Beta blockers block β-adrenergic receptors, mainly β1 in the heart) and β2 in the lungs and blood vessels.
This blunts the action of stimulants including epinephrine and norepinephrine, resulting in a reduction of heart rate, blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity.
How is that important?
You can add this to your stack if you have:
- Elevated blood pressure and/or heart rate
- Anxiety
- Before sleep
Types of beta blockers
Propranolol
- Non-selective, crosses BBB -> good for anxiety, tremors
Atenolol
- β1-selective, does not cross BBB -> cardio-focused
Metoprolol
- β1-selective, moderate CNS effect
Nebivolol
- β1-selective + nitric oxide booster -> vasodilation + BP drop without fatigue
Carvedilol
- Blocks β + α1 -> great for heart failure, reduces peripheral resistance
My two favorites
Propranolol and nebivolol are my favorite beta blockers. You can take the latter daily for acute blood pressure and heart rate control and the first one occasionally for anxiety.
Keep this in mind
You should take beta blockers in the morning or generally outside the workout time window. Increased blood pressure is crucial during a workout and the body upregulates that pathway naturally, disturbing it can decrease workout performance.
Dosages
You can take 10-20mg of propranolol 30-60 minutes before the time window you want the desired effects in. A typical dosage for nebivolol is around 5-20mg long-term, check your blood pressure afterwards to find your golden spot.