Presentation and propanolol

[Abs811]

Hello
I've just been prescribed propanolol for a big work presentation which is coming up, but I haven't taken it yet. I guess I want some reassurance that this will work and that I won't have any side effects of the meds!
I am such a nervous presenter. No matter how much I know my stuff, as soon as I have an audience, I visibly shake, my hards tremble and my heart races. As I'm so aware of the physical symptoms, I can't focus and the rest is a disaster! I did a presentation over a zoom the other day and I was so nervous, I actually closed my laptop and pretended I had a technical issue!
For those who's used propanolol, please tell me thus drug will help as I am dreading my presentation. And am I at risk of fainting with it? I have low BP, so am I bit worried. Thanks

Honestly, I know loads of people will come here and tell you that it's the best thing since sliced bread, but I'd steer clear. I took it for a tremor, not anxiety related but I do have anxiety issues. It did nothing for my tremor, nothing for my anxiety, and it made me hallucinate. I had to come off it.

I know that's not what you want to hear and I really do sympathise with you. I hope you can find a way to do it.

I get really nervous at interviews and find that propranolol really helps. I've never had any problems. You could try it first before your big presentation if you have something slightly stressful but less important coming up see how you react. Good luck. 💐

OP everyone is different but I use propanolol for presentations / interviews etc and it has been an absolute lifesaver for me. I also have low BP and it's never caused me any problems. It doesn't take away the nerves, it just stops the physical symptoms i.e the shaking. Ask if you have any more questions

And yes to trying it out beforehand

Try it out beforehand but the only effects it had on me where to slow a rapidly beating heart and stopped my hands shaking! Its brilliant! I also struggle with presentations and propranolol is a life saver.

It was a lifesaver for me when I started having panic attacks. Completely stopped the physical symptoms, I felt like myself again and able to think clearly. I would definitely try it out in advance though.

Thank you everyone, that's really helped! I have another video call presentation in a week, so I will try it for that to see how I react.

@Diagnosticdigressions I am hoping it will work for me. As soon as the spotlight in on me, my voice starts to tremble and I start to shake and that throws me. I can't calm my pounding heart and I know everyone can see my fear. If I could remove those physical symptoms, I think I could manage the presentations as I know my subject matter and I am confident talking about it, just not to an audience. I will let you know how I get on.

I forgot to ask. How much do you take for a presentation. I've been prescribed 40mg. Do I just take one tablet before my presentation?

I take a small, 10mg dose of propranolol ad hoc for things like this, or when I can feel panic rising. Works very well for me, and no side effects. It also helps me sleep sometimes when my mind is racing.

Hi, I took it for migraines as a preventative and didn't think it worked at all... Until I came off the stuff and realised how highly strung I was 😂😂. It didn't give me any nasty side effects, and just sort of 'levelled' me out. You could always take a test dose prior to see how you react.

I was prescribed 40mg to begin with but found that when I dropped my dose to 10mg this worked perfectly fine for day to day stuff. If I had a big presentation I might take 2 x 10mg. Probably just need to try it and see what works for you.

How far in advance should I take it? Is one hour before the presentation enough? I think I'll try 20mg to start. And how long do the effects last? Sorry for all the questions but the GP seemed in a hurry so I didn't have time to ask!

@Abs811 I have v similar symptoms to you when super nervous. Sometimes my head shakes too - awks! I'm prescribed 10mg pills and I take 2 before something I'm worried about, occasionally 3. I find large group social interaction pretty daunting too so I'll sometimes take one or 2 if I have to go to a party I'm v nervous about. As I say, it doesn't take away the nerves but 20 mg will take off the worst of the hand shakes and other physical symptoms. I think the instructions are 30 mins before (mine tends to kick in in a bit less time) and it lasts for a few hours

I fainted quite a few times when I was taking it (not for anxiety).

I find it kicks in within about ten mins.