Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
Propranolol
Cognitive · Non-selective beta-blocker
Tier B
What this is
Gold standard for performance anxiety (musicians, public speaking, exams) — reduces physical manifestations without sedation or cognitive impairment. Brunet's PTSD reconsolidation work used propranolol during trauma recall — meta-analyses mixed. Do not stop abruptly (rebound).
Mechanism
Non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist; crosses BBB; reduces peripheral sympathetic symptoms (tremor, tachycardia) and central noradrenergic tone
Dose & route
10-40 mg PO 30-60 min before stressor (performance anxiety)
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15512856/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29450494/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6122857/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.