Actress Rhea Seehorn recently revealed her use of beta blockers to manage nerves during the 2026 Emmy Awards, where she accepted the award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. "This is me on a beta blocker. It’s pretty bad," Seehorn stated on stage, referencing the medication's effect on her emotions.
The use of beta blockers, a class of blood pressure medications that reduce adrenaline's effects, has become increasingly prevalent in Hollywood for managing the stress of public events. This trend was notably seen in 2024 when Robert Downey Jr. mentioned taking a beta blocker before accepting his Golden Globe. The following year, at the 2025 Oscars, Rachel Sennott admitted to using the medication on the red carpet.
Several other well-known figures, including Khloe Kardashian, Katy Perry, Kristen Bell, Shawn Mendes, and Whitney Cummings, have previously spoken about using beta blockers to stay calm during high-pressure situations.
Dr. Cooper Stone, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, explained that beta blockers work by slowing heart rate and reducing the force of heart muscle contractions by blocking adrenaline-generating chemicals. "The most commonly used and best-studied beta blocker for performance is propranolol," Dr. Stone said, adding that while popular for performance anxiety, these medications are not FDA-approved for this specific use.
Dr. James J. Chao, a plastic surgeon and Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of VedaNu Wellness, described beta blockers as an antidote to adrenaline, which causes physical anxiety symptoms like jitters, sweating, and rapid heart rate. "By doing so, it blocks the effect of adrenaline and lowers the blood pressure and decreases the heart rate and pulse," Dr. Chao noted. He also mentioned that beta blockers can alleviate the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with anxiety, such as the "knotted-stomach feeling."
Dr. Chao indicated that many individuals opt for beta blockers over tranquilizers or benzodiazepines to manage the physical manifestations of anxiety. The medication is typically taken shortly before an anxiety-inducing event, as oral doses peak within one to four hours and their effects last for several hours.
However, both doctors cautioned about potential side effects. Dr. Stone warned that excessively low blood pressure could lead to fainting, especially when combined with other medications affecting blood pressure. Dr. Chao listed headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain or weakness as possible side effects. He also cautioned against abruptly stopping the medication after prolonged use, which can lead to a rebound effect on heart receptors, potentially causing heart palpitations and dangerously fast heart rates.
Medical professionals advise consulting a doctor before taking beta blockers, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, who may face increased risks.