Comparing Propranolol vs Topamax

For Performance Anxiety Very social guy, and I'm in sales for a living. However for some reason I have this nagging performance anxiety that arises randomly when put on the spot to speak after I build something up too much in my head. Or when I know I have some presentation coming up. I'm talking racing heart, catching my breathe, barely able to muster a couple of sentences. Feel like a damn fool. (I honestly think it all started when a grade 10 teacher would randomly pick me to read things in front of the class unexpectedly.. !) I'm a musician and can sing/play no problem in front of people, but when it comes to speaking without propranolol I'm a mess, with propranolol I'm quite good. Safe to say this drug has helped me immensely, including in my career, where many times you can't shy away, you have to face your fears.

For Performance Anxiety * 60 year old male * 225 lbs * Fear of public speaking since first terrible experience in 7th grade * Countless public speaking challenges and traumatic events over my life and career * I’ve lost track of how many public speaking requests I’ve excused myself from. * managed everything else in my career splendidly * Found propanolol * spoke in front of 500 people last week without even a tremor. * Years of mental pain and suffering gone with 50 mg Dose: 1 Xanax 3 hr before 20 mg beta 2 hr before 20 mg beta 1 hr before 10 mg beta 30 min before Maybe overkill but who cares - it worked Only side effect I noticed - a little bit of sweating but I was in a jacket and tie so maybe it was just a little warm. It’s actually criminal that more people suffering from public speaking anxiety don’t know about this. I will not be shy about sharing this with everyone I know and even people that work for me who I can see struggle with similar issues.

For Migraine Prevention Reduced my migraines by about 1/3, but also reduced my weight. I struggled greatly with the side effects. As someone who already struggles to keep weight on, the weight loss with the Topamax was too much for me. It was somewhat effective. If you are not concerned about keeping weight on then this will probably serve you better than it served me.

For Migraine Prevention I had migraines that lasted up to nine days. My neurologist started me on 25mg Topamax and the frequency dropped off immediately. I actually loved the way I felt on Topamax. I had boundless energy, no appetite, and was always in a good mood. After two years, I decided to stop taking it because my skin was breaking out and I think I felt a little too confident in myself. I drove a little faster, said really odd things to people (no filter) and seemed to be turning into a show off about how skinny I was. Not my best personality! I stopped taking it and didn't gain any weight, but the headaches are back. Once my dermatologist gets my skin cleared up, I might go back on it, but will be very mindful of the side effects.