Beta-blockers are a type of prescription medication used to treat several conditions, including:

• Angina
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart attack
• Hypertension
• Migraines
• Glaucoma
• Performance anxiety
• ​Social anxiety

Known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, they work by preventing the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, from attaching to beta-receptors. In doing so, adrenaline is prevented from spreading throughout your body.

This causes your heart to beat more slowly and improves blood flow throughout your body. 

There are several different types of beta-blockers, including selective and non-selective. Selective beta-blockers mainly affect your heart while non-selective beta-blockers affect both your heart and blood vessels.

Examples of commonly prescribed beta-blockers include: 

• Atenolol
• Bisoprolol
• Metoprolol
• Propranolol

When used to treat performance anxiety, Propranolol is the most common type of beta-blocker prescribed. This medication has been shown to ease symptoms caused by nerves like tremors, sweating, and increased heart rate. 

Propranolol has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms resulting from performance anxiety.

These are generally physical symptoms caused by an adrenaline surge you experience when you're nervous about an event.

In most cases, adrenaline can be motivating and helpful; however, too much of it can be distracting and uncomfortable. For some, the symptoms caused by performance anxiety can feel so severe they act similarly to a panic attack.

Propranolol isn't the only medication used to treat performance anxiety. In some cases, a doctor might prescribe Xanax (also referred to as alprazolam). However, it should be noted that medications like Xanax can carry heavier side effects, including drowsiness, compared to Propranolol..

The Propranolol dosage you're prescribed will depend on what you're being treated for.

In the case of Propranolol for anxiety, doctors most commonly prescribe 10-20 mg. This is meant to be taken one hour before an event.

This dosage is much lower than what's often prescribed to treat other conditions including chest pain or high blood pressure. In most cases, these other types of treatment, like heart conditions and high blood pressure, call for dosages of up to 80-300 mg.

To minimize your chances of experiencing side effects, it's important to take your medication as it's prescribed to you.

While in some cases, your doctor may recommend more than Propranolol 10 mg for certain treatments, it's important you do not change your dosage unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Propranolol is known to be a fast-acting medication.

When prescribed for performance anxiety, experts typically recommend taking your prescription one hour before your event. In most cases, you should notice your prescription working anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour after taking it.

Propranolol's half-life is between 3-6 hours. This means half of the dose will still be active in your body after this amount of time.

So in most cases, the effects of Propranolol will last around 4 hours.

Doctors recommend taking your prescription on an as-needed basis. You should always follow the directions exactly as provided to you.

Like all medications, beta-blockers may result in side effects for some people.

For most people, these effects are minor to none at all when Propranolol is used at low doses.

The most common Propranolol side effects include:

• Slower heart rate
• Diarrhea
• Dry eyes
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Weakness or tiredness

In most cases, these side effects go away after a few days. But if you experience any of the above for more than a couple of days, let your doctor know. 

Though very rare, it is possible to experience more serious side effects from this medication. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical care: 

• Allergic reactions (skin rash; itching; hives; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue)
• Breathing problems
• Changes in blood sugar
• Cold hands or feet
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Dry, peeling skin
• Hallucinations
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Slow heart rate
• Swelling of your legs or ankles
• Sudden weight gain
• Vomiting
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness

Please note this isn't an exhaustive list of common side effects. Be sure to read through the manufacturer's pamphlet included with your prescription and the treatment plan from your medical provider for more information.

To minimize your risk of experiencing side effects from your prescription, be sure to let your doctor know about any other medications you're currently taking and provide a fully updated medical history. Additionally, always be sure to take your prescription as directed. 

Certain people shouldn't take beta-blockers. Be sure to seek medical advice to understand if this prescription is the right option for you.

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