Propranolol for performance anxiety in patient with asthma

[1James1]

I understand beta blockers are contradicted in people with asthma, because both drugs have action on the same receptors. I have hayfever which triggers my asthma (though this is seasonal and quite uncommon), do you think using 5mg of propranolol for performance anxiety is very dangerous? Could this low dose of propranolol render salbutamol totally ineffective during an asthma attack? I don't want to go killing myself to do better in a job interview.

I am at times an over anxious person, though not really to any extent is it debilitating but still I know I could obtain this medication in a more official route, which is probably the best idea because I could be certain the medication I was getting was real and have a ECG done to put my mind at ease. But buying medication online from abroad is another controversial matter all by itself.

[johnep]

In this case I would suggest clordiazepoxide. Or, you could change to piriton which has sedative properties.
johnep

[Pharmanaut]

I understand beta blockers are contradicted in people with asthma, because both drugs have action on the same receptors. I have hayfever which triggers my asthma (though this is seasonal and quite uncommon), do you think using 5mg of propranolol for performance anxiety is very dangerous? Could this low dose of propranolol render salbutamol totally ineffective during an asthma attack? I don't want to go killing myself to do better in a job interview.

I am at times an over anxious person, though not really to any extent is it debilitating but still I know I could obtain this medication in a more official route, which is probably the best idea because I could be certain the medication I was getting was real and have a ECG done to put my mind at ease. But buying medication online from abroad is another controversial matter all by itself.

I would suggest some lessons in relaxation techniques - drug free, you know if they are counterfeit, and if you find some material on the internet its free. Many years ago used some as a student to get control of exam nerves.
Another way would be to take up a minor position in running whatever hobby or sport club that you participate in.

[1James1]

Hello Johnep, thank you for your response.


Benzodiazepines worry me a bit because of the possibility of addiction, tolerance and withdrawal. I do not want to feel sedated, I just don't want to feel nervous (rapid heart beat etc). GPs prescribe beta blockers to treat nervousness during driving exams. I know of a host of people that use really low dosages of propranolol for stage fright and performance anxiety and they say they work really well .

[1James1]

I would suggest some lessons in relaxation techniques - drug free, you know if they are counterfeit, and if you find some material on the internet its free. Many years ago used some as a student to get control of exam nerves.
Another way would be to take up a minor position in running whatever hobby or sport club that you participate in.

Taking a pill as and when needed is so much more convenient and effective. Relaxation techniques will only work so far, I'd like to control that natural flight or fright reaction will all get at times.

[1James1]

My main concern is using propranolol when I have asthma. I am interested in how safe this drug is? I have read else where that it has been prescribed to people who do have asthma, but how safe is this?

[DavidS]

I understand beta blockers are contradicted in people with asthma, because both drugs have action on the same receptors. ....... I don't want to go killing myself to do better in a job interview...... and have a ECG done to put my mind at ease. But buying medication online from abroad is another controversial matter all by itself.

Benzodiazepines worry me a bit because of the possibility of addiction, tolerance and withdrawal. I do not want to feel sedated,

I am interested in how safe this drug is?

Taking a pill as and when needed is so much more convenient and effective.

rofl

[Sir_Dispensalot]

My main concern is using propranolol when I have asthma. I am interested in how safe this drug is? I have read else where that it has been prescribed to people who do have asthma, but how safe is this?

The drug itself is very safe. How safe it is for you, however, is a completely different matter. The risk is certainly there - there is no way for us to say if it's safe for you or not. I would err on the side of caution. Just apply a bit of common sense - ask yourself 'this drug could KILL ME. should i take it to help my stage fright or should i try something else?'
Would you take the risk? I certainly wouldn't!

[Pharmanaut]

Taking a pill as and when needed is so much more convenient and effective. Relaxation techniques will only work so far, I'd like to control that natural flight or fright reaction will all get at times.

Oddly, I carry the relaxation techniques with me at all times, and use them when needed etc. <g>

[1James1]

By the way I really value your advice and knowledge. It would be a difficult conversation to have with my GP. I would expect him to have to say "using lifestyle drugs is wrong and you shouldn't do it". Though many people do. That's why such sites are useful for drug harm minimisation.

I always try to err on the side of caution but many drugs could KILL ME, its the probability that's important. Is the risk that high, such a low dosage and in someone who has very very mild asthma? How about a cardioselective beta blocker like atenolol could that be used for performance anxiety? What benzodiazepine is best at stopping nervousness. Do benzodiazepines vary in their strength of causing addiction and withdrawal, which benzo is the best from this point of view?