Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 588115

Shown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Anxious and Medication

Posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 15:58:47

Coming up soon I have to 'perform' so to speak and I am NERVOUS! Really really NERVOUS. Only I need to be alert, what do you med experts recommend? I will see my pdoc this week.

 

Re: Anxious and Medication

Posted by RobertDavid on December 11, 2005, at 18:27:12

In reply to Anxious and Medication, posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 15:58:47

I'd take xanax or ativan for occational performance anxiety. I'm not a doctor, but I'd say .5mgs +\-. If you're really concerned, you may want test it first to see how you feel.

Good luck......

 

Re: Anxious and Medication

Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2005, at 19:53:32

In reply to Re: Anxious and Medication, posted by RobertDavid on December 11, 2005, at 18:27:12

What about a small dose of a beta blocker like inderal. I knew a lot of residents who took it before something important. But again test it out first. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Inderal - has anyone tried it? » Phillipa

Posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 21:33:15

In reply to Re: Anxious and Medication, posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2005, at 19:53:32

what were the effects you noticed?

 

xanax or ativan? » RobertDavid

Posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 21:36:10

In reply to Re: Anxious and Medication, posted by RobertDavid on December 11, 2005, at 18:27:12

For performance anxiety has is there one that is preferred over the other, for the majority? Im not sure I can manage to get both from the pdoc.

Thankyou!

 

Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » LegWarmers

Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2005, at 21:58:21

In reply to Inderal - has anyone tried it? » Phillipa, posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 21:33:15

It is used for stage fright so to speak. the docs who used it liked it. Kept them from being anxious. Sorry I don't know more. But google it on the Dr. Bob site. You'll find a lot of threads on it. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: xanax or ativan?

Posted by RobertDavid on December 12, 2005, at 0:56:02

In reply to xanax or ativan? » RobertDavid, posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 21:36:10

> For performance anxiety has is there one that is preferred over the other, for the majority? Im not sure I can manage to get both from the pdoc.
>
> Thankyou!

If it were me, I'd go with xanax. I'd say that would be most peoples first choice (of the two meds). If you want it to work faster you can put it under your tongue.

My brother is a dentist and has similar issues at meetings. He doesn't take benzos or other meds regularly but keeps xanax in his pocket and slips one under his tongue if he starts getting edgy. He has some issues in certain driving situations as well and does the same thing. He calls xanax his "parachute."

My guess is that .5mgs should calm you down. Again, you may want to try it sometime on a different day to test how it makes you feel. Maybe .25 would work, everyone is different.

Keep in mind it's not a cure all for performance anxiety, just will smooth you out, perhaps help with the anticipation before the talk (which can be worse that the talk itself).

As Phillipa mentioned there are other options like beta blockers. I think it really just depends on the individual. Because I have GAD and SAD when I tried a beta blocker before a speech once I found myself getting more panicky because I could feel my heart pounding (or at least I thought that's what it was doing). It brought more attention to the medicine and my situation which made things worse.

But I do know that for many beta blockers work well. It's my understanding many performers, conducters, etc. use them before performances as needed.

Again, if it were me I'd go with xanax. Remember, typically it's all the anticipation thats far more stressful than the actual event.

Good luck, you'll do fine!

 

Re: Anxious and Medication

Posted by Jedi on December 12, 2005, at 4:24:55

In reply to Anxious and Medication, posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 15:58:47

> Coming up soon I have to 'perform' so to speak and I am NERVOUS! Really really NERVOUS. Only I need to be alert, what do you med experts recommend? I will see my pdoc this week.
>

Hi,
From what I've read, beta blockers can help with the physical symptoms of social anxiety. Things such as blushing, rapid heartbeat, sweating, etc. A fast acting benzo such as Xanax probably would be my choice for social anxiety that is not severe, and only shows up during a performance. For real social anxiety, that can be comorbid with depression, nothing beats the MAOI Nardil with a small dose of clonazepam. My palms used to sweat all of the time in almost any social situation. Nothing like a clammy, wet handshake. Since Nardil, they do not sweat at all.
Good luck,
Jedi

 

Re: xanax or ativan? » RobertDavid

Posted by LegWarmers on December 12, 2005, at 14:21:42

In reply to Re: xanax or ativan?, posted by RobertDavid on December 12, 2005, at 0:56:02


> My brother is a dentist and has similar issues at meetings. He doesn't take benzos or other meds regularly but keeps xanax in his pocket and slips one under his tongue if he starts getting edgy. He has some issues in certain driving situations as well and does the same thing. He calls xanax his "parachute."
>
:)

> My guess is that .5mgs should calm you down. Again, you may want to try it sometime on a different day to test how it makes you feel. Maybe .25 would work, everyone is different.
>
> Keep in mind it's not a cure all for performance anxiety, just will smooth you out, perhaps help with the anticipation before the talk (which can be worse that the talk itself).
>
> As Phillipa mentioned there are other options like beta blockers. I think it really just depends on the individual. Because I have GAD and SAD when I tried a beta blocker before a speech once I found myself getting more panicky because I could feel my heart pounding (or at least I thought that's what it was doing). It brought more attention to the medicine and my situation which made things worse.
>
> But I do know that for many beta blockers work well. It's my understanding many performers, conducters, etc. use them before performances as needed.
>
> Again, if it were me I'd go with xanax. Remember, typically it's all the anticipation thats far more stressful than the actual event.

Good points, Right now, I like the idea of both a beta blocker and xanax

> Good luck, you'll do fine!

Thanks!!

 

Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » Phillipa

Posted by LegWarmers on December 12, 2005, at 14:22:22

In reply to Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » LegWarmers, posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2005, at 21:58:21

thanks, it sounds great!

 

Re: Anxious and Medication » Jedi

Posted by LegWarmers on December 12, 2005, at 14:25:50

In reply to Re: Anxious and Medication, posted by Jedi on December 12, 2005, at 4:24:55


>
> Hi,
> From what I've read, beta blockers can help with the physical symptoms of social anxiety. Things such as blushing, rapid heartbeat, sweating, etc. A fast acting benzo such as Xanax probably would be my choice for social anxiety that is not severe, and only shows up during a performance.

This is more what it is, Im concerned about shaking and rapid heart rate etc. Its not a daily event for me just in these situations. Maybe both would be overdoing it.

>For real social anxiety, that can be comorbid with depression, nothing beats the MAOI Nardil with a small dose of clonazepam. My palms used to sweat all of the time in almost any social situation. Nothing like a clammy, wet handshake. Since Nardil, they do not sweat at all.
> Good luck,
> Jedi

Thats great! I dont know anything about Nardil, I wonder if you can take it once as needed. Although Im sure the xanax will be enough.
Thanks

 

Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » LegWarmers

Posted by ClearSkies on December 13, 2005, at 8:26:38

In reply to Inderal - has anyone tried it? » Phillipa, posted by LegWarmers on December 11, 2005, at 21:33:15

A small dose of Inderal made me very depressed and weepy, although I also didn't give a hoot about anything that had been stressing me! I wish it had worked - I take xanax and it can be sedating for me.

ClearSkies

 

Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » ClearSkies

Posted by RobertDavid on December 13, 2005, at 13:51:21

In reply to Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » LegWarmers, posted by ClearSkies on December 13, 2005, at 8:26:38

Inderal made me feel weird, actually a little anxious.

Xanax and other benzos make me drowsy when I take them in the morning/day. Instead, I take klonopin (longer half life than xanax) at night and the anti anxiety benefits last through the next day without being drowsy in the morning.

But I take it every night and at a 2mg dose so ???. That being said perhaps you might try an evening dose and see if it helps you the next day. It may also help you sleep.

 

Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » RobertDavid

Posted by LegWarmers on December 13, 2005, at 14:19:30

In reply to Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » ClearSkies, posted by RobertDavid on December 13, 2005, at 13:51:21

Ive got inderal and xanax now. I am testing the inderal out. took it about 30 min ago, dont notice any effects yet. How long should I expect to wait?

 

Alcohol

Posted by LegWarmers on December 13, 2005, at 14:29:28

In reply to Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » RobertDavid, posted by LegWarmers on December 13, 2005, at 14:19:30

Has anyone mixed inderal and alcohol?

 

Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it?

Posted by RobertDavid on December 13, 2005, at 14:31:31

In reply to Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it? » RobertDavid, posted by LegWarmers on December 13, 2005, at 14:19:30

> Ive got inderal and xanax now. I am testing the inderal out. took it about 30 min ago, dont notice any effects yet. How long should I expect to wait?
>

Ideally you won't feel anything. What it should do is prevent you from going into the fight or flight response, keeping you're heart from racing, etc. So if you don't feel any side effects, to me that would be a great sign.

 

Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it?

Posted by LegWarmers on December 13, 2005, at 14:37:07

In reply to Re: Inderal - has anyone tried it?, posted by RobertDavid on December 13, 2005, at 14:31:31

> > Ive got inderal and xanax now. I am testing the inderal out. took it about 30 min ago, dont notice any effects yet. How long should I expect to wait?
> >
>
> Ideally you won't feel anything. What it should do is prevent you from going into the fight or flight response, keeping you're heart from racing, etc. So if you don't feel any side effects, to me that would be a great sign.


of course :) so far so good then

 

Re: Alcohol » LegWarmers

Posted by RobertDavid on December 13, 2005, at 14:53:26

In reply to Alcohol, posted by LegWarmers on December 13, 2005, at 14:29:28

> Has anyone mixed inderal and alcohol?

Though most meds warn against alcohol, if you drink in moderation, just a few, I don't think there would be any issues. You might want to google inderal to double check. I think it's just a trial and error thing.

As far as your trial today, if you get by without feeling side effects, feel okay, that makes for a successful trial.

As if and when you take it before your situation, you'll know what to expect from the medication and won't panic or get anxious (from medication side affects). Med's affect everyone differently and sometimes the "unknown" of taking a new med creates anxiety which is certainly something you won't want more of.

I'd be doing what your doing, try the meds your considering first before actually getting into the situation......

 

Re: Alcohol » RobertDavid

Posted by LegWarmers on December 13, 2005, at 16:43:28

In reply to Re: Alcohol » LegWarmers, posted by RobertDavid on December 13, 2005, at 14:53:26

Thanks for your help! :)

 

I did it

Posted by LegWarmers on December 15, 2005, at 18:36:10

In reply to Re: Alcohol » LegWarmers, posted by RobertDavid on December 13, 2005, at 14:53:26

:)
I was ok, I still felt nervous but its over now.

 

Re: I did it

Posted by RobertDavid on December 15, 2005, at 20:10:33

In reply to I did it, posted by LegWarmers on December 15, 2005, at 18:36:10

> :)
> I was ok, I still felt nervous but its over now.

Congrats! Did you use any of the meds, if so did you think they helped?

 

Re: I did it » RobertDavid

Posted by LegWarmers on December 15, 2005, at 23:21:47

In reply to Re: I did it, posted by RobertDavid on December 15, 2005, at 20:10:33

Thanks, yes I did, I felt I had to so I took xanax earlier in the day, and then inderal 30-40min before, I noticed a headache developed after a couple of hours into the inderal but I had a glass of wine so that could have caused it. Other than that I would say it gave me a dulled down version of what the stress reaction probably would have been like <phew>
:)

 

Re: I did it » LegWarmers

Posted by Phillipa on December 15, 2005, at 23:36:41

In reply to Re: I did it » RobertDavid, posted by LegWarmers on December 15, 2005, at 23:21:47

Yeah you did it leg warmers! Did you perform well? Glad everything went well and the meds worked for your anxiety. The headache will go away. fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: Anxious and Medication » LegWarmers

Posted by Jedi on December 16, 2005, at 13:35:24

In reply to Re: Anxious and Medication » Jedi, posted by LegWarmers on December 12, 2005, at 14:25:50

...
>
> Thats great! I dont know anything about Nardil, I wonder if you can take it once as needed. Although Im sure the xanax will be enough.
> Thanks
>

Hi LegWarmers,
I'm sorry for not responding in a timely fashion. I've been off Babble for a few days. Congratulations on fighting through your performance anxiety. Benzos can be taken on an as needed basis. I believe beta-blockers can also. I would look up propranolol, performance and anxiety in PubMed.

Nardil is an older antidepressant and anxiety medication. It is a MAOI, which means monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase is responsible for the breakdown of various neurotransmitters in the brain. It is what they call a dirty drug because it affects so many different chemicals in the brain and elsewhere in the body. Though more dangerous than the newer medications, it will often work on treatment resistant cases of atypical depression and social anxiety. When nothing else works, a MAOI will often pull a person out of the pit. It can't be taken on an as needed basis and often takes from four to six weeks to kick in. It doesn't sound like you need this kind of horsepower for occasional performance related anxiety.
Take care,
Jedi

Propranolol reduces the anxiety associated with day case surgery.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8679756&query_hl=8

The effect of propranolol versus placebo on resident surgical performance.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10360293&query_hl=11

Studies on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers after diazepam, propranolol and alcohol given alone or in combination.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8550117&query_hl=11


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