Urgent warning over common anxiety drug as 12 deaths and 300 overdoses linked to popular pill

HEALTH experts have issued a warning over a common anxiety medication amid its connection to overdoses, suicide and self-harm. Called propranolol, the drug is prescribed for generalised anxiety, as well as migraines, high blood pressure and hypertension. Health experts have issued a warning over a common anxiety medication Credit: Getty Propranolol is prescribed for generalised anxiety, as well as migraines and high blood pressure Credit: Getty – Contributor Propranolol is a beta blocker and works by slowing down people’s heart rate and helping with the physical symptoms of anxiety, like sweating and shaking. But now, the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) has joined forces with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) to call for a review of the drug. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! The groups have written to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), questioning whether it is still appropriate to prescribe propranolol for anxiety. “We are concerned about the serious consequences of overdose, particularly for vulnerable individuals,” said Kate Ryan, joint chair of the RCP/RCPharm Medicines Safety joint working group. The MHRA said it had responded to the letter last month and confirmed that it is currently undertaking a review of the available data on the harms of propranolol and the risk of overdose. It comes as a report by the NPIS revealed that more than 300 patients in the UK took an intentional overdose of the drug in 2022-2023 alone, resulting in 12 deaths. Meanwhile, data obtained by The Observer via a freedom of information request revealed that prescriptions for the medicine rose by more than 92 per cent in girls aged 12 to 17 over the last decade. By 2025, propranolol prescriptions in this age group had reached over 1.1 million. Most read in Health What’s more, in women aged 18 to 23, usage of the drug between 2015 and 2025 rose by close to 82 per cent. It is against this background of rising prescriptions that health experts have called for a review of the drug for helping with anxiety. In last week’s letter to the MHRA, Ms Ryan said: “Patient safety is at the heart of this work. “While propranolol remains an effective treatment for many patients, its use for anxiety presents challenges. Propranolol prescriptions, particularly in young women, have risen in recent years Credit: Getty What to know about Propranolol Propranolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta blockers. It’s used to treat heart problems, help with some of the symptoms of anxiety and prevent migraines. If you have a heart problem, you can take propranolol to: treat high blood pressure treat conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), like atrial fibrillation help prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes help prevent chest pain caused by angina Propranolol is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets, slow-release capsules, or as a liquid that you swallow. Propranolol slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It’s usually prescribed for high blood pressure and other heart problems, but it can also help with the physical symptoms of anxiety, like sweating and shaking. While the medicine can be prescribed for anxiety, the NHS says it is not suitable for people who have ever had depression or thoughts about harming themselves. Source: NHS “We are concerned about the serious consequences of overdose, particularly for vulnerable individuals.” And Dr Zuzanna Sawicka, joint chair of the RCP/RCPharm Medicines Safety joint working group, added: “We are asking the MHRA to review whether the current indication for generalised anxiety disorder and associated safety information remain appropriate. “Strengthening awareness of these risks among healthcare professionals and patients could support safer prescribing decisions and help prevent avoidable harm.” The letter also raised concerns that “there is no proven evidence” that propranolol is effective in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. “Propranolol poisoning is life-threatening, difficult to treat and is associated with a significant number of deaths,” it added. The letter also said that prescriptions are “problematic” as “patients at increased risk of overdose, including those taking antidepressants or with a history of overdose, continue to be prescribed propranolol”. Yet despite these factors, it noted that propranolol prescriptions are increasing in general practice. The MHRA review will now consider whether further regulatory action is needed surrounding propranolol to reduce avoidable harm. It comes as celebrities including Khloe Kardashian, Dame Prue Leith, Emma Watson and Robert Downey Jr have all spoken out about taking beta blockers for anxiety. Robert Downey Jr admitted that he had taken a beta blocker before accepting his Golden Globe award in 2024. And former Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith said in 2023 that her doctor prescribed the drug to help her with her stage fright ahead of the touring live show. Comment now