Do beta blockers work for public speaking?

jules722 · Post by **jules722** » Sat May 02, 2009 7:23 pm

Hi, I have a group presentation coming up in a class on Monday. My shrink gave me beta blockers which he said will keep me from having a panic attck. Its not even the speaking in front of people that scares me but more of having a panick attack in front of 50 people and running out. I'm sure I will still feel uncomfortable but will the beta blockers help keep me from having an attack? I know that learning to not fear the attack will eventually drive them away but I can't help that i'm terrified of having one in front of people. I've thought about not going to class or even dropping out because I'm scared. My teacher knows whats going on but I still have to do it. Really scared,,,hating life and havent been sleeping! Has anyone had experiences with beta blockers and anxiety attacks/public speaking? Help!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 08, 2009 3:02 am

I dont know about beta blockers but I work with public speakers for a living. If your teacher knows of your phobia, request that you have a chair in front of the class and that you start off sitting in the chair. Sitting will help keep you from feeling so exposed and to help you remain calm. You can tell yourself and your teacher that you may stay in the chair the whole time or, if you start to ease up you can stand up at some point. Baby steps.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 08, 2009 4:45 am

Hi there...I take a beta blocker everyday for my anxiety. Three times a day and I have had a good result. I would take it and best of luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 08, 2009 2:59 pm

I take a beta blocker to control my anxiety. It takes the edge off and doesn't have any weird side effects. My doctor doctor takes a beta blocker when she does public speaking and she said it works great for that.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 11:04 am

My doctor perscribed a beta blocker, he said it would help with heart palpitations. I am too nervous to take it though. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:16 am

I took a beta blocker to bring down my blood pressure and reduce my heart rate. It made me have panic attacks. I never really had any before taking the beta blocker. I am off the beta blocker and have had maybe one minor panic attack (more anxiety attack) off of the blocker. Beware of them. They work great for reducing your heart rate, but not sure about the panic attack thing.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:04 am

My doctor prescribed a beta blocker to me for anxiety. My heart gets really high when anxiety gets bad, and I take 1/4 of a beta blocker. It has seemed to help slow my heart rate down and keeps it down for several hours. It has worked for me. I have recently had to take it again, and had not taken it in a year! My anxiety has gone up recently and my heart rate has been out of the roof, so I had to take it. It works for me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 3:38 pm

Beta blockers are very commonly prescribed for performers - even experienced, professional ones. I take it every day for rapid heartrate due to stress, and it works great for me. A good friend takes it sometimes when she performs - she's a musician - and she has had good results with it as well. It can sometimes have some minor side effects in the beginning, but nothing serious or very bothersome.