Thousands are reportedly turning to propranolol, a medication sold for as little as £1.20 and marketed as a way to manage midlife anxieties, but experts are warning of serious complications. The amount of propranolol being dispensed is steadily rising, with 8.4 million prescriptions issued in the year leading up to June 2026. This increase comes amid concerns that patients may be exposed to life-threatening risks.
Propranolol is a beta-blocker, typically prescribed for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and migraines. However, it has gained popularity on social media as a quick fix for anxiety and stage fright. Former Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith revealed in 2023 that she had been prescribed propranolol to manage crippling stage fright during her first live theatre tour.
Experts emphasize that while propranolol can effectively manage certain physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, it does not address the underlying psychological causes. They caution that self-medicating with propranolol without a doctor's supervision can lead to a range of adverse effects, including dangerously low blood pressure, slow heart rate, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart failure. Individuals with certain pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, may be at a higher risk of experiencing complications.