A Look Into The Effectiveness of Beta Blockers for Teen Anxiety

Beta blockers are an FDA-approved medication to treat heart health and cardiovascular conditions, but are sometimes used off-label to treat anxiety symptoms in both teens and adults.  These block the effects of adrenaline to reduce physiological components of anxiety, such as a racing heart, shaking, and sweating. 

They are effective at treating situational anxiety and physical stress, but there is little evidence that they are a long-term treatment for anxiety disorders. They should also be strictly supervised when given to teens, as they can carry several adverse effects. 

Beta blockers typically work best when combined with mental health therapy and lifestyle changes. Read on to explore the safety, effectiveness, and role of beta blockers in anxiety treatment for teens.  

What Are Beta Blockers?

Beta blockers are also known as beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists. These medications are primarily used to manage heart and circulatory conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, and recovery post-heart attack. 

They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors, slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing stress on the heart.​ They have also grown in their use as a medication treatment for anxiety, offering less risk of dependency and serious side effects than anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. Two of the most commonly used beta blockers are Propranolol and Atenolol [1].  

Beta blockers reduce the physical symptoms caused by adrenaline, such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, and sweating. Beta blockers do not directly treat the psychological components of anxiety, but may improve symptoms alongside behavioral therapies and lifestyle changes. 

Are Beta Blockers Safe for Teens?

Beta blockers can be and are prescribed to teens for heart conditions, migraines, and sometimes anxiety-related symptoms such as panic attacks. However, their safety is still being studied for their risk of dependence and overdose. 

Mental health professionals caution against regular/routine use for anxiety, but in some cases, under medical supervision, they are used and can be extremely helpful for teens who struggle with somatic symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder. 

The exact prescription rates for beta blockers are not well known, as they depend highly on the individual treatment plan, psychiatric provider, and needs of the teen [2]. 

Are Beta Blockers Effective for Anxiety?

Beta blockers are effective for treating the direct physical symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack in the moment, specifically for situational anxiety (e.g, giving a presentation or job interview). However, a 2024 systematic review found there is not enough evidence to support the efficacy for anxiety disorders such as social phobia or panic disorder [3]. 

They work by slowing down the activity in your cells and nervous system. When you experience physical anxiety, your sympathetic nervous system kicks into “fight or flight” mode and releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. The typical milligram of beta blockers prescribed for anxiety is 40 mg.  

Similar to an adrenaline rush, during a moment of intense anxiety or a panic attack, when these stress hormones are flowing through the blood, it leads to physical symptoms such as a faster heart rate, sweating, shaking, headache, and nausea. 

Beta blockers directly stop adrenaline from attaching to your cells and keep stress hormones at bay from triggering a physical response to anxiety. These help reduce heart rate and slow breathing, which can help you feel mentally less anxious via the mind-body connection.   

What To Know If Your Teen Takes Beta Blockers for Anxiety

Beta blockers have been researched for over 50 years, and most who take them have little to no adverse side effects. However, beta blockers are not FDA-approved for anxiety and are used as an “off-label” use. A few other important considerations to know if your teen is prescribed beta blockers for anxiety: 

• They work quickly, within 1-2 hours, and typically last 6 to 12 hours. 
• They are intended for occasional use, such as for situational anxiety, rather than a daily, long-term anxiety medication. 
• Beta blockers do not block the mental or psychological effects of anxiety. 
• Teens with asthma, diabetes, or chronic lung disease are not able to take beta blockers. 

Side Effects of Beta Blockers

There are several side effects that can occur with Beta Blockers and should be monitored closely. If your teen is prescribed beta blockers and experiences the following adverse effects, contact their mental health provider or Primary Care Physician (PCP) as soon as possible:

• Dizziness 
• Dry mouth or eyes 
• Fatigue 
• Insomnia
• Irregular heart rhythm 
• Low blood pressure
• Nasuea 
• Slow heart rate  

Safer Alternatives for Treating Teen Anxiety 

Although beta blockers can be helpful for some teens who struggle with physical anxiety symptoms, they are typically not a first line of treatment. Several other medications combined with therapy typically work better and are recommended as first-line treatments for anxiety. These include: 

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are first-line medications for moderate to severe anxiety and depression with fewer adverse side effects and no risk of dependency. ‍
• Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Sometimes considered as an alternative to SSRIs, especially for social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorders if SSRIs are not tolerated.​
• ‍Alpha-2 Agonists: Medications like clonidine or guanfacine are occasionally used when addressing co-occurring conditions (e.g, anxiety and PTSD) or when SSRIs are ineffective.
• ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a first-line psychotherapy for mild to moderate anxiety symptoms in teens, helping them through exposure, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills. 

Evidence-Based Anxiety Treatment for Teens in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our structured inpatient and outpatient programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Through a blend of psychiatric medication services, behavioral therapies, and creative arts activities, we treat anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions in teens. 

Contact our admissions team today to connect your teen with the mental health support they deserve. 

Sources 

[1] Farzam, K. 2023. Beta Blockers. StatPearls Publishing. 

[2] Wagner, J. B. (2024). Pediatric Beta Blocker Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of Development and Genetic Variation to Guide Precision-Based Therapy in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Genes, 15(3), 379.

[3] Archer, C. 2025. Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders.