The medication, also known as propranolol, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1967 for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and is commonly used to treat high blood pressure.<\/a><\/p>\n Prescriptions for propranolol have risen 28% from 2020, according to global IQVIA data cited by The Wall Street Journal.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019M A PSYCHIATRIST \u2013 HERE\u2019S HOW TO REDUCE ANXIETY IN JUST 15 SECONDS’<\/a><\/p>\n Celebrities have recently touted beta blockers’ anti-anxiety capabilities.<\/p>\n At this year\u2019s Academy Awards, actress Rachel Sennott shared this advice on the red carpet: “Take that beta blocker, girl. Swallow it down and lock in \u2026 Numb is in.”<\/p>\n Prescriptions for propranolol have risen 28% from 2020, according to global IQVIA data. (iStock)<\/p>\n TV personality and “Giggly Squad” podcast co-host Paige DeSorbo has also been upfront about her experience with the drug, speaking openly about using beta blockers to cope with panic attacks<\/a> on tour.<\/p>\n “I had my first real, legit panic attack,” DeSorbo said in a September 2024 episode. “When I took a beta blocker and went out and did the show, I was completely fine.”<\/p>\n What are beta blockers?<\/p>\n Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist and founder of Amen Clinics in California, said in an interview with Fox News Digital that beta blockers are medications that “calm the body\u2019s stress response.”<\/p>\n In his own practice, Amen said he always starts with “natural techniques” to relieve stress and anxiety. This can include diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, hypnosis and mindfulness<\/a>.<\/p>\n (L-R) Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner are pictured at a Giggly Squad show on Sept. 22, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. DeSorbo has been upfront about her use of the drug to cope with panic attacks on tour. (Jon Kopaloff\/Getty Images for Uber)<\/p>\n “But sometimes, your nervous system still overrides your best coping strategies,” he noted. “That\u2019s where beta blockers can be incredibly helpful.”<\/p>\n The pill works by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which then lowers heart rate<\/a>, steadies breathing and reduces physical anxiety symptoms, including racing thoughts, shaky hands and a pounding heart.<\/p>\n “Used responsibly, beta blockers are an effective, low-risk tool that helps many people live calmer, more confident lives.”<\/p>\n “When your body thinks you\u2019re under attack, beta blockers help quiet the \u2018false alarms\u2019 going off in your nervous system<\/a>,” Amen said.<\/p>\n “They don\u2019t sedate you or cloud your thinking,” he said. “Instead, they give you back control over your body, so your mind can catch up.”<\/p>\n Beta blockers are most commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. (iStock)<\/p>\n “For many people, they\u2019re like hitting the \u2018pause\u2019 button on the fight-or-flight response, so you can think more clearly and perform at your best.”<\/p>\n The psychiatrist added that beta blockers are also commonly used for migraines<\/a>, tremors, heart rhythm issues and to protect the heart after a cardiovascular event.<\/p>\n PSYCHEDELIC DRUG POPULAR IN 1960S COULD EASE ANXIETY AS DOCTORS SHARE WARNINGS<\/a><\/p>\n Potential side effects<\/p>\n Amen pointed out that beta blockers do not cause cravings or withdrawals like other anti-anxiety medications.<\/p>\n Amen emphasized that some people may feel more tired at first, but this side effect usually abates.<\/p>\n When treating anxiety, Amen said he first practices “natural techniques,” such as breathing and meditation. (iStock)<\/p>\n People with asthma<\/a>, diabetes or certain heart conditions should consult their doctor before trying this medication, as different types of beta blockers may be better suited for certain individuals.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n “You shouldn\u2019t stop them suddenly if you\u2019ve been taking them daily,” Amen cautioned. “Tapering is safest.”<\/p>\n Beta blockers are considered “very safe, well-tolerated and non-addictive<\/a>” for most people when prescribed “thoughtfully,” according to the doctor.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n “Used responsibly, beta blockers are an effective, low-risk tool that helps many people live calmer, more confident lives.”<\/p>\n Amen often prescribes beta blockers as a “first-line medication” for those with performance anxiety, public speaking fears or other circumstances that involve physical anxiety.<\/p>\n “Beta blockers are finally getting credit as a simple, safe option that can make a big difference,” the doctor said. (iStock)<\/p>\n “For the right person, beta blockers can be life-changing<\/a>,” he noted. “I\u2019ve seen them help people give TED talks, pass board exams, sing on stage and walk into big life moments with confidence \u2026 When you quiet the body, you free the brain to work at its best.”<\/p>\n The doctor said he welcomes the recent celebrity endorsements for beta blockers, as anxiety is “one of the most common mental health challenges today.”<\/p>\n![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/woman-beta-blocker-anxiety.jpg\")
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