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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Questionmark on April 30, 2004, at 3:31:00
i know how each of these types of meds work and what they do, so please don't explain this to me (not intending to sound harsh, i'm just saying). But does anyone have any knowledgeable opinion (esp. any anecdotal/personal evidence) as to which-- benzos or beta-blockers-- are more valuable for performance anxiety, such as, and especially, giving speeches?
P.S., info regarding "what they do" is fine if explaining differences in them from your personal experience.
Thank you.
Posted by Questionmark on April 30, 2004, at 4:22:38
In reply to Performance Anxiety and Beta-blockers vs. Benzos., posted by Questionmark on April 30, 2004, at 3:31:00
Which benzo(s). do you think are best for as-needed (i.e., NOT daily) use for performance anxiety (esp. speeches)?
In particular, how does Klonopin compare with Xanax in this regard?
Thanks so much.
Posted by crazychickuk on April 30, 2004, at 5:37:18
In reply to Oh, sorry. Also,..., posted by Questionmark on April 30, 2004, at 4:22:38
HI, beta blockas i WAS taking they calm the physical sympotms down, lots of people take them before speeches even sometimes before concerts... then xanax and klon i am not sure about cus i dont have any experience with them, but valuim is what i have started taking as an as needed basis... its less addicting, less sedating and well its a night mare to get them of the docs in the uk... sure someone else c an pop along and give u more and better advice...
thanks
Posted by Fred23 on April 30, 2004, at 17:54:02
In reply to Performance Anxiety and Beta-blockers vs. Benzos., posted by Questionmark on April 30, 2004, at 3:31:00
>(esp. any anecdotal/personal evidence) as to which-- benzos or beta-blockers-- are more valuable for performance anxiety,
If you look on the side effects of beta-blockers, you'll find the term "clouded sensorium". My personal translation of that is "makes you stupid". YMMV -- find out what they do to you before your performance.
Posted by Kon on April 30, 2004, at 23:33:20
In reply to Performance Anxiety and Beta-blockers vs. Benzos., posted by Questionmark on April 30, 2004, at 3:31:00
I have severe public-speaking anxiety, so severe that I've avoided doing speeches pretty well all of my adult life. Would probably rather take a bullet to the head than do a formal speech (at least without meds). But recently I had to do 4 small speeches or I would have to find a new career. Beta-blockers did nothing for me. I experimented with 100 mg atenolol to see anti-anxiety effects but I could feel it was useless and just made feel a bit tired. I also used benzos, clonazepam (klonopin) and ativan. While I was still a bit nervous doing speeches, interviews, etc., the benzos helped a lot. The only problem is playing around with the dose so you get enough anxiety relief but not too much cognitive impairment. I can up the dosage so much that anxiety relief is about 100% but then my cognitive abilities take a dive. I did this once for an interview I was nervous about and I still can't remember what I did or say except that I was really slow. But then again, without meds I'd probably be even slower.
Wrt optimum dosage this is likely to be an individual thing and you need to experiment. I've also used a combo of atenolol plus klonopin. The atenolol made no difference whatsoever. Klonopin was far more effective. My advice is to begin using it a few days before speech to help with anticipatory anxiety and sleep and then up the dosage a couple of hours before the event (but be careful so you don't become too impaired). I've never used xanax, although I'm sure it's just as effective as klonopin or ativan. Forgot to mention...klonopin was probably a bit less cognitively impairing for me, so I would recommend it over Ativan.
Posted by chemist on May 1, 2004, at 0:45:02
In reply to Re: Performance Anxiety and Beta-blockers vs. Benzos. » Questionmark, posted by Kon on April 30, 2004, at 23:33:20
> I have severe public-speaking anxiety, so severe that I've avoided doing speeches pretty well all of my adult life. Would probably rather take a bullet to the head than do a formal speech (at least without meds). But recently I had to do 4 small speeches or I would have to find a new career. Beta-blockers did nothing for me. I experimented with 100 mg atenolol to see anti-anxiety effects but I could feel it was useless and just made feel a bit tired. I also used benzos, clonazepam (klonopin) and ativan. While I was still a bit nervous doing speeches, interviews, etc., the benzos helped a lot. The only problem is playing around with the dose so you get enough anxiety relief but not too much cognitive impairment. I can up the dosage so much that anxiety relief is about 100% but then my cognitive abilities take a dive. I did this once for an interview I was nervous about and I still can't remember what I did or say except that I was really slow. But then again, without meds I'd probably be even slower.
>
> Wrt optimum dosage this is likely to be an individual thing and you need to experiment. I've also used a combo of atenolol plus klonopin. The atenolol made no difference whatsoever. Klonopin was far more effective. My advice is to begin using it a few days before speech to help with anticipatory anxiety and sleep and then up the dosage a couple of hours before the event (but be careful so you don't become too impaired). I've never used xanax, although I'm sure it's just as effective as klonopin or ativan. Forgot to mention...klonopin was probably a bit less cognitively impairing for me, so I would recommend it over Ativan.
>
>
chemist here...for what it's worth, i agree comletely with Kon's assertion. don't take more benzo than needed - xanax is quick-acting and, in my opinion, best for purposes such as public talks - and take the beat-blockers as a distant alternative...all the best, chemist
Posted by Jakeman on May 1, 2004, at 15:37:29
In reply to Re: Performance Anxiety and Beta-blockers vs. Benzos. » Kon, posted by chemist on May 1, 2004, at 0:45:02
The beta-blocker Inderal has been a life saver for me. I've taken it for years as needed before speeches, job interviews, etc. It curbs the racing heart (fight/flight) response very well, with no negative effect at all on cognitive ability. The benzos DO adversely affect my memory.
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