Propranolol

Propranolol is a Beta blocker and it can help manage symptoms of daily and performance anxiety. It is commonly used to help those who struggle with public speaking, or when someone might be in a situation that might bring on the same feelings one might have when speaking in front of a large crowd. They work by blocking adrenaline, reducing physical anxiety symptoms like a fast heartbeat, shaking hands, and sweating. This medication targets the physical symptoms of anxiety like shakiness, feeling of your heart racing, sweating, headache (it is used for other medical conditions like stopping tremors and headaches/migraines).

While there are no dependency concerns or addiction risk, or tolerance issues - these medications are so effective in physically alleviating anxiety that they are banned in the Olympics and professional golf because they are considered performance enhancing!

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Dosing:

The dosing recommended by your provider may slightly vary depending on a number of factors. But typically, I recommend my clients take Propranolol 20 mg about 60-90 minutes before a stressful event, if using this medication on an as needed basis. This can be repeated one additional time during the day. However, if the medicine is very effective, this can be used every day as well and no concerns related to dependency or tolerance. In that sense, you would take 20 mg in the morning when you wake up and then later in the day repeat another 1/2 to 1 tablet if you feel you need to take another dose due to increased physical anxiety symptoms.

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Written by:

Joseph Gagnon Jr.