Stay Cool Under Pressure

Performance anxiety is the uneasiness or nervousness that individuals may experience before or during a performance or public speaking engagement. It’s a common phenomenon and can occur in various contexts, such as giving a presentation, playing a musical instrument, participating in a sports event, or even during social interactions.  If you dread the thought of getting up in front of a group of people and performing, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from performance anxiety, commonly called “stage fright.”

Performance anxiety symptoms may include:

• Racing pulse and rapid breathing
• Dry mouth and tight throat
• Trembling hands, knees, lips, and voice
• Sweaty and cold hands
• Nausea and an uneasy feeling in your stomach
• Vision changes

If you suffer from these symptoms, a medication called Propranolol is often prescribed which can help control these symptoms.

Propranolol is a prescription medication known as a beta-blocker, which helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, including sweating and shaking.  It also decreases the amount of work your heart has to do and helps your heart beat regularly. It treats high blood pressure and/or prevents chest pain (also called angina). It is also used after a heart attack to prevent a second one.  Propranolol can also be used to prevent migraines as well as treating performance anxiety.  For performance anxiety, Propranolol is used off-label* to manage symptoms of performance anxiety or “stage fright’. It can help reduce the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as trembling or a racing heart.

*  Learn About Off-Label Use

Propranolol is taken on an as-needed basis, as a single dose for performance anxiety. It should be taken 30-60 minutes before the desired effect is needed and generally lasts in your system for about 8 hours. If taken daily on a regular basis, Propranolol can remain in your system for up to a week. Each person’s response to Propranolol may vary. It’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts to the medication and adjust the timing of the medication after you gauge your body’s response.

Propranolol is generally well tolerated but as with any medication, it can have side effects.  Some of the more common ones are:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rash
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips
• Feeling faint
• Unusual weight gain
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat

Keep this medication in the original container that you received it in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).