What Is Steady?

For some women, anxiety shows up less as racing thoughts and more as a racing heart, shaky hands, sweating, trembling, or a shaky voice.

Propranolol works primarily on these physical effects of adrenaline. It doesn't directly treat anxious thoughts or an anxiety disorder.

When your body feels calmer, it can be easier to stay focused.

What Can Steady Help With?

Propranolol may help reduce physical symptoms such as:

• Racing or pounding heartbeat
• Shaky or trembling hands
• Trembling or shaky voice
• Sweating
• Physical feelings of nervousness
• A noticeable adrenaline response

Less focus on what your body is doing. More focus on what you want to say, do, or accomplish.

How Does Propranolol Work?

When you're nervous, your body releases adrenaline. That can cause your heart to beat faster and trigger other physical signs of stress.

Propranolol is a beta blocker that reduces some of the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels.

Think of it like:

High-pressure moment
↓
Adrenaline response
↓
Racing heart • shaking • sweating • trembling

Propranolol
↓
Helps reduce some of those physical symptoms

It doesn't eliminate nervous thoughts or change your personality. Its primary effect is on the body's physical response.

When Might Women Use Steady?

Performance anxiety doesn't only happen on a stage.

You might notice physical nerves before:

• An important presentation
• A job interview
• A big meeting
• Speaking up in front of a group
• A performance or audition
• A networking event
• A difficult conversation
• Another high-pressure situation

Your healthcare provider can determine whether propranolol is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

You Don't Have to Look Nervous to Feel Nervous

Sometimes the hardest part isn't the situation itself—it's worrying that your nerves will show.

A racing heart.
Shaky hands.
A shaky voice.
Sweaty palms.

These physical reactions can become distracting and make an already stressful situation feel even bigger.

Steady is designed to address some of the physical side of that response.

What Can I Expect?

Everyone responds differently to propranolol.

When it works, you may notice that physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, shaking, or sweating are less noticeable.

Steady isn't intended to change who you are or eliminate your emotions. The goal is to help reduce some of the physical effects of the body's stress response.

Is Steady Right for Me?

Steady may be an option to discuss with a healthcare provider if you:

• Experience noticeable physical symptoms during high-pressure situations
• Get a racing heart when you have to speak or perform
• Experience shaking or trembling when you're nervous
• Find that sweating or other physical symptoms distract you
• Feel that your physical reaction makes certain situations harder

Your provider will consider your medical history, current medications, blood pressure, heart rate, and other factors before determining whether propranolol is appropriate.

Safety & Important Information

Propranolol is a prescription medication and isn't right for everyone.

It can lower heart rate and blood pressure and may cause side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have asthma or other breathing problems, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, certain heart conditions, diabetes, or circulation problems, or if you take medications that affect your heart rate or blood pressure.

Take propranolol only as directed by your healthcare provider. If you're taking it regularly, don't stop taking it without medical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does propranolol help with performance anxiety?

Propranolol can help reduce some of the physical symptoms associated with performance anxiety, such as a racing heartbeat, shaking, and sweating. It doesn't directly treat anxious thoughts or an anxiety disorder.

Can women take propranolol for performance anxiety?

Women may be prescribed propranolol for performance anxiety when a healthcare provider determines that it is appropriate. Your provider will consider your individual health history and medications.

Can propranolol help with public speaking?

Propranolol is sometimes prescribed for performance situations such as public speaking. It may help reduce physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and a racing heartbeat.

Will Steady make me feel calm?

Steady isn't a sedative. Propranolol primarily works on the body's physical response to adrenaline. Some people may find that having fewer physical symptoms makes it easier to feel composed and focused.

Will propranolol stop me from feeling nervous?

Not necessarily. Propranolol primarily affects physical symptoms rather than anxious thoughts or emotions.

Can I take Steady before an important event?

Some people are prescribed propranolol for specific performance situations. Your healthcare provider will determine whether it's appropriate for you and provide instructions about how and when to take it.

What are the common side effects?

Possible side effects include tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and a slower heart rate. Your healthcare provider can discuss the potential risks and benefits for you.