What is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a prescription medication with a wide range of licenced uses, including high blood pressure and the physical side effects of anxiety such as palpitations, sweating and tremor. If it is being used for the purposes of enhancement, it tends to be in settings such as giving presentations or practical exams as users may feel that it makes them less anxious. It works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to a slowed heart rate and relaxed blood vessels.

Side Effects

Although not an exhaustive list, if you take beta blockers such as Propranolol you may experience abdominal discomfort, slowed heart rate, depression, diarrhoea, dizziness, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, headache, nausea, rash, fainting, insomnia. 

Legal status

Propranolol is a prescription-only medication (POM) in the UK. This means that it is not illegal to be in possession of a POM without a prescription, however, it is illegal to sell POM.

Risks 

Doctors would avoid prescribing beta blockers to those with a history of asthma, as they can make the condition acutely worse by causing the muscles of the airway to tighten. If you have a history of asthma then you should avoid using beta blockers. 

If you choose to use beta blockers such as Propranolol in the context of a presentation or a practical exam it is advisable to try it at home first. This is because some people may find they are very affected by dizziness or fainting, which may make them unable to complete the task they were hoping to be enhanced for. It is also worth noting that some anxiety may help people to perform, and that in trying to minimise these uncomfortable feelings beta blockers may actually impair performance.