Beta-blockers (such as atenolol or propranolol) are medications often used to treat high blood pressure and fast or irregular heart rates.

Beta-blockers may be used to treat people with mental health disorders, such as social anxiety disorder or schizophrenia, as they can prevent development of physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heart rate or tremors of the hands. They are also used to treat the tremors and restlessness that are common side effects associated with medications (such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers) used to treat schizophrenia.