Anita Letara
Big News: PerformanceAnxiety.com has been acquired by PerformZen. PerformZen are the producers of the first all-natural performance anxiety supplement and have big plans for PerformanceAnxiety.com — all of which will get laid out here.
Considering that over 40 percent of US adults state (in certain surveys) that they have a signigicant fear of public speaking, it’s surprising that there isn’t a lot more talk in the media about overcoming and managing one of the nations largest collective phobias! Since the 60s, a heart-medication drug has been the secret tool for public speakers trying to get a handle on their performance anxiety/stage fright issues. That prescription drug is a beta-blocker called Propranolol, which is actually the most commonly prescribed beta blocker drug in the US. In this article, I’m going to take a look at why so many public speakers use Propranolol to help with their performance anxiety issues, I’ll share my personal experience with the drug, and you’ll find out what the side-effects and downsides are, as well as some alternatives.
During his Golden Globe Award acceptance speech for best supporting actor in the movie Oppenheimer, actor Robert Downey Jr very briefly mentioned beta-blockers in relation to anxiety and stage fright, when he said “I took a beta-blocker so this will be a breeze”. Here we look at why Robert Downey Jr was talking about beta-blockers, what beta-blocker drugs are, how they work for anxiety, what the downsides are, and uncover other celebrities who have also gone public about using beta blockers to help with their anxiety problems.
You’re not alone in facing severe stress and anxiety in the run up to exams – no matter what area or stage of life you are in! Test anxiety is when you experience physical, emotional and/or mental symptoms and stress responses in the lead up to an exam, and can have serious health implications, not to mention the likely effect on your academic abilities. Here we investigate why we experience such extreme nerves and anxiety in the run up to exams & tests, and take a look at the different test anxiety medications (as well as some natural alternatives) for getting past test anxiety and excelling in any test or exam.
For many, public speaking is literally the scariest thing they could do (many rank speaking in front of large crowds as being scarier than snakes, and for some, even death)! Here we look at a number of tips and tricks that a budding speaker can use to make sure they’re not overwhelmed by their fear of speaking in public, or glossophobia as it’s called in scientific circles.
Metoprolol is one of the most common selective beta-blockers prescribed over 25 million times every year in the US. This prescription beta-blocker commonly sold as Lopressor is used in treating high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. Metoprolol is also commonly used off-script by high-level performers like actors, musicians, and public speakers to overcome stage fright and performance anxiety issues. This article looks at several user reviews of Metoprolol, and we respond after explaining how metoprolol works, what its side-effects are, and whether it has a risk of dependency, finally determining whether Metoprolol is a suitable solution for stage fright and performance anxiety symptoms.
Propranolol is the most common prescription beta-blocker that performers of all sorts (singers, public speakers, company managers & leaders, etc) use off-script to help with their stage fright, performance anxiety and general anxiety issues. In this article we look at several user reviews of Propranolol and share feedback and thoughts on some of the points raised within the Propranolol reviews. If you are considering using Propranolol to help with your anxiety issues, you need to see these reviews and feedback.
Prescription adrenaline blockers (or beta-blockers as they are commonly called) are extremely popular amongst career and amateur performers alike. They are used “off-script” for helping individuals manage their stage fright & anxiety symptoms, and the most commonly prescribed beta blocker in the US is called Propranolol (commonly sold under the brand name Inderal). Tech-focused startups with the goal of making prescription medications for mental health issues easily, affordably and legally available for the average consumer have popped up in recent years, and two of the most popular are the companies ‘Hims’ and ‘Kick’. Here we share our findings from using both of these performance anxiety medication startups and determine which is better, as well as review what they are actually selling.
The beta-blocker Propranolol is the most prescribed beta-blocker in the US, and is (very) commonly used off-script for anxiety & stage fright symptoms by professional performers of all sorts. Many singers, CEOs, orchestra musicians and anyone who is experiencing severe anxiety in the run up to a high-stakes event have used Propranolol to help with their anxiety. In this article we take a look at how and why propranolol works to help with performance anxiety, as well as looking at recommended dosage, downsides and side-effects, as well as several prescription & natural alternatives to Propranolol. Keep reading if you are interested in using propranolol to help with your performance anxiety, as this is the ultimate guide to Propranolol that you’ve been looking for.
Neurodivergence was first identified by an Australian sociologist called Judy Singer in the late 90s. It refers to the idea that differences in the human brain are natural & normal and, in a lot of cases, can lead to meaningful and positive insights and abilities. The question is commonly asked about anxiety: is anxiety neurodivergent? In this article we look at what Neurodiversity and neurotypical are, what the benefits might be and finally figure out whether anxiety is neurodivergent or not.
If anxiety is stopping or getting in the way of your routine activities, you are not alone. As anxiety is such a common problem that affects many different people, anxiety disorders are often treated using prescription anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medications such as Xanax (Alprazolam). While Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in the US (48 million prescriptions in one year alone – 2013) the drug can have serious risks and drawbacks. There are alternatives to Xanax for anxiety, however, and in this article we look at how Xanax works & what it does to the brain, discuss the side effects and cover several Xanax alternatives that are available over the counter (OTC) to see if they are as effective as benzodiazepines but without the drawbacks.
If you suffer from flying anxiety, then you’ve probably had stats about how safe flying really is (especially compared to other modes of transportation) or about how rare plane accidents are thrown at you. What most of those people don’t understand, is that you can’t quell phobias and lifelong fears with a couple of statistics. If that was possible, one in six people would not suffer from some sort of fear of flying, and flying anxiety would not be a problem. In this article we look at what flying anxiety is and what the symptoms are, why we suffer from a fear of flying and several over the counter prescription & non-prescription natural medications to overcome flight anxiety.
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) drugs are both used to treat depression and anxiety symptoms, but they function slightly differently and come with different methods of action, side-effects and levels of effectiveness. Here we look at what SSRIs and SNRIs are, how they work for anxiety, what the drawbacks & side-effects are for each of them, analyze which is more effective and even look at some natural alternatives.
Gabapentin (Neurontin), a prescription anticonvulsant medication, is a synthetic version of the neurotransmitter GABA, or Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. Originally, gabapentin was created to control certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy, as well as nerve pain relief solution, and a calming agent for conditions like restless leg syndrome. Gabapentin is also used off-label as a treatment for anxiety symptoms and disorders. Here we look at how Gabapentin works against anxiety, compare it to other alternatives like beta-blockers & natural supplements, consider the side-effects and long-term downsides, and figure out if Gabapentin is effective against anxiety.
Metoprolol is a selective beta-blocker that’s prescribed around 27 million times a year in the US. It’s commonly used to help treat high blood pressure and similar heart-related conditions, but it is also commonly used off-script by performers (musicians, actors, public speakers, etc.) to help with performance anxiety and stage fright issues. The same function of Metoprolol that makes it good for helping with blood pressure issues, makes it helpful with anxiety as well. There are some side-effects & downsides to Metoprolol however, so here we look at how the drug works, and what prescription and natural alternatives exist for Metoprolol.
Just like with any difficulty commonly faced by people around the world, professional performers (and non-performers) have sought out some form of ‘stage fright pill’ to help with their performance anxiety issues for a long time. Beta-blocker medications have often been used ‘off-script’ for anxiety, and there are some alternatives to beta-blockers in the form of supplements and some unique techniques. Here we are going to look into whether a stage fright pill even exists, what side-effects they may have and what the alternatives are.
Is nervousness and overall anxiety messing with your golf game? You may be suffering from golfing nerves, or ‘golf anxiety’ and believe it or not, this may actually be a good sign! Here we look at what is causing your golfing nerves, how to use the same techniques that golf pros use to overcome them and improve your game, plus several golf nerves remedies that will help you elevate your performance.
Golf, at higher levels, is a mentally taxing sport. You need to balance mental focus and calm with hundreds, maybe thousands, of physical variables that can all make or break your game. A common issue for many golfers is experiencing ‘the golf yips’, traditionally during the short game (pitch shots, chip shots and putts). Here we will look at what ‘the yips’ are, what causes them, and uncover five different remedies that you can use to overcome golf yips so that you can level-up your game.
Depakote is used “off-script” by many performers, musicians, and others suffering to help with anxiety issues; performance anxiety, social anxiety, or otherwise. Here we look at what Depakote is, how it works against anxiety, compare it to other alternatives like beta-blockers & natural supplements, examine any side-effects and long-term downsides, and figure out if Depakote is effective against anxiety.
For many sports athletes, the stakes are extremely high and they are under extraordinary pressure. The smallest step wrong or right can be the difference between a huge win or a devastating loss. This pressure can be debilitating but there are a few athletes who have made the art of performing under pressure look easy, and here we look at how they do it.
I have been recommending PerformZen Calm Performance Formula on this website a lot recently, as well as to several clients who are seeking fast-acting solutions to their stage fright and anxiety issues. A couple of readers have actually reached out asking for more information about the performance anxiety supplement, so I reached out to the founders of the company and managed to arrange a phone interview with Jane Nguyen, one of the ‘brains behind the operation’. We dig into the PerformZen supplement, how it became a product in the first place, how it compares to prescription beta blockers, and I even share my own thoughts and review of the all-natural stage fright supplement.
Propranolol (Inderal) is commonly used by people performing on stage & in high pressure situations off-script to help with performance anxiety, stage fright & glossophobia. As Propranolol is so common among musicians, public speakers, and many public performers, we wanted to investigate what the best dosage for Propranolol is when using for Anxiety.
Depending on which survey you analyze; Glossophobia (or ‘Fear of Public Speaking’) is the second or first biggest fear of adult Americans. What’s strange is that this phobia of public speaking just doesn’t effect some people at all, while for others it can be a crippling fear that significantly impacts their life. In this article we look at what Glossophobia is, why it effects some and not others, and share several techniques to overcome glossophobia and defeat your fear of public speaking.
Almost all actors & performers have experienced audition nerves. Here we look at why you feel anxious during your auditions and reveal several strategies for overcoming audition anxiety, including one technique borrowed from George Clooney.
We recently came across an interesting story about how the singer Adele manager her stage fright & anxiety so that she can perform on stage in front of thousands when she’s on tour. Read on to find out how Adele uses an alter-ego to overcome her crippling stage fright.
Propranolol (commonly sold under the brand name Inderal) and Metoprolol (commonly sold as Lopressor) are both beta blockers designed to block the effects of adrenergic hormones, and are prescribed to treat various heart conditions. However, beta blockers like propranolol and metoprolol are also used off-script to prevent anxiety symptoms. We look at which beta blocker is most effective against performance anxiety symptoms.
Anyone who has ever felt the fear and overwhelming experience that comes with performing on stage or in front of a large audience will have asked themselves “how can I get over this stage fright?” at some point. Here we uncover several exercises that can help you overcome stage fright & performance anxiety.
Beta Blockers like Propranolol, Atenolol and Metoprolol are commonly used by musicians and other performers to stay calm during their performances. We look at what beta blockers are, how they work against anxiety & stage fright and determine if there are any side effects. We also look at alternatives to beta blockers and determine if there are other ways to remedy anxiety symptoms.
We investigate the best performance anxiety & stage fright books for high level performers. Covering classics like ‘In The Spotlight’ and ‘Speak With No Fear’, if you’re a high level performer who suffers from stage fright, these books can help you.
We determine what Performance Anxiety is, what causes it, and how to overcome it. We also discuss several hacks & exercises that can help you overcome performance anxiety before your next high-pressure situation.
If you feel like you’re trapped by your stage fright, paralyzed by fear before going up on stage, giving a speech, approaching that attractive guy/gal while out walking, or at any point; then this guide is for you. We look at using a scientific approach to understanding & conquering stage fright.
What does courage mean to you? Wether you go by the dictionary definition of “mental or moral strength to venture, perserve and withstand danger” or if you have a deeper, more personal meaning for the word; it’s worth thinking deeply about ‘courage’ as it relates to your self-image. In this article, we offer some tips on how to do exactly that.
After debriefing from our ‘getting over stage fright’ workshop, we highlighted the power of positive mindsets for public speakers, performers and anyone facing high-anxiety scenarios. Here we look at methods to train our minds, and some thought exercises focused on utilizing a positive mindset to perform at our best.
Some thoughts on how to use the powerful combination of Action + Accountability to crush your performance fears and get ahead in life.
Janet Esposito MSW is the author of ‘In the Spotlight’ and ‘Getting Over Stage Fright’ books, as well as the previous owner of PerformanceAnxiety.com. Here, Janet shares her stage fright/performance anxiety story and how she overcame it.