A small blue pill creates a turbulence in Hollywood – and no, it’s not Viagra. It is propranolol, a beta blocker designed for heart disease, now making its way to dressing rooms, awards ceremonies and even early dates.
At red carpet events this year, actors Kristen Bell, Rachel Sennott and Natasha Rothwell all referenced Taking Beta Blockers. But they weren’t the first.
In 2022, Khloé Kardashian admissible She lends her mother’s pills to calm her nerves. And last year, at the Golden Globe awards, Robert Downey broke: “I got a beta blocker, so this will be a breeze.” What is behind this unlikely trend – and how a drug for heart disease became a Hollywood anxiety?
To understand why A-Lithy They arrive for heart treatment, we need to consider how these drugs really work.
Beta inhibitorsLike propranolol and atenolol, they were first developed in the 1960s for the treatment of heart disease such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias (irregular heart rate) and angina. Doctors soon discovered that they also worked for other conditions, including migraines and an excessive thyroid.
Use beta inhibitors for anxiety was first identified in 1965, when they showed sedative effects during clinical trials with the aim of treating rapid heart rate associated with hyperthyroidism. Although it has received permission to treat stress in the United Kingdom, propranolol is increasingly prescribed (prescribing a drug for a condition that has not been officially approved for treatment, based on clinical crisis and available data) in the US as it remains unlicensed by the Food and Drug Administration.
So how do Beta Blockers help with stress? Adrenaline is a hormone that activates the response of the race or body flight, often causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating and horror. Beta inhibitors work by preventing adrenaline effects on specific locations in the body called beta receptors.
When beta inhibitors adhere to beta receptors in the heart, they prevent adrenaline from exercising the usual effects. This leads to a slower heart rate and weaker heart contractions. This, in turn, reduces blood pressure by reducing the demand for oxygen. By obstructing adrenaline, beta inhibitors help reduce the natural symptoms of anxiety – the heart of struggles, running hands and sweating.
But how well it really works for stress? The research paints a complex image. To one studyPatients who took propranolol had significantly lower anxiety and depression than those who received placebo.
Other study He examined two different doses of propranolol (20mg and 40mg) and found that both doses led to remarkable stress levels compared to participants who did not receive any stress.
However, recent review From the evidence he concluded that while propranolol can help with the natural symptoms of stress, elements that help compared to other anxiety drugs are limited – many of the clinical trials have few participants and low quality.
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Unlike Valium (Diazepam), benzodiazepine known in the 1960s as ‘Mother’s Little Assistant’Propranolol is not addictive. It does not produce repression or euphoria and the risk of dependence is low. However, they are not without risks or side effects.
Common side effects Include dizziness, fatigue, cold hands and feet and live dreams. The most serious risks – though rare – include heart failure, breathing difficulties and allergic reactions.
People with asthma, diabetes or certain heart disease should consult a doctor or pharmacist, as beta inhibitors are often inappropriate for them.
Have also increased cases of propranolol used in an overdose. It can cause your heart to slow down too much, lead to dizziness, shake or seizures and make breathing difficult.
The prescription reality
In spite of the fact that it does not appear national guidelinesDoctors are increasingly prescribed Propranolol for stress. Research It shows that doctors regard it as a realistic low-risk choice-especially for patients on long waiting lists for counseling or hesitant to receive antidepressants.
Propranolol aims to respond to stress, not the underlying psychological causes. It can help someone deliver a speech without moving or taking exams without sweating, but will not face persistent concerns or panic attacks. Therefore, it is considered better as short -term help and not as a long -term solution.
For constant stress, treatments based on evidence Cognitive behavioral treatment; mentality and antidepressants are more appropriate. UK guidelines Suggest these approaches as initial treatments.
Before starting the raid of your mom’s cabinet for a dose of red carpet calm, remember to be a beta blocker, not a bravery. It will not correct your fear of public speech or make you smoother on a first date – though it can stop your hands from the shake while you are trying.
Dipa Kamdar does not work, advises, is their own shares or receives funding from any company or organization that will benefit from this article and has not revealed cooperation beyond their academic appointment.
