The recently revealed use of beta blockers by Robert Downey, Jr. provides a case in point. He cited them when preparing to accept his Golden Globe for the movie “Oppenheimer.” His candid confession reveals just how mainstream these medications have become. Millions of people, from introverts to those struggling with anxiety, have made them a part of daily life.
As a writer, two years ago, I didn’t know how to put pen to paper while preparing to deliver my closest friend’s eulogy. To deal with the intense pressure, they used beta blockers. Since then, they have made the medication part of their daily routine. With advice from a health worker, it is now three doses daily, like the original regimen. Millions of Americans are turning to non-pharmaceutical options to find relief from anxiety symptoms. This trend is even more pronounced in high-stakes environments.
This is because beta blockers work by reducing the effects of adrenaline on the heart. This mechanism can help you take the edge off physical symptoms of anxiety — like a racing heart, difficulty breathing, and sweating. They are proven to reduce the severity of panic attacks, which is why they are often the first line treatment for those with situational anxiety.
Celebrities like Kristen Bell, Khloé Kardashian and Prue Leith have all gone public with their use of beta blockers. Each of their testimonies brings us a step closer to an evolving narrative around mental health and medication. As an example, a 2022 study found that for each man who is prescribed beta blockers, about 2.33 women are put on the same drug. This statistic underscores a notable trend: prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications, particularly beta blockers, have surged in recent years. The increase is largely due to women and young people looking for help on anxiety-related concerns.
Many general practitioners (GPs) are becoming more accustomed with a holistic approach to patient care, using alternative therapies. They consider each person’s situation and create treatment plans suited to each person’s specific needs. Dr. Adrian Hayter explains, “GPs take a holistic approach to assessing their patients and proposing treatment plans, in conversation with them.” This approach takes into account symptom severity, medical history and potential side effects to create a holistic treatment plan.
Most doctors will tell patients to take beta blockers at the same time. Such is particularly the case when they know that they will be entering anxiety-provoking environments. In writing about his experience, the author describes learning to rehearse with the drug prior to administering it on the day of a friend’s funeral. It wasn’t long after taking the beta blocker—within ten minutes, surely—that a wave of calmness came over them. That calming effect allowed them to recover and get back on track at a difficult time.
Despite such practical advantages of beta blockers, worry over their use still looms. Although they can be quite effective in addressing the physical symptoms, they fail to address the biological roots of anxiety altogether. As Khan, a healthcare professional, notes, “Although beta blockers can help with some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don’t treat the biology behind it.” Millions of GPs inappropriately prescribe these medications for situational anxiety to get patients through important moments.
Sustained use of beta blockers, long-term, is not recommended. Khan further states that healthcare providers prefer to avoid long-term dependency on any medication: “Wherever possible, GPs don’t want patients to have to rely on medication long term.” Frequent medication reviews can help GPs and patients identify opportunities to lower dosages or stop medications completely.
For all their efficacy, we must tread carefully with beta blockers. Taking more than the prescribed dose even just slightly can have dangerous effects that may need emergency medical treatment. Additionally, although beta blockers are not considered to be addictive substances in themselves, individuals on chronic beta blocker therapy should not stop taking the medication suddenly.
Despite seeming like an obscure treatment choice, the increasing use of beta blockers speaks to a promising trend in changing societal attitudes toward mental health and medication use. When I talk to people who use these drugs, most say they are reluctant to speak about their use publicly. One friend mentioned, “I’m not ashamed that I take them, but I don’t need to advertise it.” Another expressed concern about being perceived as unable to cope if they revealed their medication use: “I suppose I’m worried people would think it meant I’m not coping with life.”
This sentiment is a reflection of a larger trend where people are still uncomfortable talking about their medication use. As more public figures share their experiences with beta blockers and other anti-anxiety medications, the stigma surrounding mental health treatment may begin to diminish.