Propranol Question

AMG1970 wrote:Hi - I have had a terrible time in work conferences, company meetings for years. Blush, trembly voice. I've avoided & made my excuses so many times.

Had a work conference recently where there was the "possibility" of role plays etc - well I went in to "meltdown" at the mere thought of it.

I had a diazapan left over & thought it wouldn't be enough to get me through. Went to the doctor who prescibed me Prpranol. I took that & about 2 hours in took the diazapan. Felt relaxed & could contribute to the meeting (for a change). In the end didn't have to do any roleplay, but at least I could sit there rationally rather then wanting to jump out the nearest window.

I think this little "cocktail" may work for me. I have also started CBT. I agree with the principles, but I don't get to face my fear enough(maybe 3 times a year), I think would be more effective with spider phobia etc.

My dilema now is, getting the doctor to prescibe to me on an on going basis. Any suggestions???? I have even considered getting on-line? Is that possible, some of these canadian sites look quite legitimate. Or am I just being gullible. Advice or even recommendations of trustworthy sites please!!

Surely taking a little tablet 3-4 times a year isn't going to do any harm is it??

You have to treat the anxiety the natural way. Most people suffering from anxiety are hypoglycemic. First step in treatment is going on a hypoglycemic diet.

any other advice?

AMG1970 wrote:any other advice?

It may not do any harm but the you're not really getting to the root of the problem. You will probably be eliminating your fear of anxiety short term, but long term its doing nothing. You need to find a natural way to tackle the problem. There are loads and loads of tips out there that can help with this sort of stuff. I've been doing some searching around and there are loads of ways to help you overcome fear of public speaking. If I find something worthwhile, I may let you in on the info. But in the meantime, you may want to try toastmasters??

Interesting comments. Thanks for your information. After 30 years I still get the racing heart just before a talk or just before I have to say something in group. I've been in Toastmasters for 6 years now. It has helped me meet it face on but hasn't eliminated it.

I might try the beta blockers I have been reading about.

No taking it a few times should be okay.
Your doctor should also prescribe it to you if you tell them you use it for social anxiety or public speaking.

Captntup wrote:
I might try the beta blockers I have been reading about.

Propanolol is absolutely amazing for public speaking. Take 1 hour before presentation etc.
The fear comes but subsides in like half a second and nothing but confidence shines.

It is a good feeling, and after many many tries you can phase it out slowly and present or speak in public without it.

Good luck.

Hi All,

I found this thread when searching online for tips and advice for public speaking. I like a lot of the people on this thread have the exact same problems, sometimes when i am reading the posts it sounds like me talking!

I managed to dodge as many presentations/public speaking opportunities but this one i cannot ignore - i am best man for my brothers wedding.

Nightmare.

So I keep hearing about this Propranolol and it sounds like my ticket to success. Only problem is I have no idea where to get it. I am from Ireland so not sure if I can get my hands on it like you guys! My friends mother had a heart condition and she uses Emcor also known as Bisoprolol. Do any of you guys know if this will be as good as Propranolol? Especially for public speaking?

To get a prescription for Propranolol is it as straightforward as seeing your local doctor, explaining that you have anxiety problems and that you need the drug?

Reading these stories have inspired me and I would love if you could come back to me and help me out, the wedding is in three weeks!!

Thanks in advance,

Cowen

Hi All,

I found this thread when searching online for tips and advice for public speaking. I like a lot of the people on this thread have the exact same problems, sometimes when i am reading the posts it sounds like me talking!

I managed to dodge as many presentations/public speaking opportunities but this one i cannot ignore - i am best man for my brothers wedding.

Nightmare.

So I keep hearing about this Propranolol and it sounds like my ticket to success. Only problem is I have no idea where to get it. I am from Ireland so not sure if I can get my hands on it like you guys! My friends mother had a heart condition and she uses Emcor also known as Bisoprolol. Do any of you guys know if this will be as good as Propranolol? Especially for public speaking?

To get a prescription for Propranolol is it as straightforward as seeing your local doctor, explaining that you have anxiety problems and that you need the drug?

Reading these stories have inspired me and I would love if you could come back to me and help me out, the wedding is in three weeks!!

Thanks in advance,

Cowen

cowen wrote:Hi All,

1. Emcor also known as Bisoprolol. Do any of you guys know if this will be as good as Propranolol? Especially for public speaking?

2. To get a prescription for Propranolol is it as straightforward as seeing your local doctor, explaining that you have anxiety problems and that you need the drug?
Cowen

1. Emcor also known as Bisoprolol. No way to be sure , do not take it without getting professional advice (doctor)

2. To get a prescription for Propranolol is it as straightforward as seeing your local doctor?
YES. Speak to your doctor and be honest and blunt. Tell the doctor you have a fear of public speaking and make sure you tell them it is not just a simple fear, tell the doctor it is a debilitating fear that can cause you to freeze up and not speak. Also mention that you read propranolol works great for stage fright. The doctor may or may not give you a prescription but most likely should.

Thanks for all your advice folks.

I will tell the doctor that works for me & hopefully she will give to me again.

It's not a problem I have to face often, but when I do - I go to pieces.

The CBT is good, but don't think it will "cure" me.

Good luck with thebest mans speech - tell us how you got on!!! I hope the doctor perscibed for you

Many people take Propanolol, and your doctor shouldn't have a problem prescribing it if it's only for those 3 times a year, or whatever, that you might need it. Those online pharmacies are legit, but you still need a prescription.

I've used Propanolol myself, and it was a life-saver. However, I decided to just do the exposure thing, and it worked. I tried all the cognitive techniques as well, and to be honest they didn't help me a bit (but that's just me). What did work was just standing up there and doing it: tunnel vision, shaking hands, dry mouth, butterflies - you name it. But on the sixth time it just went away naturally, and now I do presentations all the the time.

It's just understanding the stress response: your body's geared up for fight or flight, because it thinks its in danger. But then you do it consistently, and each time it learns through experience that there is no real threat - so it allows itself to calm down

Uncomfortable feelings are just uncomfortable feelings. If you allow them to be, you'll notice that they eventually pass. And even if they don't go away totally, its not the end of the world. But yeah, to get more experience I'd use the medication for a few - but I'd encourage you to then try it without. There was a time when I would rather die than speak in public, but once you get over it it's so liberating!