Inderal (propranolol)
Description:
Inderal is what is known as a non-selective beta-blocker, which means that it keeps certain chemicals in the body from moving to specific locations. It was first developed for use in the treatment of high blood pressure, but its effects are beneficial for a variety of disorders. Noticeable results of using Inderal include slowing of the heartbeat and reducing blood pressure.
Because of its effects on the heart, Inderal has been especially helpful for SAD patients whose anxiety is specific to situations when there is public speaking or performance involved. Many people find it helpful when they need to give speeches or presentations and are worried about how their physical symptoms of anxiety might cause a problem. While many reports show that relieving these physical anxiety symptoms is helpful to those who suffer from situational anxiety, others find that symptoms of mental anxiety are not addresses by this medication and can continue to be overwhelming in public situations.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propranolol
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=16418
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/inderal
Because of its effects on the heart, Inderal has been especially helpful for SAD patients whose anxiety is specific to situations when there is public speaking or performance involved. Many people find it helpful when they need to give speeches or presentations and are worried about how their physical symptoms of anxiety might cause a problem. While many reports show that relieving these physical anxiety symptoms is helpful to those who suffer from situational anxiety, others find that symptoms of mental anxiety are not addresses by this medication and can continue to be overwhelming in public situations.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propranolol
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=16418
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/inderal
Great for performance anxiety
Shared by oceanside on Dec 29th, 2008
18 out of 23 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I have found this drug to be very helpful for performance anxiety, such as, giving presentations or speeches. It stops the adrenaline from kicking in. Because of this, I am able to concentrate much better on what I'm doing because I'm not worried about people noticing my symptoms.
I have found this drug to be very helpful for performance anxiety, such as, giving presentations or speeches. It stops the adrenaline from kicking in. Because of this, I am able to concentrate much better on what I'm doing because I'm not worried about people noticing my symptoms.
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Propranolol
Shared by aabbccdd44332211 on Jul 12th, 2009
8 out of 11 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
This is like a miracle. I was prescribed 20 mg of propranolol by my very reluctant doctor. This enabled me to give speeches and other public performances without my physical symptoms such as shaking, etc. I could not do this prior. I can't begin to describe how much this has saved me. I take it one hour before my presentations.
This is like a miracle. I was prescribed 20 mg of propranolol by my very reluctant doctor. This enabled me to give speeches and other public performances without my physical symptoms such as shaking, etc. I could not do this prior. I can't begin to describe how much this has saved me. I take it one hour before my presentations.
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Inderal
Shared by itsamystery on Jul 26th, 2009
6 out of 9 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I've had this disorder probably since most of you were born, but here's what I know about Inderal (or many of the newer beta blockers).
It was a miracle for me and I've been using it for twenty odd years (no pun intended).
Many of the physical manifestations of social anxiety increase the fear and emotional ones. Inderal enabled me to keep my job in which I had to give computer demos and found that my shaking hands prohibited me typing with people watching me. I also had problems with writing in public, and off-the-chart fear of speaking in public. Parties and other things were an issue, but I think possibly because I'm female, I could handle those (I wasn't expected to approach people, but people could approach me).
For Kim, I'd give Inderal another try--don't take so much because increasing the dose doesn't make it more effective--and could cause the weakness and slow your blood pressure down too much. You'll find that as you successfully give presentations, the emotional and mental fear will also give way. I have surprised myself by being able to do many things that I couldn't do after forgetting to take my medication.
You could also try Xanax or another sedative (take only a small amount). But, unlike Inderall, the sedatives are addictive and you could end up with a much larger problem.
I've had this disorder probably since most of you were born, but here's what I know about Inderal (or many of the newer beta blockers).
It was a miracle for me and I've been using it for twenty odd years (no pun intended).
Many of the physical manifestations of social anxiety increase the fear and emotional ones. Inderal enabled me to keep my job in which I had to give computer demos and found that my shaking hands prohibited me typing with people watching me. I also had problems with writing in public, and off-the-chart fear of speaking in public. Parties and other things were an issue, but I think possibly because I'm female, I could handle those (I wasn't expected to approach people, but people could approach me).
For Kim, I'd give Inderal another try--don't take so much because increasing the dose doesn't make it more effective--and could cause the weakness and slow your blood pressure down too much. You'll find that as you successfully give presentations, the emotional and mental fear will also give way. I have surprised myself by being able to do many things that I couldn't do after forgetting to take my medication.
You could also try Xanax or another sedative (take only a small amount). But, unlike Inderall, the sedatives are addictive and you could end up with a much larger problem.
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20 mg helps me with physical symptoms
Shared by proximo20 on Jul 27th, 2009
3 out of 5 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I take 20 mg before presentations and I don't shake, blush or seem anxious( I hope lol).
Mentally I still feel nervous, but I think that is normal. Most of the people get nervous before presentations and interviews. What my problem is the physical symptoms of it and inderal helps me to eliminate them.
I take 20 mg before presentations and I don't shake, blush or seem anxious( I hope lol).
Mentally I still feel nervous, but I think that is normal. Most of the people get nervous before presentations and interviews. What my problem is the physical symptoms of it and inderal helps me to eliminate them.
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not what you'd hope it would be
Shared by kim00 on Dec 28th, 2008
10 out of 26 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
The university clinic gave me this to help me do class presentations. I was so desperate to believe it would help because my grades depended on it. You're supposed to take 10mg one hour before a presentation, and it's supposed to calm you down by regulating your heartbeat and such.
I decided to give it a test run a few days before my presentation, and it's a good thing I did.
I took 10mg and waited...nothing but a few twinges of chest pain
I took 10 more mg (you're allowed to take up to 40mg a day and it usually takes a higher dose for me to feel much) and I waited. I felt absolutely NO decrease in mental anxiety. I just felt physically "slowed down" in an odd and kind of scary way. It's strange not to be able to hear your own heart beating. There were more of the disturbing chest pains
I was so disappointed that this stupid pill wasn't the performance anxiety miracle the clinic had made it out to be.
So, in short, this pill does nothing (I repeat, nothing) for the mental symptoms of anxiety. Don't expect any help in that department. It only works on a few physical symptoms of anxiety (like rapid heartbeat).
Also, it causes constipation, dry mouth and insomnia. And yeah...the chest pains...scary
The university clinic gave me this to help me do class presentations. I was so desperate to believe it would help because my grades depended on it. You're supposed to take 10mg one hour before a presentation, and it's supposed to calm you down by regulating your heartbeat and such.
I decided to give it a test run a few days before my presentation, and it's a good thing I did.
I took 10mg and waited...nothing but a few twinges of chest pain
I took 10 more mg (you're allowed to take up to 40mg a day and it usually takes a higher dose for me to feel much) and I waited. I felt absolutely NO decrease in mental anxiety. I just felt physically "slowed down" in an odd and kind of scary way. It's strange not to be able to hear your own heart beating. There were more of the disturbing chest pains
I was so disappointed that this stupid pill wasn't the performance anxiety miracle the clinic had made it out to be.
So, in short, this pill does nothing (I repeat, nothing) for the mental symptoms of anxiety. Don't expect any help in that department. It only works on a few physical symptoms of anxiety (like rapid heartbeat).
Also, it causes constipation, dry mouth and insomnia. And yeah...the chest pains...scary
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About Treatment Experiences
The individual experiences about treatment for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) are not a substitute for medical advice.
You should always consult a qualified health care professional before beginning, changing or stopping a treatment.
