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Original poster

Propanolol

17 replies

Mrscmac2207 · 29/12/2023 19:01

Does anyone have any experience with taking propranolol for public speaking? My new job means I have to give a presentation to 40+ people every few weeks and i start getting anxious about it weeks before so by the time it comes up I’m a shaking, trembling and sweating mess! I’ve read propranolol helps and I have an appointment with my gp but I’m not sure if they will prescribe it TIA

OP posts:
Redlarge · 29/12/2023 19:02

Yeah it does help. Take it an hour before x

chillichutneysarnie · 29/12/2023 19:04

Yes, it absolutely does help if taken an hour before and I got it prescribed by a private GP. I didn't try an NHS GP

nocoolnamesleft · 29/12/2023 19:05

Be aware that if you've ever had asthma/wheeze/needed an inhaler, you must not take propranolol as it would be dangerous.

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PinkCosYouAreSoVery · 29/12/2023 19:08

Yes I have it for this reason, my GP had no qualms whatsoever giving it to me. I waited years to ask for it and was kicking myself I didnt ask before, it was no big deal at all. And it works a charm. My voice used to shake and everything! No side effects for me either.

Nttttt · 29/12/2023 19:10

Not had propanolol but I have had diazepam a really low dosage and it changed my life. Only a very small amount (2mg) and I take it only when I need it. I was terrified to take it too as I have very bad health anxiety and I thought it would totally drug me.

I can be mid panic attack/anxiety episode where I can’t move or leave the house and within 45 minutes I feel so relaxed, like a different person and can go about my day :)

LeviOsaNotLeviosaa · 29/12/2023 19:13

It's a game changer! I was prescribed it for severe anxiety post a traumatic experience, despite being a regular inhaler user for asthma. Didn't interact at all, though I was told in no uncertain terms to have somebody with me when I took if for the first time, and seek medical help immediately if I felt wheezy. I am fortunate that my asthma is very well controlled, and also hasn't ever been especially dangerous. Propranolol makes a massive difference to my ability to cope with life.

Don't let asthma put you off trying something that might change your life (if relevant).

morellamalessdrama · 29/12/2023 19:16

I was prescribed this last May to help reduce public speaking anxiety. It's a real game changer. The GP was very laid back about it and he said it's commonly used for public speaking/big moments where anxiety may affect performance.

I take one tablet an hour before.

Blueeyedmale · 29/12/2023 19:20

LeviOsaNotLeviosaa · 29/12/2023 19:13

It's a game changer! I was prescribed it for severe anxiety post a traumatic experience, despite being a regular inhaler user for asthma. Didn't interact at all, though I was told in no uncertain terms to have somebody with me when I took if for the first time, and seek medical help immediately if I felt wheezy. I am fortunate that my asthma is very well controlled, and also hasn't ever been especially dangerous. Propranolol makes a massive difference to my ability to cope with life.

Don't let asthma put you off trying something that might change your life (if relevant).

It's really sad that I've read good reports about this drug being so good for anxiety unfortunately every gp I've spoken to flatly refuses to prescribe it due to being on a reliever inhaler and preventer inhaler for my asthma

Original poster
Mrscmac2207 · 29/12/2023 19:34

Thanks all, fingers crossed my GP will prescribe it for me, I have no health conditions or medications so 🙏

OP posts:
wudubelieveit · 29/12/2023 19:55

If you are going to be doing this regularly I would suggest hypnosis….it’s not great to get into a habit of needing medication to do a routine aspect of your job.

wudubelieveit · 29/12/2023 19:56

Also try emotional freedom technique,and even take a class on public speaking….all helped me when I used to have panic attacks.

Kapalika · 29/12/2023 20:14

Random - Orchestra Conductors often use it too. For calm and precision!

Floogal · 29/12/2023 20:43

I take it as it minimises migraines. Does work for that.

cringingatchristmas · 29/12/2023 20:45

Kapalika · 29/12/2023 20:14

Random - Orchestra Conductors often use it too. For calm and precision!

And plenty of orchestral players...

spanishviola · 29/12/2023 20:47

Blueeyedmale · 29/12/2023 19:20

It's really sad that I've read good reports about this drug being so good for anxiety unfortunately every gp I've spoken to flatly refuses to prescribe it due to being on a reliever inhaler and preventer inhaler for my asthma

Show quote history

I take both inhalers and my GP gives me a prescription. My asthma is well controlled unless I get a cold or flu and I haven’t found it makes me wheezy at all.

scoutingfor · 29/12/2023 20:48

nocoolnamesleft · 29/12/2023 19:05

Be aware that if you've ever had asthma/wheeze/needed an inhaler, you must not take propranolol as it would be dangerous.

That's not strictly true.

I have a respiratory condition and use a steroid inhaler and was prescribed this by my GP who said to take a 'test' dose and if it didn't affect my breathing she would be happy for me to use it on and as and when basis. She told me that it can affect breathing but it doesn't always affect breathing and certainly not to a large degree.

Kapalika · 29/12/2023 21:03

Which makes perfect sense too!😀

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