They target what's known as a "beta receptor" that is found on many cells in the sympathetic nervous system, including the heart, kidneys, muscles, and airways. “There's little understanding of infection control." But there are many risks associated with this class of drug, and in some cases, it's possible that beta blockers will increase your anxiety, rather than help it. The release of the first beta blocker in the early 1960s revolutionized the treatment of chest pain caused by exertion or stress (angina). Beta blockers can be helpful in the treatment of the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially social anxiety. It’s usually prescribed for high blood pressure and other heart problems, but can also help with the physical symptoms of anxiety such as palpitations, sweating and shaking. Epub 2019 Feb 8.Medicine (Baltimore). Self-medication with beta-blockers is also increasingly popular, but it is not safe.Read on to learn more about how beta-blockers help treat anxiety, their effectiveness, and whether they have any risks.Some doctors refer to beta-blockers as beta-adrenoceptor antagonists because these drugs block the effects of epinephrine, or adrenaline, on beta receptors.Epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the body’s fight-or-flight response, which can lead to anxiety. And that’s exactly why they’ve been so effective for me. 1.6K views View 2 Upvoters Always consult a doctor before taking any beta blocker, and make sure that you keep your doctor informed of any side effects. They may need to change the dosage, switch medications, or try a beta-blocker.Some questions to consider asking the doctor include:A person will need to tell a doctor about any drugs that they take, including supplements, alcohol, and illicit or recreational drugs.It is also important to discuss all medical issues because certain conditions — such as very low blood pressure — may make beta-blockers unsafe.Beta-blockers may offer hope to people who have found other medications ineffective in relieving their anxiety.These medications can also improve performance in people who feel overwhelmed by short term anxiety, such as when speaking in public. Medicine, in general, should not be used to treat anxiety by itself in the long term. Two of the most commonly prescribed for anxiety are Propranolol and Atenolol. One type of drug that they may recommend is known as a “Beta Blocker.” Beta blockers are not specifically an anti-anxiety drug. Today, millions of Americans take a beta blocker. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This site uses cookies to improve your experience and deliver personalised advertising. Physicians prescribe them to control rapid heartbeat, shaking, trembling, and blushing in anxious situations for several hours. By changing the way in which the body responds to anxiety, beta-blockers may reduce the intensity of the symptoms and lessen the physical effects.Beta-blockers work differently than traditional anti-anxiety medications, making them a viable alternative for people who need rapid relief.A range of other drugs can treat anxiety. Below, we’ll explore the effects of beta blockers and the relationship between anxiety and these medications. These medicines are very powerful and may have some adverse side effects. That’s more than fine by me. Unable to load your collection due to an error Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! What makes beta-blockers unique is that not only are they used off-label but doctors aren't even sure why beta blockers reduce anxiety. They may also not work as well for acute short term anxiety, which phobias and public speaking can trigger in some people.The authors found that both types of drug could treat panic disorder and The same analysis found that propranolol did not improve PTSD symptoms. Medicine can only dull anxiety or relieve symptoms, not cure it, and in most cases it can cause the brain to become dependent on the medicine and rely on it during times of stress.For those living with anxiety, this can be a tremendous problem.