Social Anxiety Support

deltan144 · 07-29-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsamystery

I'd be very careful with benzos--they're addictive, expensive, and your body needs more and more of it to be effective.

Over here in Australia, benzos are much cheaper than propanol which is weird

hey25 · 07-29-2009, 11:04 PM

Reading this post is a sort of inspiration to me, your description of your public speaking fear mirrors everything I've been going through the past few years and your experience with Inderal gives me hope for the future. Other people just don't understand what a burden this is. The sleepless nights and constant feeling of dread, and not knowing why. It's awful. I wish I had known about this years ago. I never used to have a problem with public speaking. In fact I used to enjoy giving presentations, getting attention etc. Once I went to HS I gave a really bad presentation but still didn't mind when I had to do it.

When I got to college I choked on my first presentation and have had a crippling fear of it ever since. I'm a marketing major and typically have multiple group presentations per semester. My fear has gotten so bad that the only way I can get through it is by practicing my maximum of 3-4 slides I will take and memorizing word for word exactly what I am going to say. Up to a week before the presentation I get so nervous that I lose sleep about it, have a constant knot in my stomach, and spend the entire day or 2 prior practicing by myself. When it comes time to get the presentation I typically get through it red faced, as fast as I can, with my hands lodged in my pockets- never even looking at my note cards- and when it's over I can't remember any of it- it's like I black out. For some reason though, once the presentation is over I am able to field questions pretty naturally. In the past I have been so nervous that I drink a little beforehand, and have bought OTC 'natural' relaxation remedies such as Valerian root, l-theanine, etc.- They do not work.

I don't know why I hate it so much. I try to tell myself that the presentation itself doesn't make me nervous. I always know and sometimes even like the material that I'm presenting. Sometimes it's even stuff that I want to let everyone know about. But like clockwork, whenever I get in front of a room I have an instant physical reaction- my heart races out of my chest, my hands shake, my face turns red, and my voice quivers. And once I notice any of these things, it's game over. I completely lose my cool and just want to bury myself in bed and never wake up. Last year we had to individually go in front of the class to introduce ourselves. Name, major, grad year, and why you are a good candidate for the class. I looked at everyone else go up there and drone on about themselves so confidently and then when it's my turn I just start shaking and what's worse is my friend in the class laughed at me. I hate it. I'm shy, but I'm not that shy. I have loads of friends, but when it comes to stuff like this- it just completely cripples me. I know that it's not just presentations. I'm starting to realize that I have some deeper rooted problems and problem at least a mild case of social anxiety but by far my number 1 problem/fear is public speaking.

Seeing what Inderal has done for people has given me hope and I think I'm going to go to my doctor before semester starts and see if I can get a prescription. My main problem with giving a presentation always has seemed to be the physical reaction I have to it, and if I can take a drug that will block that reaction while keeping me clear headed and calm- I couldn't think of anything better. I'm nervous about asking- do you think he'll say no because I'm looking for meds? Either way, I have to do it. This is my senior year and I really don't want to let this awful fear control my life once again for my last year in college. It's either this or SWIM is going to buy xanax off his friend, even though he knows it's a very bad idea-- he's running out of options.

Sorry for the rant. It's just that is the first time I've ever been able to express any of that to anyone besides myself, even if I don't know any of you (and plus I know you've heard it all before- this seems like a very common problem on internet forums like this).

homer · 07-30-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hey25

I'm nervous about asking- do you think he'll say no because I'm looking for meds?

A doctor won't have any problem prescribing propranolol for you, unless you have some medical conditions that might warrant some caution. It isn't a medication that drug seekers ask for, as it doesn't make you feel good. Just tell your doctor you've struggle with presentations and you've heard propranolol can help. My doctor would be writing the script before I finished the sentence.

A benzo is a different story.

itsamystery · 07-30-2009, 07:43 AM

I agree--go right to your doctor and he/she won't have a problem. they've probably given it before and maybe even used this trade secret themselves.
When you make the appointment you can even say you'd like a prescription for a beta blocker (Inderal) for a social anxiety and get that part out of the way promptly.

It's been a career saver for me.
If you can stay away from benzos, you're better off.

I agree with you too--the herbal things (Valarian Root, Kava) do very little to help this situation because it's primarily thay you're one of those people whose adrennaline response is very strong. Doesn't mean you're shy or non social either.

when will we be new skin · 08-27-2009, 06:02 PM

Yay I am very excited to try this. Not that I want to make a speech...haha. But I am really hopeful that it will work. I don't get it for two and a half weeks though. I am becoming impatient!

tuneful · 09-18-2009, 02:25 PM

Same exact symptoms here.. and been dealing with it for years. Ten years ago I finally opened up to my doctor because I was about to interview for a job I wanted and I was desperate. He wrote me a scrip for Inderal. What a revelation!

This social phobia thing is insidious. I have gone to some pretty unbelievable measures over the years to avoid public speaking. It was to the point where I couldn't deal with the thought of something like even jury duty. And yep, 'normal' people just have no clue what it's like to have this burden. It's a weird thing... I would be able to speak up in a group situation to answer a question or whatever, but if we went around the room it would usually be a disaster. In my first professional job I had a very bad experience with that situation which really scarred me, so from that point on it was avoid at all costs. Over the years I tried everything -self help books, subliminal suggestion, saw a counselor for a few sessions, and even dragged myself to a Toastmasters meeting - which was not what I expected and did not go back.

Inderal has basically lifted this whole burden from me. If I know I'll be in a situation I will take 40mg about an hour before. It just about totally suppresses the fight or flight syndrome - racing heartbeat, shakey voice, etc. Most of all it clears your head so you can think normally! I still get nervous before, but probably just normally so. I think knowing my body won't betray me greatly reduces the lead up nervousness... which used to be almost debilitating. I really don't know where I'd be without it.
It's fairly easy to get online without a prescription... just search for Inderal or the generic name Propranolol.

Thomas Ninja · 09-19-2009, 06:24 PM

Mow I'm interested!!! But what are the side effects, short and long term?

tuneful · 09-20-2009, 09:48 AM

I've been using Inderal for over 10 years... but only when I really need to. Right now I've gone months without using it. At other times my work situation would requre maybe once or twice a week. I really try to only use it for situations that would induce panic symptoms, not just being uncomfortable. The most I used it was when I had to travel to a client site as the technical lead on the project, and sit through large daily meetings for a week as the vendor 'software expert'. I did 40 mg in the morning and 20mg after lunch for 5 days in a row. I honestly don't know what I would have done without it because there was no way I was getting out of that trip.

Side effects: the way I use it... really none. I will say that if I do 40mg in the morning, I will not do anything overphysical that day - like cardio exercise. I notice that, even 10 hours later, my heart rate during exercise is suppressed. I figure that can't be good, so I just don't exercise those days. So along with keeping your heart from racing, it seems to also suppress it during those times you'd like it to rise... like climbing stairs, exercise, etc. Not a big thing, but you have to be aware of it.

The other thing I notice is that once you see you can be 'normal' in stressful situations, you may think you have this social phobia thing licked. After using it for a while I tried to lessen the dose to 20mg, which worked ok, then tried not taking it during a situation where I normally would have. That didn't go so well. So the bottom line is that it's not going to cure you, but used judiciously will give you your life back.

when will we be new skin · 09-20-2009, 11:52 AM

I used 10mgs for the first time on Wednesday. It did not make me comfortable enough to speak but it did make me feel less tense. I was actually relaxed in class which is a first in a long time. But like you said, I did notice that it supressed my heartbeat when I was walking to class.... it was a strange feeling.

I am going to try 20mgs tomorrow and see how that goes. So far I am happy I've tried this drug.

Positive · 09-21-2009, 11:18 PM

Has the original poster or other people experienced blushing/sweating before and after taking propranolol?

My issue is that when and if I become embarassed, my heart races and I start to blush, and then sweat. However, if conversations are smoothe and in my favor, nothing comes from it.

Do they prescribe these 10mg per tablet as so it seems. It seems like you can take up to 80-100mg in an hour or so?

I plan to use this in meetings, just to calm myself. I am going to make an appointment soon to explore my options. Thanks.

meyaj · 09-21-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Positive

Has the original poster or other people experienced blushing/sweating before and after taking propranolol?

My issue is that when and if I become embarassed, my heart races and I start to blush, and then sweat. However, if conversations are smoothe and in my favor, nothing comes from it.

Do they prescribe these 10mg per tablet as so it seems. It seems like you can take up to 80-100mg in an hour or so?

I plan to use this in meetings, just to calm myself. I am going to make an appointment soon to explore my options. Thanks.

Just make the appointment already

Putting things off doesn't accomplish much.

Especially if your doc decides to treat you for an anxiety disorder, you'll probably have to meet him/her relatively frequently for medication adjustments. I'm normally a procrastinator but I know if I had put off every doctor's appoint for a week or so, I'd be about 6 months behind in treatment.

Anna · 09-24-2009, 07:33 PM

i want this propranolol. now.

i've never heard of this drug before... weird. why the hell didn't a doctor ever mention this as an option? ugh. i'd think if it does what people here are saying it does, it'd be one of the first to be considered, or at least mentioned, especially if it's non habit forming.

i'm going to ask my doctor about taking this before i have to go through another job interview with my heart in my throat.

Positive · 09-24-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meyaj

Just make the appointment already

Putting things off doesn't accomplish much.

Especially if your doc decides to treat you for an anxiety disorder, you'll probably have to meet him/her relatively frequently for medication adjustments. I'm normally a procrastinator but I know if I had put off every doctor's appoint for a week or so, I'd be about 6 months behind in treatment.

im going saturday.

alex13abcde · 09-24-2009, 10:20 PM

I received inderal LA 2 weeks ago ( generic called provanol SR 80) and tried it everyday since ( 80 or 160 mgs).
I noticed a difference the first few days and then my nervousness and all its symptoms just went back to normal ( still squeaky voice and uncontrollable breathing when I would speak in front of people).
Everyone's opinion seems so positive that I'm wondering if I got something wrong when using it or if my pills may be counterfeited ( bought on the website pharmacy escrow).
Should I switch to regular Inderal/propranolol pills rather than extended release ?
If anyone satisfied with the results bought them from a website, where did you get them?

icedCoffee · 09-25-2009, 10:37 AM

Would love to hear any stories about combining Inderal & Xanax(small dose) to get a synergistic effect.

I assume I can take Inderal every day in the am? It wears off after 12 hours or so.... maybe I could take it at 7am and by 7pm I could exercise w/out any of the drug side effects?

So no problems taking it daily (say 5 days a week) for a job? I would like to do this for a new job in the future so I don't stress out all day long like I usually do with a new job and xanax really slows me down mentally too much to use daily that is for sure, I save xanax for presentations, big social events, etc....

I'm going to a doc soon so I can't wait to get Inderal! I don't know if I'll even get xanax because I have to go to a new doc since I've moved away.

Thanks.

morris09 · 09-26-2009, 04:36 PM

Metoprolol is a safer bet. Proponol is not guaranteed to work as it is not as strong.

homer · 09-26-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morris09

Metoprolol is a safer bet. Proponol is not guaranteed to work as it is not as strong.

I would recommend propranolol first. Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker and will cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to affect some of the adrenaline receptors in the brain. For SAD and dealing with an intense and potentially traumatic situation, I believe this can provide a benefit. I know I spend less time worrying about presentations after the fact when taking propranolol. I do not believe any of the other beta blockers are as effective in this regard.

Look at some of the research on PTSD and propranolol for some more background.

Payn · 09-26-2009, 11:30 PM

Can I take inderal(propranolol) together with selegiline ?

alex13abcde · 09-29-2009, 02:38 AM

If anyone here bought their Inderal from the Internet and was satisfied with the results, could you please give me the links?

Thanks a lot.

Alex

Sarah106 · 10-01-2009, 07:45 PM

Wow, I have these exact same experiences. It can be as simple as being in a group and someone asking me a quesiton. Then the heart racing, face redness, shaking, etc., starts and I can't control it. I think if I did not have those symptoms I would be almost over this madness.

I have a few questions about it, though. What are the different types? I've seen a couple different names. Also, how much should you generally take? Is it dangerous to take long term? If you do take it and then have to run or something is it dangerous for your heart? Sorry, that may be a dumb question, but I felt I should ask.

I think I'm going to ask my dr. about it. I'm nervous, though.

07-30-2009, 07:43 AM	#24 (permalink)
itsamystery Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 14	prescription/doctor I agree--go right to your doctor and he/she won't have a problem. they've probably given it before and maybe even used this trade secret themselves. When you make the appointment you can even say you'd like a prescription for a beta blocker (Inderal) for a social anxiety and get that part out of the way promptly. It's been a career saver for me. If you can stay away from benzos, you're better off. I agree with you too--the herbal things (Valarian Root, Kava) do very little to help this situation because it's primarily thay you're one of those people whose adrennaline response is very strong. Doesn't mean you're shy or non social either.

08-27-2009, 06:02 PM	#25 (permalink)
when will we be new skin Status: SAS Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: indiana Gender: Female Age: 22 Posts: 154	Yay I am very excited to try this. Not that I want to make a speech...haha. But I am really hopeful that it will work. I don't get it for two and a half weeks though. I am becoming impatient! __________________ Unlearn me. Ditch what I read, behind what I heard. Look. Find. Free.

09-20-2009, 11:52 AM	#29 (permalink)
when will we be new skin Status: SAS Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: indiana Gender: Female Age: 22 Posts: 154	I used 10mgs for the first time on Wednesday. It did not make me comfortable enough to speak but it did make me feel less tense. I was actually relaxed in class which is a first in a long time. But like you said, I did notice that it supressed my heartbeat when I was walking to class.... it was a strange feeling. I am going to try 20mgs tomorrow and see how that goes. So far I am happy I've tried this drug. __________________ Unlearn me. Ditch what I read, behind what I heard. Look. Find. Free.

07-29-2009, 11:04 PM	#22 (permalink)
hey25 Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Gender: Male Age: 21 Posts: 26	Reading this post is a sort of inspiration to me, your description of your public speaking fear mirrors everything I've been going through the past few years and your experience with Inderal gives me hope for the future. Other people just don't understand what a burden this is. The sleepless nights and constant feeling of dread, and not knowing why. It's awful. I wish I had known about this years ago. I never used to have a problem with public speaking. In fact I used to enjoy giving presentations, getting attention etc. Once I went to HS I gave a really bad presentation but still didn't mind when I had to do it. When I got to college I choked on my first presentation and have had a crippling fear of it ever since. I'm a marketing major and typically have multiple group presentations per semester. My fear has gotten so bad that the only way I can get through it is by practicing my maximum of 3-4 slides I will take and memorizing word for word exactly what I am going to say. Up to a week before the presentation I get so nervous that I lose sleep about it, have a constant knot in my stomach, and spend the entire day or 2 prior practicing by myself. When it comes time to get the presentation I typically get through it red faced, as fast as I can, with my hands lodged in my pockets- never even looking at my note cards- and when it's over I can't remember any of it- it's like I black out. For some reason though, once the presentation is over I am able to field questions pretty naturally. In the past I have been so nervous that I drink a little beforehand, and have bought OTC 'natural' relaxation remedies such as Valerian root, l-theanine, etc.- They do not work. I don't know why I hate it so much. I try to tell myself that the presentation itself doesn't make me nervous. I always know and sometimes even like the material that I'm presenting. Sometimes it's even stuff that I want to let everyone know about. But like clockwork, whenever I get in front of a room I have an instant physical reaction- my heart races out of my chest, my hands shake, my face turns red, and my voice quivers. And once I notice any of these things, it's game over. I completely lose my cool and just want to bury myself in bed and never wake up. Last year we had to individually go in front of the class to introduce ourselves. Name, major, grad year, and why you are a good candidate for the class. I looked at everyone else go up there and drone on about themselves so confidently and then when it's my turn I just start shaking and what's worse is my friend in the class laughed at me. I hate it. I'm shy, but I'm not that shy. I have loads of friends, but when it comes to stuff like this- it just completely cripples me. I know that it's not just presentations. I'm starting to realize that I have some deeper rooted problems and problem at least a mild case of social anxiety but by far my number 1 problem/fear is public speaking. Seeing what Inderal has done for people has given me hope and I think I'm going to go to my doctor before semester starts and see if I can get a prescription. My main problem with giving a presentation always has seemed to be the physical reaction I have to it, and if I can take a drug that will block that reaction while keeping me clear headed and calm- I couldn't think of anything better. I'm nervous about asking- do you think he'll say no because I'm looking for meds? Either way, I have to do it. This is my senior year and I really don't want to let this awful fear control my life once again for my last year in college. It's either this or SWIM is going to buy xanax off his friend, even though he knows it's a very bad idea-- he's running out of options. Sorry for the rant. It's just that is the first time I've ever been able to express any of that to anyone besides myself, even if I don't know any of you (and plus I know you've heard it all before- this seems like a very common problem on internet forums like this).

09-18-2009, 02:25 PM	#26 (permalink)
tuneful Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 4	Same exact symptoms here.. and been dealing with it for years. Ten years ago I finally opened up to my doctor because I was about to interview for a job I wanted and I was desperate. He wrote me a scrip for Inderal. What a revelation! This social phobia thing is insidious. I have gone to some pretty unbelievable measures over the years to avoid public speaking. It was to the point where I couldn't deal with the thought of something like even jury duty. And yep, 'normal' people just have no clue what it's like to have this burden. It's a weird thing... I would be able to speak up in a group situation to answer a question or whatever, but if we went around the room it would usually be a disaster. In my first professional job I had a very bad experience with that situation which really scarred me, so from that point on it was avoid at all costs. Over the years I tried everything -self help books, subliminal suggestion, saw a counselor for a few sessions, and even dragged myself to a Toastmasters meeting - which was not what I expected and did not go back. Inderal has basically lifted this whole burden from me. If I know I'll be in a situation I will take 40mg about an hour before. It just about totally suppresses the fight or flight syndrome - racing heartbeat, shakey voice, etc. Most of all it clears your head so you can think normally! I still get nervous before, but probably just normally so. I think knowing my body won't betray me greatly reduces the lead up nervousness... which used to be almost debilitating. I really don't know where I'd be without it. It's fairly easy to get online without a prescription... just search for Inderal or the generic name Propranolol.

09-19-2009, 06:24 PM	#27 (permalink)
Thomas Ninja Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 12	Mow I'm interested!!! But what are the side effects, short and long term?

09-20-2009, 09:48 AM	#28 (permalink)
tuneful Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 4	I've been using Inderal for over 10 years... but only when I really need to. Right now I've gone months without using it. At other times my work situation would requre maybe once or twice a week. I really try to only use it for situations that would induce panic symptoms, not just being uncomfortable. The most I used it was when I had to travel to a client site as the technical lead on the project, and sit through large daily meetings for a week as the vendor 'software expert'. I did 40 mg in the morning and 20mg after lunch for 5 days in a row. I honestly don't know what I would have done without it because there was no way I was getting out of that trip. Side effects: the way I use it... really none. I will say that if I do 40mg in the morning, I will not do anything overphysical that day - like cardio exercise. I notice that, even 10 hours later, my heart rate during exercise is suppressed. I figure that can't be good, so I just don't exercise those days. So along with keeping your heart from racing, it seems to also suppress it during those times you'd like it to rise... like climbing stairs, exercise, etc. Not a big thing, but you have to be aware of it. The other thing I notice is that once you see you can be 'normal' in stressful situations, you may think you have this social phobia thing licked. After using it for a while I tried to lessen the dose to 20mg, which worked ok, then tried not taking it during a situation where I normally would have. That didn't go so well. So the bottom line is that it's not going to cure you, but used judiciously will give you your life back.

09-21-2009, 11:18 PM	#30 (permalink)
Positive Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 149	Has the original poster or other people experienced blushing/sweating before and after taking propranolol? My issue is that when and if I become embarassed, my heart races and I start to blush, and then sweat. However, if conversations are smoothe and in my favor, nothing comes from it. Do they prescribe these 10mg per tablet as so it seems. It seems like you can take up to 80-100mg in an hour or so? I plan to use this in meetings, just to calm myself. I am going to make an appointment soon to explore my options. Thanks.

09-24-2009, 07:33 PM	#32 (permalink)
Anna Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 89	i want this propranolol. now. i've never heard of this drug before... weird. why the hell didn't a doctor ever mention this as an option? ugh. i'd think if it does what people here are saying it does, it'd be one of the first to be considered, or at least mentioned, especially if it's non habit forming. i'm going to ask my doctor about taking this before i have to go through another job interview with my heart in my throat.

09-24-2009, 10:20 PM	#34 (permalink)
alex13abcde Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2	I received inderal LA 2 weeks ago ( generic called provanol SR 80) and tried it everyday since ( 80 or 160 mgs). I noticed a difference the first few days and then my nervousness and all its symptoms just went back to normal ( still squeaky voice and uncontrollable breathing when I would speak in front of people). Everyone's opinion seems so positive that I'm wondering if I got something wrong when using it or if my pills may be counterfeited ( bought on the website pharmacy escrow). Should I switch to regular Inderal/propranolol pills rather than extended release ? If anyone satisfied with the results bought them from a website, where did you get them?

09-25-2009, 10:37 AM	#35 (permalink)
icedCoffee Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 42	Would love to hear any stories about combining Inderal & Xanax(small dose) to get a synergistic effect. I assume I can take Inderal every day in the am? It wears off after 12 hours or so.... maybe I could take it at 7am and by 7pm I could exercise w/out any of the drug side effects? So no problems taking it daily (say 5 days a week) for a job? I would like to do this for a new job in the future so I don't stress out all day long like I usually do with a new job and xanax really slows me down mentally too much to use daily that is for sure, I save xanax for presentations, big social events, etc.... I'm going to a doc soon so I can't wait to get Inderal! I don't know if I'll even get xanax because I have to go to a new doc since I've moved away. Thanks.

09-26-2009, 04:36 PM	#36 (permalink)
morris09 Status: SAS Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 8	Metoprolol is a safer bet. Proponol is not guaranteed to work as it is not as strong.

09-26-2009, 11:30 PM	#38 (permalink)
Payn Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 13	Can I take inderal(propranolol) together with selegiline ?

09-29-2009, 02:38 AM	#39 (permalink)
alex13abcde Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2	If anyone here bought their Inderal from the Internet and was satisfied with the results, could you please give me the links? Thanks a lot. Alex

10-01-2009, 07:45 PM	#40 (permalink)
Sarah106 Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: IN Gender: Female Age: 29 Posts: 99	Wow, I have these exact same experiences. It can be as simple as being in a group and someone asking me a quesiton. Then the heart racing, face redness, shaking, etc., starts and I can't control it. I think if I did not have those symptoms I would be almost over this madness. I have a few questions about it, though. What are the different types? I've seen a couple different names. Also, how much should you generally take? Is it dangerous to take long term? If you do take it and then have to run or something is it dangerous for your heart? Sorry, that may be a dumb question, but I felt I should ask. I think I'm going to ask my dr. about it. I'm nervous, though.