use, such as relief of anxiety symptoms. Read on to learn more about how beta blockers affect anxiety and whether they can help you.

How do beta blockers work?

Beta-blockers are also called beta-blockers. They prevent the contact of adrenaline - the stress hormone - with the beta receptors of the heart. This prevents the adrenaline from making your heart beat harder or faster.

In addition to relaxing the heart, some beta-blockers also relax the blood vessels, which can help lower blood pressure.

Many beta blockers are available, but some of the most common include:

  • Acetolol (sectral)
  • Bisoprolol (zebut)
  • Coremedilol (Coreg)
  • Propranolol (Indural)
  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Metoprolol
  • ,000

All Beta-blockers used for treatment of disturbing alarm, used for the treatment of disturbing alarms. not assigned for their intended purpose. Propranolol and atenolol are two beta-blockers often prescribed to relieve anxiety.

Off-label drug use

Off-label use of a drug means that a drug has been approved by the FDA for one purpose and is being used for another purpose that has not been approved. A doctor can still prescribe it for this purpose because the FDA regulates drug testing and approval, not how doctors use them to treat their patients. Your doctor may prescribe an off-label medication if he thinks it is best for your treatment.

How can beta-blockers help with anxiety?

Beta-blockers do not treat the underlying psychological causes of anxiety, but they can help you manage some of your body's physical reactions to anxiety, such as:

  • fast heart rate
  • trembling voice and hands
  • sweating
  • dizziness

    • By reducing your body's physical response to stress, you can be less anxious during times of stress.

    Beta-blockers are best for short-term anxiety about specific events, not long-term anxiety. For example, you can take a beta-blocker before public speaking if that makes you anxious.

    A 2016 review(s) of existing studies on the use of short-acting propranolol for the treatment of various anxiety disorders found that its effects were similar to those of benzodiazepines. This is another class of medications that are often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, benzodiazepines can cause a number of side effects, and some people are at higher risk of becoming addicted to them.

    However, the same review found that beta-blockers are not very effective for social phobias.

    People respond differently to medications, especially when it comes to treating mental health problems such as anxiety. What works for one person may not work at all for another. You may also need additional treatment options for your anxiety while on beta-blockers to get to the more psychological aspects.

    How to take beta-blockers for anxiety?

    Both atenolol and propranolol are available in tablet form. The amount you should take depends on both the type of beta blocker and your medical history. Never take more than what your doctor has prescribed.

    You'll likely see results when you first start taking beta-blockers for anxiety, but it may take an hour or two for the full effect to take place. At this time, you will feel your heart rate decrease and you will feel more relaxed.

    Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend taking beta-blockers regularly or just before stressful events. Typically, beta-blockers are used in combination with other treatments such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and other medications.

    What are the possible side effects?

    Beta-blockers may cause some side effects, especially when you first start taking them.

    Possible side effects include:

    • Fatigue
    • Cold hands and legs
    • Headache
    • Dizziness or frivolity
    • Depression
    • Sitting breathing
    • vomiting, diarrhea or constipation

    Call your doctor if you experience any more serious side effects including:

    • very slow or irregular heartbeat
    • low blood sugar
    • asthma attack
    • swelling and fluid retention, and weight gain

    If you notice mild side effects, do not stop taking your beta-blocker without first talking to your doctor. If you take beta-blockers regularly, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking them.

    Side effects of beta-blockers can cause anxiety symptoms in some people. You should contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel that taking beta-blockers is making your anxiety worse.

    Who should not take beta-blockers?

    Although beta-blockers are generally safe, some people should not take them.

    Before taking beta-blockers, be sure to tell your doctor if you have:

    • asthma
    • low blood sugar
    • end-stage heart failure
    • very low blood pressure
    • very slow pulse

      3 If you have any of these conditions or symptoms, you can still take beta blockers, but you will need to talk to your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.

      Beta-blockers can also interact with other medicines used to treat many heart conditions and antidepressants, so be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines, supplements or vitamins you are taking.

      The bottom line is

      Beta-blockers can help manage symptoms in some people with anxiety. It has been shown to be a viable treatment option for short-term anxiety, especially before a stressful event. However, beta-blockers are not as helpful for long-term treatment.

      If you are interested in trying beta-blockers for anxiety, talk to your doctor. They can advise on the best treatment plan for you to help manage your specific symptoms.

      Can beta-blockers help with anxiety? - Product Information

      Home >> Product Information >> Can beta-blockers help with anxiety?

      Product Information

      In March 2020, I was scheduled to see my primary care physician. I explained to her that even though I was taking Lexapro, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for anxiety and depression, I still sometimes felt depressed. By 17:00. Every day, when the children were at home, hungry and in need of attention, I felt a growing panic in my chest. I was sweating and sometimes felt dizzy. Sometimes I lashed out at my children or needed to rest in a quiet place, away from others. Last Thanksgiving, I cooked and cooked for two days just to spend most of the food in my bedroom. I told my doctor that I wanted to be able to deal with the inevitable stressors in my life without feeling like I was drowning.

      My doctor told me that I was having a reaction to the flight and my physical symptoms were indicative of panic attacks. She put me on propranolol, a beta blocker, for anxiety. This type of medication is commonly used to control blood pressure and heart disease. I didn't have high blood pressure or heart problems, but she told me that a small dose of this recipe is a good way to deal with anxiety sometimes. As someone who is usually very sensitive to medications, I didn't want to take anything stronger or possibly addictive. I decided to try.


      I'm so glad I did! The pandemic closed schools (and everything else) a week after my appointment. I found myself at home 24/7 with my children, and it seemed to me that the end of the world was just around the corner. I was very grateful to propranolol for the concern in those early months of the pandemic, and now, almost a year later, still safe at home.


      RELATED: Panic Attack vs. Panic Attack

      Are Beta Blockers Effective for Anxiety?

      Beta-blockers were not designed to reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers are often prescribed. off label for anxiety, explains Spencer Kroll, MD, PhD. in pharmacology, director of the Northeastern Lipid Association. [Off-label use] means they are not approved by the US FDA for the treatment of anxiety.


      Although not specifically designed to relieve anxiety, beta-blockers can help create a feeling of calm when you take them. Beta-blockers can lower heart rate, Houston psychiatrist Jared Hitman, MD, explains. When we are anxious, our pulse quickens. This rise gives the brain feedback that our body is panicking accordingly. This increases anxiety. If you suppress the ability to increase your heart rate so quickly, your heart may tell the brain that it is not panicking, especially not as much as you might expect. If our heart and body are calm, it provides calming feedback to the brain. This reduces anxiety.

      Sheldon Zablow, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist, calls this process a negative feedback loop. He prescribes beta-blockers for anxiety because they break this cycle by limiting the body's ability to express physical symptoms. Overcoming the body's physical response to stress helps an anxious person's brain feel more calm and in control.

      This can make a huge difference to your quality of life if your anxiety affects you on a daily basis. Some anxiety symptoms seem so severe and disturbing that people who experience them are referred to the nearest hospital. Dr. Kroll says there are many symptoms that bring patients to the doctor or the emergency room, but they are worrisome. These physical symptoms of anxiety include:



      • Charp heartbeat
      • Sweat
      • Itching
      • Rashes on the skin
      • High blood pressure
      • Dry Dry 9000
      • Difficulty swallowing
      • Problems with a gastrointestinal tract, such as gastric disorder or pain.

      As it turns out, the reduction in anxiety after taking a beta-blocker is actually a side effect of the drug. So while my blood pressure isn't in the range that requires medication when I'm not feeling anxious, my smart PCP did what Dr. Kroll says is often helpful to the clinician, which is to use these side effects as part of a personalized treatment. for each patient. I was worried that a benzodiazepine (like Xanax) for anxiety might make me feel too sedated to take care of my kids. So my PCP chose a beta blocker instead.

      How long do beta-blockers for anxiety last?

      The official half-life of propranolol is three to six hours, but in terms of how do you feel ahead and plan for a couple of hours of relief. Beta-blockers are usually prescribed in the form of tablets to be taken by mouth. The medicine acts relatively quickly, reaching a peak in just one hour. Once it enters your body, the calming effect of a low dose of a beta-blocker lasts for several hours.

      The standard dose of a beta-blocker depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, and other conditions. For anxiety, health care workers usually start propranolol at a low dose, gradually increasing it as needed. There is also an extended version of propranolol, but the non-extended version is usually used for anxiety.



      How do you feel beta-blockers?

      Beta-blockers can help people who experience anxiety feel calmer and better in control of their emotions without making them feel under the influence. The goal of anxiety treatment is to enable you to live without symptoms that will bother you. Beta blockers can reduce the body's adrenaline response to normal stressors so you can focus on other things.

      Unlike SSRIs, which help manage anxiety and depression for a long time and begin to work after a few weeks, beta-blockers are effective when first used and can be used intermittently without side effects. They relieve short-term symptoms of anxiety, but do not cure it. If you experience anxiety symptoms around the clock, you may need a different medication or use a beta blocker in addition to another prescription.


      Beta-blockers can be an effective treatment for stage fright before events or public speaking, and for sleep disturbance. Historically, they have often been given to people due to "performance anxiety" in front of public speaking and acting, says Dr. Kroll. Just be sure to try it at home first to see how the medicine will affect you before using it for severe stress. They can be effective for social anxiety when taken before parties or dates - a safe option whenever anxiety arises.

      Dr. Zablow says beta-blockers can be used in place of or with sleeping pills to reduce anxiety before bed. If worrying about the past day or worrying about the next day increases your heart rate, preventing a natural transition to sleep, this beta blocker prevents that interference.



      Side effects of beta-blockers

      According to Dr. Kroll, beta-blockers do not cause any problems or concerns in people susceptible to COVID-19. If you're worried that a beta blocker might affect your risk of coronavirus, ask your doctor before starting the medication. This type of medication may cause other side effects.

      General side effects

      Like all drugs, there are side effects:



      • Dizziness
      • Frightry
      • Lessiness of sex drive

        007 Donation

      • Card
      Serious side effects

      are less common, but sometimes serious side effects occur:

      • hallucinations
      • Cold hands or legs
      • Muscular
      • Fluid retention
      • Changes in blood sugar
      • Insomnia and nightmares
      • Allergic reaction
      • Vomiting
      • Unsteadiness
      • Weight gain
      • Skin rash
      • Mood changes

      Call your doctor right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, including: difficulty breathing, wheezing or face and/or swelling of the hands skin rash.

      Unlike traditional anxiety medications, beta-blockers are not addictive. Propranolol and the like do not cause drug dependence (or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them) and can be safely taken occasionally over a long period of time.

      According to Dr. Zablow, propranolol is ideal in many ways because, unlike benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety, it can be taken without worrying about driving, along with painkillers or drinking alcohol. I have successfully prescribed it to lower the doses of needed benzodiazepines, antidepressants and neuroleptics.

      I was drawn to this positive effect of the drug as a parent who often has to take it even in the middle of the night. I can take propranolol and have no problem being sober enough to drive or interact with my kids, which I can't say about other medications like benzodiazepines like Xanax.

      Because a beta-blocker works fairly quickly, but also doesn't cause significant harm to users, Dr. Zablow says it's good for someone with an anxiety disorder to just carry it in their pocket in case of an unexpected anxiety attack - just knowing it. may reduce the occurrence of anxiety symptoms.

      I keep the medicine in my bedroom at night when I can't calm my busy mind. I also keep a bottle in the kitchen when the day's work keeps me from being my best self. I don't need them every day, but I'm glad they're available when I need them.

      What is the best beta-blocker for anxiety?

      Health care providers usually prescribe propranolol or atenolol for off-label anxiety. Ask your healthcare provider which medication might be right for you and make sure you provide a complete medical history. Here are the main differences between them:

      Beta-blockers may not be the right choice for you if you have any of the following:

      • Asthma: Beta-blockers can affect asthma, says Dr. Hitman. They can also cause problems if you have an overactive airway because beta receptors can make breathing problems worse.
      • Major medical conditions requiring medication: Beta-blockers can interact with a lot of commonly prescribed medications, says Dr. Kroll. These include certain antihypertensive and antianginal drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, psychotropic drugs, antiulcer drugs, anesthetics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, warfarin, diabetes drugs, and some tuberculosis drugs. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take so he or she can make sure they don't interact with each other.
      • Male age and older: Beta-blockers may be more effective in younger patients with hypertension than in older patients and may be used to treat hypertension in women of reproductive age, explains Dr. Kroll. Here he calls it a cure for hypertension with the added benefit of relieving anxiety. Beta-blockers should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk.

      Propranolol vs atenolol for anxiety

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