This is a question we get a lot from potential customers and readers of our in-depth articles analyzing different beta blockers for anxiety purposes, which you can find here:
If you’re interested in learning more about any of these beta-blockers specifically, and how they compare to PerformZen, then I recommend checking out the individual articles; they lay out the positives and negatives of individual beta-blockers really well.
To answer more broadly, let’s look at how beta blockers work for anxiety, if there are any potential side-effects and how they stack up against PerformZen.
How Do Beta-Blockers Work?
You may have heard about many performers (musicians, professional public speakers, actors, etc.) who used to experience pre-performance jitters and anxiety symptoms, benefiting from using beta-blockers.
Beta-blockers are a type of pharmaceutical drug that doctors typically prescribe for cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, angina (chest pains) and irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). The full name is beta-adrenergic blocking agents and their main function is to block the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones.
Because of the way beta-blockers work within the body, many performers and public speakers use them to block the symptoms of performance anxiety.
A lot of research into stage fright & anxiety has shown us that performers are experiencing the physical symptoms of performance anxiety in the first place because of the adrenaline pumping through their bloodstream and their heart working with greater force. By blocking the release of stress hormones; beta-blockers are preventing the heart from going into overdrive, keeping blood pressure low, and keeping performance anxiety symptoms at bay.
Do Beta Blockers Really Work for Anxiety?
People use beta-blockers “off-script” for anxiety because it is too much adrenaline that is responsible for their performance anxiety symptoms in the first place.
When you’re feeling anxious about something, it is to be expected that you’ll feel some level of stress. Naturally, you will feel somewhat of an adrenaline rush as a part of that stress response.
When experiencing performance anxiety, that stress response essentially goes too far! You are experiencing a much greater effect of the adrenaline hormone, which causes your heart rate to skyrocket, along with other symptoms of stage fright and anxiety.
Since beta-blockers block the effects of adrenaline, they also temporarily prevent you from experiencing the physical symptoms of that same anxiety. Remaining physically calm has an overall calming effect, which then allows you to get through your speech and keep your stress response at bay.
In short: yes, beta blockers do work for temporarily blocking the effects of adrenaline.
What are the side-effects and/or Downsides of Beta Blockers?
As long as you are only using beta-blockers occasionally, they are relatively safe with low risk of side effects.
Problems can arise if you need beta-blockers to be able to perform at all, as that’s when you might start using them frequently.
If you’re using beta-blockers too much, then it could get to a point where you become dependent on beta-blockers, and withdrawal could cause other problems such as high blood pressure.
So beta-blockers are mostly safe to use when you need a quick, one-time stage fright solution, but it might be a good idea to start incorporating some natural alternatives to beta-blockers if you need a long-term way to reduce anxiety & stage fright. PerformZen being the obvious option here!
Beta-blocker side-effects
Beta-blockers, like almost all prescription drugs, come with a few potential side effects that you can find listed in the notes that come with your prescription drugs.
Here is a list of the potential side effects of beta-blockers that is common with Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol & Carvedilol:
- Fatigue
- Mood disorders
- Digestive issues like gas, bloating, and constipation
- Nausea, and in some cases, vomiting
- Heartburn
- Dry mouth
In some rare, but severe cases, one might also experience the following side effects from beta-blockers:
- Wheezing and/or shortness of breath
- Swelling of extremities like hands, feet, or ankles
- Fainting
- Pounding heartbeat
If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above after using beta-blockers, immediately notify your doctor.
How Does PerformZen Compare to Beta-blockers like Propranolol & Metoprolol?
PerformZen is a uniquely formulated dietary supplement that is made for those of us who want or need to perform at our best, overcoming pre-performance fear, stage fright, butterflies and performance anxiety to do so!
The all-natural supplement has been shown to be beneficial in dramatically improving performance anxiety & stage fright symptoms, while maintaining composure and mental focus while under pressure.
PerformZen works by boosting GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes calmness. It also contains Magnesium and Vitamin B6, which combine together to improve cognitive performance.
Additionally, PerformZen contains L-theanine, Theacrine, and Ginkgo Biloba, which are natural ingredients that promote calmness and provide a boost in clean energy.
Unlike beta-blockers such as Propranolol & Coreg, you do not need a prescription from a doctor to use PerformZen, and the ingredients of the natural supplement have not been shown in testing & studies to have side-effects.
Best of all, there is a 100% Performance Guarantee with PerformZen, which you can read all about here.