Beta blockers, including the widely used propranolol, are gaining significant traction as an off-label treatment for anxiety, according to recent developments and growing public interest. Originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1967 for cardiovascular disease, these medications are now being prescribed more frequently due to their ability to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety by blocking the effects of adrenaline. The rise in prescriptions—up 28% since 2020—has sparked discussions about their potential role in mental health care.
Dr. Daniel Amen, a prominent psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist, and founder of Amen Clinics in California, has been a vocal advocate for the use of beta blockers to manage anxiety. In interviews with Fox News Digital, he explained that these medications work by calming the body’s stress response, helping individuals who experience overwhelming physical reactions to anxiety. He emphasized that while beta blockers are not a substitute for natural coping strategies such as meditation, hypnosis, or mindfulness, they can be incredibly helpful for people whose nervous systems continue to override these techniques, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The growing popularity of beta blockers has also been fueled by celebrity endorsements. At this year’s Academy Awards, actress Rachel Sennott openly endorsed the medication, stating that it helped her ‘lock in … Numb’ during a high-stress moment. TV personality and ‘Giggly Squad’ podcast co-host Paige DeSorbo has also spoken about using beta blockers to manage panic attacks during her live performances. Her experience highlights the potential of these drugs to provide immediate relief for individuals experiencing acute anxiety episodes, particularly in performance-related settings.
Despite their increasing use, beta blockers are not without considerations. Dr. Amen noted that while they are generally considered very safe and non-addictive when prescribed thoughtfully, they may cause temporary side effects such as fatigue, which usually subside over time. He also stressed the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before starting the medication, particularly for individuals with asthma, diabetes, or certain heart conditions, as different types of beta blockers may be more suitable for specific patients. Additionally, he warned against abruptly stopping the medication, recommending a gradual taper to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
The shift in medical and public perception toward beta blockers reflects a broader trend in the treatment of anxiety disorders, where off-label medications are being explored for their potential to provide quick, effective relief. While they are not a magic solution, Dr. Amen and other experts view beta blockers as a valuable tool in the psychological toolkit, particularly for individuals struggling with performance anxiety or other circumstances that involve acute physical stress responses.
As the use of beta blockers continues to rise, their role in mental health treatment remains a topic of ongoing discussion. Physicians and researchers are increasingly recognizing their potential to complement traditional therapies while offering patients a reliable and low-risk option for managing anxiety. The growing interest in these medications underscores a broader shift in how society approaches anxiety and its treatment, with a focus on practical, medication-based solutions for individuals experiencing overwhelming stress.