Anxiety can affect your body just as much as your mind by causing physical symptoms like a racing heart, shaky hands and excessive sweating. If you experience anxiety symptoms, the beta-blocker propranolol could be a treatment for you. Originally developed to treat heart conditions, propranolol has been shown to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety quickly and effectively.

Whether you're managing generalized anxiety, performance nerves or occasional panic attacks, propranolol may offer fast relief. This guide breaks down how propranolol works, when it is used, how it compares to other treatments and how RedBox Rx makes it easy to get the support you need from the comfort of home.

• Propranolol is a beta-blocker that helps relieve physical symptoms of anxiety like flushing, shaking and elevated heart rate.

• It is typically used short term or as needed, especially for situations like panic attacks or performance anxiety.

• Relief usually starts within 30 to 60 minutes and can last up to three to four hours.

• Compared to SSRIs, buspirone and hydroxyzine, propranolol works faster but is not intended for long-term anxiety management.

• RedBox Rx offers propranolol starting at $25/month, with a simple $35 telehealth consult — no insurance or subscription required.

What does propranolol treat?

Propranolol belongs to a class of medicines called beta-blockers. It is prescribed to treat certain heart conditions, prevent migraines and ease certain symptoms of anxiety.¹

How does propranolol work for anxiety?

Propranolol relaxes blood vessels and slows heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.² It can relieve physical symptoms of anxiety like sweating, flushing, shaking and elevated heart rate.

It is unlikely to relieve the mental symptoms of anxiety, like mental fog or blankness, but relief from physical symptoms can ease mental symptoms.³

What dosages are prescribed for anxiety?

Propranolol tablets come in strengths of 10 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg or 160 mg. The extended release (ER) capsules are available in 80 mg or 160 mg. For anxiety, a common dosing for an adult would be 40 mg per day.⁴

Your provider may start you on a low dose of propranolol and gradually increase your dose to allow time for your body to adjust to the medication.⁵

How long does it take for propranolol to work?

When propranolol is used to relieve anxiety, it works quickly. You can usually find relief in 30 to 60 minutes from physical symptoms of anxiety such as flushing, shaking, sweating and an elevated heart rate. Its effects can last for three to four hours.⁶

How long can you take propranolol for anxiety?

Propranolol is typically used short term to help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart or shaky hands. If you’re considering taking it for longer than a few months, talk to your provider. They’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your symptoms, how well the medication is working for you and whether you’ve experienced any side effects.⁷

What are the side effects of propranolol?

Like all medications, propranolol can cause side effects in some individuals. Propranolol isn’t right for everyone. Be sure to tell your provider if you have asthma, a heart condition or low blood pressure. Here’s what to watch for – from mild symptoms to signs that require immediate medical attention.

Common and mild side effects of propranolol include:⁸

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Tiredness

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

Some side effects of propranolol can be serious. Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:⁹

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Rash

• Blistering or peeling skin

• Hives

• Itching

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue or lips

• Feeling faint

• Weight gain

• Irregular heartbeat

How does propranolol compare to other anxiety medications?

Propranolol vs. Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. It works as a sedative to ease symptoms of anxiety. In one clinical trial, nearly 60% of participants reported a 50% reduction in anxiety symptoms after hydroxyzine use. In a similar study of propranolol, 85% of participants reported a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in just two days.¹⁰

Both medications are taken as needed for anxiety.

Propranolol vs. Buspirone

Buspirone is an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medication. While it was originally studied as an anti-psychotic, researchers discovered it was more effective at easing anxiety symptoms. Some individuals prefer buspirone for the lower risk of side effects compared to some other anxiety treatments.¹¹

Buspirone is usually taken twice per day and treats anxiety in the long term by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.¹² Propranolol is used as needed to ease symptoms of anxiety.

Propranolol vs. SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly the first treatment a provider will recommend for anxiety. SSRIs increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and are highly effective at treating multiple mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.¹³

The main difference between SSRIs and propranolol is the time to take effect. SSRIs are a long-term treatment that can take up to 12 weeks to feel the full effects.¹⁴ Propranolol offers relief from anxiety symptoms within one hour but has no lasting effect.¹⁵

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes receiving prescription medication for anxiety easy and affordable, including performance anxiety, anxiety attacks and panic attacks.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• No membership or subscription fees.

• Low-cost $35 telehealth consult with a licensed medical provider.

• Medications for $25 per month (with purchase of three-month supply).

• Confidential, private and secure.

• Free standard shipping or expedited/overnight available.

Get started with your personalized treatment plan for anxiety with our quick, online assessment.