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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sammybabe on February 17, 2005, at 19:22:16
Hi. I have a major fear of public speaking -- my heart beats like crazy, I sweat, and feel frozen. Can anyone recommend a good anti-anxiety drug that might help me with this specific phobia?
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 20:32:07
In reply to Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety drug?, posted by Sammybabe on February 17, 2005, at 19:22:16
I've heard that a lot people take inderal, a beta blocker for this reason. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Racer on February 18, 2005, at 16:06:14
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety drug? » Sammybabe, posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 20:32:07
Yep, Inderol (propranalol) is a beta blocker, and it will stop precisely those symptoms. It won't do a thing to stop any of your thinking anxiety, but it will stop your physical symptoms. I've been told that some surgeons will take it before surgery, to help keep their hands from shaking.
Hope that helps.
Posted by celticmom on February 21, 2005, at 17:25:21
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by Racer on February 18, 2005, at 16:06:14
I can agree from personal experience. My sister, a pdoc, once gave me a beta blocker before a job interview. I was so nervous I didn't think I would do well, but I took it about a half hour ahead of time and did great. I even got the job! My sister takes them herself when she has to give presentations.
Posted by worrier1 on March 7, 2005, at 1:18:45
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by celticmom on February 21, 2005, at 17:25:21
I plan on taking Inderal for the first time for a presentation to a large group of people. I have a few questions:
1. How soon before the actual presentation should I "ramp up"?
2. What dose should I start with, and how should I ramp up, to be safe? Do I even need to ramp up?
3. I know that combining alcohol with it is bad for several reasons. My question is how long after taking inderal is it safe to have a beer or two? 4+ hours, or more like a day?
Thank you!
Posted by reefer on March 7, 2005, at 15:57:26
In reply to Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety drug?, posted by Sammybabe on February 17, 2005, at 19:22:16
Inderal would help with the physical symptoms. But i prefer to take Xanax since it calms me without making me tired.
Posted by jakeman on March 8, 2005, at 23:52:24
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by worrier1 on March 7, 2005, at 1:18:45
> I plan on taking Inderal for the first time for a presentation to a large group of people. I have a few questions:
> 1. How soon before the actual presentation should I "ramp up"?
> 2. What dose should I start with, and how should I ramp up, to be safe? Do I even need to ramp up?
> 3. I know that combining alcohol with it is bad for several reasons. My question is how long after taking inderal is it safe to have a beer or two? 4+ hours, or more like a day?
> Thank youCelticmom,
I have used Inderal on several occasions for this purpose. It works well to stop the adrenaline rushes, heart pounding, shaky voice, etc. You may want to experiment ahead of time to see what dose works best for you. For something pretty stressful I take 40 mg 45 mins to a hour before the event, on an empty stomach. Sometimes I get by ok splitting the pill in half and taking 20 mg. I don't see any need to ramp up. As far as drinking, check to see its half-life, which I'm thinking is about 4 to 6 hours.
-Jake
Posted by jakeman on March 8, 2005, at 23:56:09
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by jakeman on March 8, 2005, at 23:52:24
Posted by gromit on March 9, 2005, at 0:51:47
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by Racer on February 18, 2005, at 16:06:14
> Yep, Inderol (propranalol) is a beta blocker, and it will stop precisely those symptoms. It won't do a thing to stop any of your thinking anxiety, but it will stop your physical symptoms. I've been told that some surgeons will take it before surgery, to help keep their hands from shaking.
It stops the sweating, really? This is a big problem for me, if I go to the bank and there is any kind of line I won't go in. It doesn't help that my meds make me sweat even more.
Can beta blockers increase depression? I have a relative who claims after one dose she was at the hospital suicidal but she lies so much I'm not sure what to believe.
Thanks
Rick
Posted by SLS on March 9, 2005, at 6:57:48
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by gromit on March 9, 2005, at 0:51:47
Hi Rick.
> > Yep, Inderol (propranalol) is a beta blocker, and it will stop precisely those symptoms. It won't do a thing to stop any of your thinking anxiety, but it will stop your physical symptoms. I've been told that some surgeons will take it before surgery, to help keep their hands from shaking.
> It stops the sweating, really? This is a big problem for me, if I go to the bank and there is any kind of line I won't go in. It doesn't help that my meds make me sweat even more.
>
> Can beta blockers increase depression? I have a relative who claims after one dose she was at the hospital suicidal but she lies so much I'm not sure what to believe.I have seen some debate on this issue. I have never taken Inderal to be able to provide personal experience. However, I believe that Inderal can produce depression in vulnerable individuals. It seems to be quite infrequent, though, even among depressives. You won't know unless you try it.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on March 9, 2005, at 13:37:59
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by SLS on March 9, 2005, at 6:57:48
I was given lopressor 25mg which is somewhat similar to inderal to block anxiety. It made me extremelyl tired. Is that what was meant by depression? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by gromit on March 9, 2005, at 15:03:36
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by SLS on March 9, 2005, at 6:57:48
Posted by gromit on March 9, 2005, at 16:58:33
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by Phillipa on March 9, 2005, at 13:37:59
> I was given lopressor 25mg which is somewhat similar to inderal to block anxiety. It made me extremelyl tired. Is that what was meant by depression? Fondly, Phillipa
Being constantly tired is one of my worst symptoms, anything that increases it is the last thing I need. I suppose I'll ask my GP if she has samples next time I see her anyway.
Thanks
Rick
Posted by worrier1 on March 9, 2005, at 20:06:50
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by jakeman on March 8, 2005, at 23:52:24
I found information on the half life of Propranolol (Inderal) at the following site:
http://bhj.org/journal/2002_4401_jan/review_56.htmIt says that the half life is 3.5-6 hours, for a dose of 80-480mg. I take 20-30mg as needed for presentations, so I think it's safe to say that it will be safe to drink lightly (1-2 beers), say 8 hours after taking 20-30mg? Anyone object? (I definitely want to hear if anyone has any experience with this!!!)
This is important if you're like me, and you're taking propranolol for important presentations where you must appear calm (which makes you more confident and perform better), and then go out with folks later on, to celebrate your job interview, presentation, or other such event.
Thanks!
> I have used Inderal on several occasions for this purpose. It works well to stop the adrenaline rushes, heart pounding, shaky voice, etc. You may want to experiment ahead of time to see what dose works best for you. For something pretty stressful I take 40 mg 45 mins to a hour before the event, on an empty stomach. Sometimes I get by ok splitting the pill in half and taking 20 mg. I don't see any need to ramp up. As far as drinking, check to see its half-life, which I'm thinking is about 4 to 6 hours.
> -Jake
Posted by Jakeman on March 9, 2005, at 22:00:09
In reply to Re: best anti-anxiety drug..interaction w/alcohol, posted by worrier1 on March 9, 2005, at 20:06:50
I have drank beer within 3 hours of taking Inderal 40 mg. I didn't feel any adverse effects. But then everyone is different.
> I found information on the half life of Propranolol (Inderal) at the following site:
> http://bhj.org/journal/2002_4401_jan/review_56.htm
>
> It says that the half life is 3.5-6 hours, for a dose of 80-480mg. I take 20-30mg as needed for presentations, so I think it's safe to say that it will be safe to drink lightly (1-2 beers), say 8 hours after taking 20-30mg? Anyone object? (I definitely want to hear if anyone has any experience with this!!!)
>
> This is important if you're like me, and you're taking propranolol for important presentations where you must appear calm (which makes you more confident and perform better), and then go out with folks later on, to celebrate your job interview, presentation, or other such event.
>
> Thanks!
>
> > I have used Inderal on several occasions for this purpose. It works well to stop the adrenaline rushes, heart pounding, shaky voice, etc. You may want to experiment ahead of time to see what dose works best for you. For something pretty stressful I take 40 mg 45 mins to a hour before the event, on an empty stomach. Sometimes I get by ok splitting the pill in half and taking 20 mg. I don't see any need to ramp up. As far as drinking, check to see its half-life, which I'm thinking is about 4 to 6 hours.
> > -Jake
>
>
Posted by repop on April 14, 2005, at 22:37:04
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety drug?, posted by reefer on March 7, 2005, at 15:57:26
How about combining .25 Xanax and 40mg Inderal 1 hour before speaking. Wouldn't that be the best?
r
Posted by irishcatholic on April 15, 2005, at 12:13:23
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by repop on April 14, 2005, at 22:37:04
Ativan works great for me.
I had to give a major technical presentation to a large crowd and I aced it.
But make sure to test your response ahead of time.
Don't want to come across as zonked.BTW the beta blockers are what started me down the whole depression path IMHO so I would avoid them unless that's your only med alternative.
Also it really does help to visualize the audience sitting there in their underware!
Good luck.
Posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2005, at 18:31:31
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by irishcatholic on April 15, 2005, at 12:13:23
Or naked! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Tepiaca on April 15, 2005, at 20:28:13
In reply to Re: Fear of public speaking: best anti-anxiety dr, posted by irishcatholic on April 15, 2005, at 12:13:23
This is the end of the thread.
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