Young people are always up for trying new things and it seems that one of those things is beta blockers right now. Rogue, right? The drug is almost being sold within the premise of it being a “wellness” drug, after celebs endorsed it online as a hack for getting through stressful situations like red carpets or interviews.
Do they sound familiar? That’s because it’s a heart medication your nan might take.
It seems like everyone online is taking beta blockers right now. Hailed as the internets newest performance hack, you might have found yourself wondering why everyone’s developed heart conditions overnight. Well, that’s not actually the case as they’re being used for a range of different reasons. I’m here to answer all your burning questions about 2025’s so called confidence pill.
So, what actually are beta blockers?
@docamen Discussing this medication. Drop comments below on other ones you want me to cover.
Beta blockers have been around since the 60’s, and encompass a whole class of drugs designed to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, irregular heart rate and angina. The benefits for other conditions were quickly observed, and soon they were being prescribed for migraines too.
It was when they were trialed for use in hyperthyroidism that doctors noted the calming effect they can have. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in the body’s beta receptors, meaning the adrenaline can’t do it’s usual naughty trick of making your heart beat quicker, leaving you sweating and panicked.
Obviously slower heart rate and weaker heart contractions means great things for the symptoms of anxiety. For the migraine girlies, they work by reducing blood flow in the brain and reduce electrical activity in the nervous system. Sounds great right? It’s more than just a wellness hack, they’re pretty serious meds.
Why are they trending right now?
@thecut
”TAKE THAT BETA BLOCKER, GIRL!” @Rachel Sennott @hellotefi I’m so inspired by this statement and that sparkly Balenciaga dress #oscars #oscarsathome
Nothing is more anxiety inducing to me than constantly being on stage or the big screen, and when the stakes are as high as the Oscars and recent NTAs, you’d want something to take the edge off.
Khloe Kardashian admitted to stealing her mom’s meds to calm her nerves in 2022, and since then multiple other celebs have fessed up. Robert Downey Jr. joked about it at the last Golden Globes, saying: “I took a beta-blocker, so this will be a breeze.”
This year alone, Kristen Bell, Rachel Sennot and Natasha Rothwell have cracked similar gags at award ceremonies. It’s easy to see why people are catching on to the trend and it seems to be getting bigger and bigger.
But why can’t TikTok get enough of beta blockers?
@dania_music_ I have paralyzing anxiety this was huge for me BYE #anxiety #livemusic #betablockers
After seeing our fave celebs discuss the miracle drug so openly, obviously people wanted to give it a go themselves. TikTok loves a quick fix, and there are loads of people screaming praises for the magic anxiety pill. There are hundreds of “before and after” videos circulating, citing beta blockers as support for anything from uni presentations to public performances. Nervous for a flight, first date or job interview? Propranolol has got you, girl.
Online culture worships confidence and productivity, whilst nerves are seen as a weakness. Enter all the polish without any of the panic, and you have a recipe for the ultimate hack.
It’s a pretty accessible trend too, with widely used beta blocker propranolol being licensed to treat anxiety in the UK. Although unlicensed in the US, it’s often prescribed off-label (prescribed for conditions based on clinical judgement rather than official approval) and has been well known to chronically anxious queens for longer than TikTok has been around.
Alongside the celeb validation, Gen Z has fostered an online culture of removing the taboo from mental health struggles. If there was a point at which it felt shameful to discuss medications for anxiety, that time has been trampled over by POV’s and viral sounds.
There’s a catch, right?
@woahitskenna3 shoutout to my beta blocker for keeping me from dying and turning me into the walking dead at the same time
#chronicillness #spoonietok #betaBlocker #chronicallyill #dysautonomia #potsawareness #invisibleillness #medsideeffects #POTS #eds #heds #chronicillness #fatiguetok #betablocker #propranolol #metoprolol #bisoprolol
Of course there is, these are prescription meds, not vitamin gummies. Beta blockers should be used with serious medical supervision, and they’re not right for everyone.
Common side effects of the drug include dizziness, fatigue, cold hands, problems with sex, nausea and difficulties with sleeping. They can enhance sensitivity to allergens and the sun, cause serious reactions in some people and shouldn’t be taken with a bunch of other medications.
Despite what TikTok might tell you, the evidence that they help in comparison to other anxiety medications is pretty limited. Beta blockers may be considered relatively low risk as they’re not super addictive, but they don’t come without warnings.
It’s really important to consult your doctor before making the choice to take medication for stress and anxiety. Different people suit different therapies, and there’s no shortage of drugs, talking therapies and alternative medicines to explore before settling for whatever’s trending.
Although the current hype might be pinning them as a confidence supplement, remember to consult a professional before taking shortcuts.
Featured image via Unsplash
