PlainPill

Propranolol

People mainly take Propranolol for anxiety, sleep, focus. Based on 55 first-hand reports and 268 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #125 of 1,974 overall.

49
User score
Mostly positive
49% positive7% mixed5% negative38% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 80% are positive.

Clinical research
AStrong research base
268
meta-analyses
1,961
RCTs
35,728
papers

What Propranolol does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

AStrong research base

3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

JAMA Netw Open · 2024 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Drug Efficacy in the Treatment of Antipsychotic-Induced Akathisia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Conclusion: In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, mirtazapine, biperiden, and vitamin B6 were associated with the greatest efficacy for AIA, with vitamin B6 having the best efficacy and tolerance profile. Trazodone, mianserin, and propranolol appeared as effective alternatives with slightly less favorable efficacy and tolerance profiles. These findings should assist prescribers in selecting an appropriate medication for treating AIA.

PubMed 38451521 ↗
J Affect Disord · 2025 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion: Beta-blockers are increasingly prescribed for anxiety, yet there is a lack of robust evidence of effectiveness. There is a need to understand when and why practitioners are using these drugs, and to undertake a large RCT to provide definitive evidence of whether beta-blockers are an effective and safe treatment for anxiety.

PubMed 39271062 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

as neededas reported
for public speaking/interviewsas reported
40 mgas reported
some daysas reported
10 mgas needed
10 mgas reported

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

insomnia ×4depression ×2fatigue ×2vivid dreams ×1detachment ×1robotic feeling ×1irritability ×1potassium elevation ×1

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“propranolol (as needed)”
Source discussion ↗
“Beta blockers like propranolol can ease the physical issues of sweating, blushing, shaking etc. Doctors will sometimes prescribe them for public speaking.”
Source discussion ↗
“I've personally replaced Phenibut with that for public speaking / interviews etc”
Source discussion ↗
“propranolol. stage performers often take it to curb stagefright.”
Source discussion ↗
“Personally, I highly recommend propranolol, but it is definitely not a nootropic.”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

Other options for anxiety

User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate