Dr. Benjamin H. Krasne, M.D.
Board-certified physicianBoard-certified in anesthesiology, he reads medications and metabolism with a pharmacologist's eye, which shapes how he doses weight loss and longevity care.
Steady hands for your big moment
Beta blockers online for performance anxiety
A pounding heart, shaky hands and a wavering voice can undercut a talk, audition or interview. A licensed clinician can prescribe an as-needed beta blocker, with 24 tablets for $99.
- Free 5–10 minute consultation
- 24 tablets for $99
- Take only on event days
Free to book. You pay only if you go ahead with treatment.
$99one-time
Licensed U.S. clinician review
Used for: Situational anxiety
$99transparent price
5–10 minphone or video
No insuranceneeded
LicensedU.S. clinicians
Why get beta blockers through My IV Doctors
Built for one-off events
You take a tablet about 30 to 60 minutes before a talk, audition or interview, not every day, so a single pack of 24 can last a long time.
Calm body, clear mind
Beta blockers ease a racing heart, shaky hands and a trembling voice while you stay alert. They aren't sedatives and aren't habit-forming like some anti-anxiety medicines.
A safety check first
A licensed clinician reviews your health and other medicines for interactions, including asthma, heart and blood sugar concerns, before deciding whether a prescription is appropriate.
Simple, clear pricing
Your first consultation is free and no insurance is needed. If you're prescribed, 24 tablets cost $99, with refills reviewed by your clinician when you need them.
How to get beta blockers online
- 1
Pick a time for your free visit
Choose a time online. Booking is free and insurance isn't required.
- 2
Talk with a clinician
In a 5–10 minute phone or video consultation, a licensed clinician asks what triggers your symptoms, reviews your heart and lung health, and checks your other medicines.
- 3
Your prescription is sent
If a beta blocker is appropriate, your clinician sends a prescription for 24 tablets to a licensed U.S. pharmacy. A 48-tablet supply is also available at a higher cost.
- 4
Take a test dose first
Your clinician will usually suggest taking a dose on an ordinary day first, so you know how it affects you before the event that matters.
- 5
Request refills as needed
When you run low, or if anything changes in your health, message the care team. Your clinician reviews whether a refill is still appropriate.
Who beta blockers for anxiety are for
Public speakers and presenters
People who give talks, pitches or lectures and are bothered by a racing heart, shaky voice or trembling hands.
Musicians and performers
Auditions, recitals and stage performances where a steady hand or breath matters.
Interviews, exams and one-time events
Job interviews, oral exams, wedding toasts or court appearances, where symptoms flare at predictable moments.
Not for daily anxiety or panic attacks
If anxiety affects you most days, or you have panic attacks, a beta blocker alone isn't enough. Therapy and other medicines are the main treatments, and your clinician can point you toward them.
Asthma, heart or blood sugar conditions
Beta blockers generally aren't recommended for people with asthma or some lung diseases, heart failure, a slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure or diabetes treated with insulin or similar drugs.
Beta blockers vs. other anxiety treatments
| Option | How it's used | What it targets | Drowsiness or dependence |
|---|---|---|---|
| As-needed beta blocker | Before a specific event | Physical symptoms like a racing heart | Not a sedative; not habit-forming |
| Benzodiazepines | As prescribed | Acts on the brain | Can cause drowsiness and dependence |
| Daily antidepressant | Every day; takes weeks to work | Broader, ongoing anxiety | — |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy | Regular sessions | Thought patterns behind anxiety | None; can pair with a tablet |
What are beta blockers for performance anxiety?
When you're nervous before a big moment, your body releases adrenaline. It speeds up your heart, makes your hands tremble, tightens your voice and can make you sweat. Those physical signals often feed the worry itself: you notice your shaking hands, and you get more anxious.
Beta blockers work by blocking some of adrenaline's effects on the heart and other tissues. Propranolol, the one most often used for this purpose, is FDA-approved for conditions such as high blood pressure, certain heart rhythm problems, tremor and migraine prevention. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that clinicians may also prescribe beta blockers off-label for short-term anxiety symptoms, such as a racing heart and trembling.
The key point is what they don't do. A beta blocker doesn't sedate you or change how you think, and it won't remove the feeling of nerves entirely. It mainly quiets the physical symptoms, so you can stay steady while you focus on the task in front of you.
How to take beta blockers before an event
For performance anxiety, a beta blocker is usually taken once, about 30 to 60 minutes before the event, rather than every day. Your clinician chooses the dose based on your health and how strong your symptoms are. You only take it on the days you need it.
A pack of 24 tablets lasts most people a long time, because they use it for specific occasions. If you have frequent events, such as weekly performances or regular presentations, a 48-tablet supply is available for an additional cost.
What beta blockers feel like
People often describe feeling nervous in their head but calm in their body. Your heart rate stays steadier, your hands shake less, and your voice is less likely to tremble. You should remain alert and clear-headed.
Beta blockers aren't sedatives and aren't habit-forming in the way some anti-anxiety medicines can be. They also won't help with the worried thoughts themselves. For many people, pairing an as-needed tablet with practice, preparation and, if useful, therapy techniques gives the best results.
Beta blockers vs. other anxiety medications
Each approach fits a different problem. If your anxiety is limited to particular events, an as-needed beta blocker may be enough. If it's broader, your clinician can talk about other options.
- Benzodiazepines act on the brain and can cause drowsiness and dependence; beta blockers act mainly on physical symptoms
- Antidepressants used for anxiety are taken daily and take weeks to work; an as-needed beta blocker is for predictable, one-off situations
- Cognitive behavioral therapy treats the thought patterns behind anxiety and can be combined with an as-needed tablet
Beta blocker side effects and safety
Taken occasionally by healthy adults, beta blockers are usually well tolerated. They can still cause problems for people with certain conditions, so your clinician reviews your health and medicines first.
- Common side effects: dizziness or lightheadedness, tiredness, cold hands, diarrhea or constipation
- Not usually recommended with asthma or other lung disease, heart failure, a slow or irregular heartbeat, or low blood pressure
- Can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar; tell your clinician if you have diabetes
- Alcohol can raise propranolol levels; avoid drinking before your event
- Interactions include some antacids, cimetidine and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen; share your full medication list
- Seek emergency care for fainting, trouble breathing, a very slow pulse or swelling of the face or throat
Physicians who oversee your care
Independently licensed U.S. physicians supervise every treatment we offer.
Dr. Johnathan Chance Miller, M.D.
PhysicianTrained at Columbia and Washington University, he pairs prescriptions with practical habits around food, training and sleep.
Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
OB-GYN, board certifiedAn OB-GYN for more than 40 years and a Fellow of ACOG, she leads women's health care, from perimenopause to PCOS.
Beta blockers for performance anxiety FAQs
Still deciding? The first consultation is free and takes about 5–10 minutes.
Book a free consultationHow much do beta blockers cost?
The price is $99 for 24 tablets, and your first consultation is free. A 48-tablet supply is available at a higher cost, and your clinician confirms the price before prescribing.
Which beta blocker is used for performance anxiety?
Propranolol is the one most often prescribed for this purpose. Your clinician decides which medicine and dose suit you based on your health history.
Is propranolol FDA-approved for anxiety?
No. It's FDA-approved for conditions such as high blood pressure, certain heart rhythm problems, tremor and migraine prevention. Using it for performance anxiety is off-label, which is a common and legal practice when a clinician judges it appropriate.
How long before a performance should I take a beta blocker?
Usually about 30 to 60 minutes beforehand. Follow the timing your clinician gives you, and try a dose on a low-stakes day first.
Will a beta blocker make me drowsy?
Most people stay alert. Some feel a little tired or lightheaded, which is one reason to test it before an important day.
Can you get hooked on beta blockers?
They aren't considered habit-forming. People who take them daily for heart conditions shouldn't stop suddenly, but occasional use for performance anxiety is a different situation; your clinician will explain.
Can I drink alcohol with a beta blocker?
It's best to avoid it. Alcohol can increase the amount of propranolol in your body and add to dizziness or low blood pressure.
Can I take a beta blocker if I have asthma?
Usually not. Beta blockers like propranolol can tighten the airways. Tell your clinician about asthma or any lung condition so they can suggest a safer option.
Do beta blockers help with panic attacks or everyday anxiety?
A beta blocker isn't a main treatment for panic disorder or generalized anxiety. Therapy and daily medicines are more effective for those. Your clinician can help you find the right care.
Can I take a beta blocker before exercise or sports?
Beta blockers lower your maximum heart rate, which can reduce endurance. Some sports also ban them. Check with your clinician and your sport's rules first.
Do I need an ECG or blood work for beta blockers?
Most healthy adults don't for occasional use. If you have heart symptoms or other conditions, your clinician may ask for tests or suggest an in-person evaluation.
Can I get more than 24 beta blocker tablets?
Yes. A 48-tablet supply is available at a higher cost if you have frequent events. Your clinician decides whether a larger supply is appropriate.
Can I get beta blockers prescribed online?
Yes. A licensed clinician evaluates you first and prescribes only when treatment is appropriate, and the medication is filled by a licensed U.S. pharmacy.
Get beta blockers before your next big event
Book a free 5–10 minute phone or video consultation today. If a licensed clinician decides a beta blocker is right for you, 24 tablets are $99.
Related treatments
References
- MedlinePlus: Propranolol
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental health medications
- MedlinePlus: Anxiety
Medically reviewed October 2026. This page is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. Read our editorial policy.
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