to think taking propranolol (adrenaline blocker) for a marked presentation isn't cheating

[user1489509816]

On Monday I have a presentation which is marked out of 50 overall. Content and the way the content is presented is all marked.

Everyone is really nervous and I suspect most people will be shaking/sweating their way through it. It's a never wracking experience and the highest marker will be kept on after the internship. I have got a prescription of propranolol which completely stops my shaking and other adrenaline related effects so while I will be nervous I won't look it and I will be able to concentrate more on the delivery of the presentation.

I asked anyone else if they took beta blockers and they all looked at me blankly so I presume they don't know about them.

I now feel a bit guilty about this. If I didn't have propranolol I wouldn't even be able to do the presentation I would be too nervous.

I'm very good at my job but can't do presentations or speeches. I hate them.

Am I cheating? AIBU to think it's not cheating to take this medication? I know it's an unfair advantage.

Of course it's not cheating! :) lots of ppl take them for specific things that are triggers for them (the dentist etc)

I wouldn't call it cheating but work environments and jobs can often require a fair bit of presentations and public speaking, even if just in meetings. I'd use it this time if time is short but then find a course like toastmasters to help learn the skills to overcome your nerves naturally

Well I take 120mg a day most days sometimes 160mg. It just stops the physical effects of anxiety, I can't see how that could be cheating anything I'd be cheating at life in general in that case

Don't give it another thought, it's awesome stuff.

Definitely not cheating! I used to be on beta blockers. They are prescribed for good reason and if your other competitors don't have them it is more than likely because they don't need them. Beta-blockers help primarily with the physical side effects of anxiety- shaking, vomiting, diarrhoea etc which don't regularly affect most people.
When I really needed mine I needed to take them so I could stop vomiting long enough to leave the house- that gave me no advantage over a regular person.

Def not cheating. I physically can't do public speaking/presentations. I was prescribed propanolol 10mg to take pre presentations a few years ago. I know I would have failed my post grad without them as I had to do several presentations which accounted for the majority of my overall mark. Without propanolol I would sweat,shake,have palpitations and not be able to breath (complete panic attack). I was on the verge of leaving the course when my gp prescribed this. (I never give up at anything easily) For my first presentation I also took Xanax but I just felt like I wasn't feeling anything..no nerves at all which I didn't like. With the propanolol I still feel very nervous but can stand up and be in control of my presentation just like most other people. I aced all my exams and now have my dream job. I will never go into management or any area where public speaking would be a regular requirement as I don't think ild enjoy a job that would require me to take medication regularly. Bar the occasional interview I haven't had to take it since.
Good luck with your presentation

On a complete side note, wow! I'm rather envious of those people who can tolerate propranolol at high doses.

I have tried and failed to push through the 'initial' side effects and even on 30mg a day spread out into 3 10mg doses, I was comatose. I tried for 4-5 months and gave up as it just doesn't suit me.

You know the zombies you see on tv where they stagger around slowly yet determined? They were way more lively than I was! I couldn't keep my eyes open and slept almost all the time, unless propped up by massive amounts of caffeine, which kinda defeats the purpose, of stabilising pressure on my heart.

I was supposed to go up to 40mg x 3 daily so goodness knows what I'd have been like then!

Anyway, I wonder why my body reacts so differently???

I take 20mg for presentations. Works like a charm

Take one at the weekend to make sure you have no adverse reaction

Just thinking on, I do wonder whether you need to clarify with your colleagues that you take prescribed anxiety medication?

If the conversation with them left you worried you're cheating, maybe that impression was shared by them? Or do you think it's just you being randomly paranoid?!

You need to get ahead of any rumours that could scupper your achievements, if it's that sort of work environment / company culture?

Yanbu my music teacher used to advocate beta-blockers for music exams and performances