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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Considering Use of Metoprolol/Beta-Blockers for Performance Anxiety
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Considering Use of Metoprolol/Beta-Blockers for Performance Anxiety
by phototrope, Jul 04, 2004 12:00AM
I suffer from tremendous anxiety during exams in school. When writing an essay, I am supposed to decipher and organize arguments, but my nervousness compounds after I first realize that I'm a bit confused, to the point of panic and paralysis. Now that I have a big exam coming up (4 hours long), I can't afford to have this happen again!
I was told about the use of beta-blockers for performance anxiety. After doing research I see that Inderal (Propanolol) is the most commonly used. Here is my question in a few parts:
1. Can Metoprolol be used instead? If so, what is the appropriate dosage to use? I ask because Metoprolol and Propanolol are dosed differently for their "on-label" uses.
2. Will beta-blockers be so anxiolytic that the normal, productive adrenaline response in exam situations will be completely shutdown or interefer with my cognitive ability, to my detriment
3. If #2 is an inevitability, is there a more appropriate medication to deal with my problem? I've considered benzodiazapenes, but I fear they will make my "out of it".
Thank you so much for your help. This service is truly an asset.
I was told about the use of beta-blockers for performance anxiety. After doing research I see that Inderal (Propanolol) is the most commonly used. Here is my question in a few parts:
1. Can Metoprolol be used instead? If so, what is the appropriate dosage to use? I ask because Metoprolol and Propanolol are dosed differently for their "on-label" uses.
2. Will beta-blockers be so anxiolytic that the normal, productive adrenaline response in exam situations will be completely shutdown or interefer with my cognitive ability, to my detriment
3. If #2 is an inevitability, is there a more appropriate medication to deal with my problem? I've considered benzodiazapenes, but I fear they will make my "out of it".
Thank you so much for your help. This service is truly an asset.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Jul 06, 2004 12:00AM
, Jul 06, 2004 12:00AM
I don't have any direct experience with Metroprol but do know about, and have prescribed, Inderal for this same purpose. It seems to work quite well, and does not diminish your alertness or motivation to succeed. do not take benzodiazapenes, they will make you lose focus and decrease your performance.
Member Comments (2)
by phototrope, Jul 04, 2004 12:00AM
I realize that I have asked relatively specific questions and in order that I may receive a satisfactory response, I want to make it clear, that I fully understand that in no way do I consider your statements to be a medical evaluation or diagnosis of me or my anxiety. I am currently without insurance and before I spend a full payment on my (relatively uncooperative and closed-minded) family doctor, I just want to be armed with at least someone knowledge. Thank you.
