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Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

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Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#91
post #85

Propranolol massively improved my quality of life. I used to get panicked at the prospect of public speaking, but with propranolol I feel like I could give a nationally televised State of the Union address with no problem. I take it only before public speaking, not regularly. The only downside is it leaves me with dry eyes and exhaustion at the end of the day, but it’s a small price to pay for the huge QoL improvemen…

Do you think that eliminating the extreme fear -> everything is fine sequence would prevent you from learning to naturally handle public speaking?

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#92
post #85

Propranolol massively improved my quality of life. I used to get panicked at the prospect of public speaking, but with propranolol I feel like I could give a nationally televised State of the Union address with no problem. I take it only before public speaking, not regularly. The only downside is it leaves me with dry eyes and exhaustion at the end of the day, but it’s a small price to pay for the huge QoL improvemen…

Panicked as in a full blown panic attack? Is your timing that off, or do you question this ‘selective erasure’?

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#93

This does not surprise me one bit. I was prescribed beta blockers for "heart problems" that turned out to be panic attacks and I noticed the same effects. On beta blockers you're able to talk about unpleasant memories as casually as one would note the weather. It's a surreal experience, but a useful one. Before this it was easy to shut down and avoid confronting bad memories. Now I can just brush away everything. Ano…

If caffeine makes you jittery, try out those time-release caffeine pills and a tall glass of water. I've replaced morning coffee this way, and it's great.

L-Theanine + Caffeine is a great combo and mitigates the jittery effect. Better still, both occur naturally in green tea, so taking supplements is not needed.

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#94
post #85

Propranolol massively improved my quality of life. I used to get panicked at the prospect of public speaking, but with propranolol I feel like I could give a nationally televised State of the Union address with no problem. I take it only before public speaking, not regularly. The only downside is it leaves me with dry eyes and exhaustion at the end of the day, but it’s a small price to pay for the huge QoL improvemen…

Do you think that eliminating the extreme fear -> everything is fine sequence would prevent you from learning to naturally handle public speaking?

Others have reported just the opposite -- it helps them develop the confidence to speak without it.

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#95

This does not surprise me one bit. I was prescribed beta blockers for "heart problems" that turned out to be panic attacks and I noticed the same effects. On beta blockers you're able to talk about unpleasant memories as casually as one would note the weather. It's a surreal experience, but a useful one. Before this it was easy to shut down and avoid confronting bad memories. Now I can just brush away everything. Ano…

If caffeine makes you jittery, try out those time-release caffeine pills and a tall glass of water. I've replaced morning coffee this way, and it's great.

Why not just cut out caffeine? You'll be in a slump for a month but once you're past that energy levels and alertness will be back to normal. I used to drink caffeinated water after I gave up soda until I realized it was kind of ridiculous. Taking a caffeine pill strikes me similarly.

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#96

Living with someone with crippling PTSD and anxiety disorders, I'm thrilled to hear about this study. As someone who's dealt with an oppressive government (which is where the PTSD and anxiety came from), I wonder if this therapy can be weaponized by the powerful to oppress the powerless. The rise of the warrior cop is bad enough, but what about a crack squad that has been chemically desensitized to killing in cold bl…

That worry feels like a stretch, because right now, the many oppressive governments of the world are not in the least suffering logistical difficulties due to their stormtroopers getting PTSD. There are I think 2 main reasons why not: - Stormtroopers are people who have non functioning empathy, by nature or nurture, they don't experience killing in cold blood as horrific. - Stormtroopers are a cheap commodity. The op…

Isis grunts were regularly given stimulants to keep them awake and alert. The future he/she describes isn't that far off

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#97

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you are out there and suffer daily 'stage fright' or serious social anxiety - propranolol is the drug for you. That weird fear that sweeps over you before a conversation - just doesn't happen. Need to talk in front of 50 people in 25 minutes? No problem. If you are crippled by social anxiety - this pill will turn you into Bradley Cooper in Limitless.

Maybe I’m an outlier, but it had absolutely no effect on me for public speaking or social situations. I was prescribed a lot of it, tried for years and even still have some sitting around. I envy those who get the effects you describe.

It might have something to do with what you said about being prescribed a lot of it.

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#98
I take propranolol with ADHD medication to help negate some of the anxiety/raised heart rate effects.

I'm not sure if I've noticed a difference with anxiety while on it, other than the mitigation of anxiety from ADHD medication.

I guess I should try taking it alone.

That being said, a large part of my psychological issues are due to anxiety, but I haven't seen any treatments that have been compelling enough for me to try (SSRI's/benzos mainly).

I do exercise, try to be good about sleep, try to force myself to get out with friends or family every other week or so.

Additionally, I've noticed meditation to be a large help for me with anxiety. It took me a while to where I really notice the difference, but I've reached a point where I can say I notice if I've meditated the night before or not.

(I'm not advocating for or against any medication, individual situations vary, and people should consider treatment in the context of their situation with their doctor)

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#99

I take propranolol with ADHD medication to help negate some of the anxiety/raised heart rate effects. I'm not sure if I've noticed a difference with anxiety while on it, other than the mitigation of anxiety from ADHD medication. I guess I should try taking it alone. That being said, a large part of my psychological issues are due to anxiety, but I haven't seen any treatments that have been compelling enough for me to…

> I take propranolol with ADHD medication to help negate some of the anxiety/raised heart rate effects.

Happy to hear someone else does this as well. It's really done wonders and has helped me think more clearly in stressful situations — whereas, with stimulants alone, things can become a little more stressful when you're stressed due to increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Re: Single-dose propranolol tied to ‘selective erasure’ of anxiety disorders

#100
post #85

Propranolol massively improved my quality of life. I used to get panicked at the prospect of public speaking, but with propranolol I feel like I could give a nationally televised State of the Union address with no problem. I take it only before public speaking, not regularly. The only downside is it leaves me with dry eyes and exhaustion at the end of the day, but it’s a small price to pay for the huge QoL improvemen…

Do you think that eliminating the extreme fear -> everything is fine sequence would prevent you from learning to naturally handle public speaking?

Honestly, there is a chance I’m dependent on it now. But I’m still okay with that being a trade off. So long as I always have at least 40 minutes notice before having to do public speaking, I should be fine.
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