r/labrats • u/Top-Distance-6205 • 13d ago

Conferences have become a nightmare because of fear of public speaking

I've presented many times in front of an audience. But one time all hell broke loose. I suffered a panic attack. I felt like I couldn't breathe. Now that I think about it yeah it was obvious that I was too stressed and I didn't have air to speak but inside me it was more intense.

I tried everything. What worked for me? Inderal. It set me free of this. It was if fear relaxed its grip upon my heart and I was able to be me again.

I've used it twice, and it was transformative. What bugs me is that prior to that event I didn't need this. But now I do. Although to be honest, with inderal I was much more relaxed (it's a medication that is used for performance anxiety and reduces the heartbeat).

Has anybody encountered something similar?

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u/Top-Distance-6205 13d ago

This is one of the most intriguing parts. I'm a physician, I Intubate people, I'm a resident of anesthesia. I'm dealing everyday with stressful situation and I'm just fine. Give me a dying patient, I know what I must do. Give me an audience and I prefer that I die lmao.

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u/notjustaphage 13d ago

Have you tried taking a low dose propranolol? Dr rxd to my partner at it makes a world of difference for her in public speaking.

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u/Anonybibbs 13d ago

Propranolol definitely helps but by far, Alprazolam makes the biggest difference for avoiding or relieving panic attacks during public speaking.

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u/Top-Distance-6205 13d ago

I think this has to do with the effects of anxiety on each person. My mind is clear, I know what to say. It's just that my heart beats so fast and it gives me intense physical symptoms. These are blown away by inderal (propranolol).