Propranolol for Performance Anxiety User Reviews (Page 3)

• Mvt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2012

"I'll get straight to the point. If you're struggling with performance anxiety and feel helpless (like I did), stop waiting and go see your doctor immediately and get a script for propranolol; it changed my life. Ever since I enrolled in University, my fear of public speaking became heightened (because of the pressure to succeed) to the point where I had a panic attack during a presentation. It was the worst moment in my life, and I knew I needed serious help. I got a script for propranolol and took 20mg 1 hour and 1/2, and another 20mg before my presentation. I went up (I was so nervous I didn't sleep at all the night before) and absolutely killed it. I felt so comfortable in front of the stage. It changed my life."

• lif...
• July 25, 2015

"I could not function in my work environment without this drug. I have severe performance anxiety. I am not able to give talks, I'm not good in groups, and am very anxious when put in the spotlight. I take 40 mg of propranolol, and I am able to function. Without this medication, I would have quit my career and sink deep into depression. Without this medication, I would shake uncontrollably, feel numb with fear and embarrassment, and feel completely out of control."

• pan...
• May 7, 2015

"I have had a panic attack recently, more to do with relationship and work issues. I went to the doctor who prescribed me with the medication, and I can honestly say within a couple of hours, I felt relaxed. I don't feel that anxiety where I feel helpless and out of control, wanting to cry myself senseless or run out of the house screaming because everything around me is suffocating me!! However, it works, it is the best thing going for me so far :)"

• Soc...
• April 9, 2015

"This is a miracle drug for people who suffer with the physical effects of anxiety. I had a very important live TV interview coming up that I was absolutely terrified about, and the thing I was most nervous about was shaking on TV. Every experience I've had with public speaking, I have had uncontrollable tremors in my hands and head. I took 40mg of propranolol an hour before the interview, and I experienced none of the awful shaking, blushing, sweating, or the increased heart rate. It was such a relief. The drug will not stop the anxious thoughts or the feeling of terror before the performance, but it absolutely will block the physical effects, which is what most performance anxiety sufferers panic about."

• Cor...
• February 2, 2015

"I failed 12 attempted classes in a community college because I struggle with Panic Disorder/Social phobia. Presenting to the class was a nightmare. I couldn't get through it without shaking so bad, students thought I was having a seizure. So, I either dropped out of the class or skipped the presentation completely, receiving a zero. If I didn't have faith in God, I think over time the disorder would have caused me to not want to live anymore, which is sad. I sought professional help from a Psychiatrist and he prescribed me Propranolol. I not only graduated from community college but am now finishing with my Bachelor's at a University. Propranolol has saved my life, and that is an understatement. P.S. It is $12 without insurance."

• Pro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 9, 2013

"I got on here just to rate this medicine, ironically, after reading about it on here. I'm a professional speaker and performer who for years was an amateur wannabe speaker and performer. I have a lot of involuntary nervousness like redness and shaking hands which would sabotage me despite my general level of comfort and quality of presentation. Take 10-40 mg 30 mins to an hour and it becomes physically impossible to get nervous. Now I'm rapidly moving up in my field thanks to my poise and confidence."

• Uni...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2014

"I am in full-time school in a program that requires me to give many oral presentations. I am a somewhat shy and introverted person and have always had a lot of trouble being able to do this effectively. I get very anxious, I shake, get short of breath, and feel my heart racing. I had heard about propranolol, so I consulted with my GP, and she prescribed 40mg to me. The first time taking it right before my presentation, I felt slightly anxious and was thinking that it wasn't working, however, the minute I started to present, I felt calm and relaxed and was able to present well. No shaking or pounding heart, which I now realize increased the anxiety and really interfered. This medication is a lifesaver to me, I am glad I found it!"

• njc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2014

"I just tried propranolol for public speaking for the first time yesterday. I've hated public speaking my whole life. I shake and blush, and it's very embarrassing. I have a new job now where I have to speak in front of people sometimes. My doctor prescribed me 10 mg. I tried it over the weekend to see if I had any side effects, and there were none. I'm generally an anxious person, and it did make me feel calmer, but it was a subtle effect, and I was worried that 10mg wouldn't work during my speech because I see some reviews of people taking much higher doses. But it actually worked. I still felt nervous like my doctor said I would, but at least I didn't shake at all or feel the physical symptoms of my nervousness. I wish I had found this in high school and college."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 18, 2023

"I can’t speak highly enough of this medication - my shaking, sweating, blushing, loss of voice have all held me back from progressing in my executive career goals. It’s been hard watching under-qualified colleagues pass me by because they’re willing and able to get up on stage, or just come across as less anxious. No one wants someone sweating in the room - it makes everyone else uncomfortable. So I learned to accept that I would never progress. Taking 30-40 mg before major events - 2 pills/1 pill/1 pill spaced out over 2-3 hours, I can now interview and present to CEOs and handle myself in high-stakes speaking scenarios. My good old friend anxiety is still there, in fact, it’s what makes me succeed - but now I can control the physical side effects of shaking voice, red face and chest, sweating. I have been on Valium for a decade - still has its purpose for middle of the night panic and worry, but does absolutely nothing for performance anxiety."

• MRS...
• November 30, 2015

"So all my life I've struggled with confidence! I could never get in front of people, I could never be social! The second I heard that celebrities take this stuff, I just had to get my hands on some! This is a miracle pill! I am telling you, now I don't care about what anyone thinks of me. I really don't! It's hilarious, who would have thought a simple pill could launch my career? I am very successful now thanks to this pill! I know that some people think that overcoming anxiety and gaining experience is part of the challenge of being a successful businesswoman or a performer, but forget that! Why would you want to actually dedicate and commit yourself to that for years when you can take this pill and lose the stress of anxiety? Great pill."

• I...
• May 31, 2011

Propranolol "I have struggled with public speaking my entire life. This is truly a miracle medicine for me. I like the fact that I do not have to take it every day... only for specific events which are typically scheduled in advance. I would still prefer no medication but have been very happy with the results from Inderal."

• Sna...
• March 7, 2017

"Absolutely great. I used to have a shaky voice, no independent thought, facial twitching... I used to have to down a couple shots of vodka to make it through a 5-minute presentation. Now, I take 40 mg 2 hours out, another 20 mg one hour from showtime, and it is like magic. I am engaging, comfortable, able to make eye contact, and even improvise on the fly. My presentations end with a committee firing questions in rapid succession. Propranolol has provided the ability to take them all in stride. Nothing substitutes for adequate preparation, and this will not make you shine if you don't know what you are talking about, but it is a godsend when you know your stuff yet are so uncomfortable your delivery SUCKS. Wish I discovered it sooner!!"

• go...
• May 6, 2013

"I used to freak out during presentations. It got to the point where I would have a full-blown panic attack in front of the classroom. I would get so embarrassed, and it made me feel insecure in all aspects of my life, especially in social situations. I had a presentation today, and although I was nervous before, it completely disappeared once I started talking. My heart was still pounding, but not coming out of my chest, and I wasn't shaking. I felt so calm and confident. I think this pill is amazing."

• Gul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2015

"I have struggled with public speaking my whole life, but it all boils down to what I call 'that thing my voice does.' When I have to speak in a large group, or even get put on the spot to tell a short anecdote with 5-6 people, I get this wave of physical anxiety and my throat feels like it closes. It's like I have to swallow uncontrollably. Recently, a switch in primary care doctor resulted in a prescription for propranolol. It is a miracle! It just works. I don't have palpitations, no crushing adrenaline rush, and my voice is calm and clear! I would pay $1,000,000 for this - no exaggeration. I read an article where a cardiologist said he went to a physician conference and at least 20% of the doctors presenting used a beta blocker."

• Mir...
• March 1, 2014

"Like many of you who have commented, I have a huge fear of speaking in front of large groups of people. I'm in sales and I'm great in one-on-one or small groups when making a sales call. But when I'm asked to speak or get up and talk in company sales meetings that usually consist of 50 people, I freak out - instant red face, shaky hands, trembling voice, the whole nine yards. I was at the point of making a career change from a job that I loved because I lost hope in fixing this problem. Until my doctor prescribed me propranolol, or the miracle pill! I take one 20mg pill about 1 hour before a meeting and another 10mg right before the meeting. I lose all fear - no shaky hands, no red face, my heart rate is calm, I think clearly, and speak well. Love it."

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 13, 2023

"I can't say enough about how this changed my life. Mild panic attacks used to rule any public speaking experience. Propranolol had removed that feeling entirely. Simply amazing. Wish I had known about it years before. I take 20 mg an hour before any speaking engagement."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2013

"I have always had a debilitating fear of public speaking, to the point I would worry months before I knew I was giving a presentation. In my line of work, it is an important skill to be able to give oral presentations, and I knew it was something I would have to fix. My doctor prescribed me propranolol. I was reluctant, but after reading others' reviews, I gave it a shot. It honestly is the BEST thing my doctor could have prescribed me. I am able to give a presentation without shaking and actually feel at ease. I hope over time as my confidence builds, I will be able to deliver a speech without it."

• AC ...
• March 27, 2015

"Okay, first off, my anxiety has gotten worse the past couple of years to the point where if my boss calls me into his office to talk to me one-on-one, I get sweaty palms, a quivering voice, and chest pain. Well... I came to this site, saw what you guys had to say, and I got a prescription for propranolol thinking it would help me. Guess what? It's a total GAME CHANGER. My boss called me into his office today to try to intimidate me, and I was just like, 'Hey boss, what's new? What can I do for you?' I just treated him like it was no big deal, and he wasn't intimidating me one bit. I put a bead on him and looked him directly in his eyes and was cool and calm. I could have NEVER done that before. Thanks, everyone on here. Propranolol is the real deal."

• Kay...
• September 12, 2009

Propranolol "Started having panic attacks with anxiety about 6 months ago. Started taking Inderal 20 mg - once in the morning. Noticed significant improvement the first day. This drug has been awesome for me! Was also given Xanax at the same time but I only feel I need it occasionally."

• cna...
• May 1, 2013

"It was a miracle. I'm a sophomore in college, and ever since I started college, I have been nervous with public speaking. It was always a hot mess. My hands would shake, my voice would tremble, I would speed through everything, often missing valuable information. I took one of these about an hour before my presentation, and it worked so well! I was able to look up and look at people as I spoke, and I was not uncomfortable at all. It really was amazing to stand up there without my usual anxiety. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

• Anonymous
• June 6, 2015

"I suffer from mild social anxiety, audience anxiety, or stage fright, which, when put in the spotlight in big groups (church, ministry programs, or work-related events), resulted in me being soaking wet from sweating. I had taken myself off of caffeine and made efforts to exercise for about an hour to an hour and a half before events to practically sweat myself dry. I spoke with a doctor friend of mine, who prescribed 20 mg of propranolol three times a day. I have found that if I take it regularly as a daily maintenance drug, it is most effective. The last presentation I gave at work in front of about 75 people, I sailed through it with lots of compliments. I have noticed no side effects either."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2013

"All I can say is WOW! This is amazing to say the least. Have always been terrified of oral presentations. Had one today, took one 10mg propranolol 1 hour prior to the presentation. Was very fearful that it wasn't going to work, but man, was I as calm as ever! It was so nice to be standing up in front of the class being able to talk (breathe) with no racing heart, no running out of air, and no being able to finish a sentence! Where has this been all my life!"

• Ken...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 5, 2022

"I would like to say 2 things. First, I used Inderal/propranolol for years, helping me at my religious services. The need to give talks was such that I used it to assist with my severe, and I mean severe panic/stage fright. Years later, I was diagnosed with bipolar and found out panic is 20% higher in bipolar people, which explained a lot of what I saw in my life. Propranolol was a great help. Second, and I feel this is important. Many will feel ashamed to have help with stage fright. I guess there are people that judge us, and we judge ourselves. It may appear that we need to 'snap out of it,' as I was kinda told a few times. Well....stop! Anxiety, bipolar, the fears that cause stage fright are not character flaws. We shouldn't allow anyone to turn a mental/emotional issue based on whatever is happening and has happened to you biologically, physically, emotionally, and even mentally into nothing. You need what you need. Get help in whatever form a doctor gives. Inderal helps."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 14, 2015

"Something about being around other professionals and public speaking makes me self-conscious and extremely nervous/anxious to the point that I have a full-blown panic attack with uncontrollable shaking and the urge to cry and run out of the room. My hands shake so much that I can't even drink water. I'm 29 and a healthcare administrator in NYC with the responsibility of developing workflows and holding meetings regularly. In the last two years, with growing responsibilities, it has gotten so bad that I thought it would cost me my career. Until I discovered propranolol. I only take it if I am going to a meet and greet or I'm expected to speak in public, and it is AMAZING! I don't know what I would do without it (20 mg or 40 mg, I need it)."

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2009

"I had severe anxiety and had difficulty in training classes at work until I started taking this medication. This medication has allowed me to stay calm through the most frustrating situations. It is an amazing treatment."