Performance Hacker Blog

Is There a Stage Fright Pill to Help Overcome Performance Anxiety & Fears?

Does a Stage Fright Pill exist that can help overcome performance anxiety for speakers, musicians, and all performing artists as well as professionals?

Professional performers have sought out some form of ‘stage fright pill’ to help with their performance anxiety & stage fright issues for a long time. Beta blocker medications have often been used ‘off-label’ 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 (perhaps it’s beta blockers?), what side-effects they may have and what the alternatives are.

Considering that over 40 percent of US adults state (in certain surveys) that they have a significant 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.

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.

Depakote for Anxiety - Can Valproic Acid help with anxiety symptoms?

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.

Propranolol vs Metoprolol for Anxiety - which is best?

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.

Natural Beta Blocker Alternatives For Anxiety

Beta-blockers are commonly used by performers (musicians, public speakers, athletes, etc) off script to help with stage fright symptoms. Here we look at how beta-blockers work, what the side-effects are and uncover several natural alternatives to beta blockers that performers who are worried about beta blocker side-effects can use.

Atenolol for anxiety - everything you need to know about the beta blocker for anxiety purposes

Atenolol, commonly sold under the brand name Tenormin, is a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical beta-blocker. Beta blockers (beta-adrenergic blocking agents) are traditionally prescribed to help with heart conditions, angina, arrhythmia, etc. Many professional musicians use beta-blockers like Atenolol off-script to help with their stage fright and performance anxiety, as beta blockers essentially help the user steady their heart rate and block the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. Here we look at what Atenolol is exactly, examine it’s effectiveness against anxiety symptoms, and see if Atenolol is effective for anxiety.

Propranolol (commonly sold under the brand name Inderal) and Xanax, a well-known Benzodiazepine medication, are both drugs commonly prescribed and used to help with stress responses and anxiety. Benzodiazepines including Xanax act on the brain and central nervous system (CNS) to produce a calming effect, whereas beta-blockers like Propranolol focus on the cardiovascular system & heart to lower blood pressure with the side-effect of lowering anxiety. Here we look at the pros and cons of both Xanax & Propranolol for anxiety; including side-effects, addiction risks, dosages for anxiety & in-depth looks at how they work and what natural alternatives exist for anxiety.

Over The Counter (OTC) Beta Blocker Alternatives

Beta blockers are commonly used ‘off-script’ by performers such as musicians, public speakers, athletes, etc to help with performance anxiety symptoms. Here we look at how beta-blockers work and uncover several substitutes to beta blockers available over the counter that performers who are worried about beta blocker side-effects can use.

Bisoprolol is a prescription beta-blocker, normally prescribed under the brand-name Zebeta to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and irregular heartbeats. Many high-level performers, musicians, speakers & artists use beta blockers like Bisoprolol off-script to help reduce performance anxiety or stage fright before and during a big performance. Here, we take a look at why so many performers and celebrities are using Bisoprolol to help with their anxiety, and we determine if Bisoprolol is actually a good long-term solution to stage fright. We also look at how Bisoprolol works exactly, what the side-effects are, what the recommended dosages are and even check to see if there are any natural alternatives.

Nebivolol is a prescription beta blocker that is prescribed under the OTC brand name Bystolic in order to treat heart conditions and to assist with cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and irregular heartbeat. Many professional performers like musicians, singers, speakers and actors use beta blockers like Nebivolol ‘off-script’ to help with their performance anxiety and stage fright symptoms before, or during, a performance. In this article we will take a look at the beta blocker Nebivolol, and try to understand why so many celebrities and performers are using the beta blockers to help with their anxiety, see what the recommended dosage is, while also reviewing any downsides and side-effects to the medication. We even take a look at some natural alternatives for those who don’t want to use a prescription medication like Bystolic to help overcome their fears and anxieties.

Propranolol vs Bisoprolol Beta Blockers for Anxiety

Both Propranolol (brand name Inderal) and Bisoprolol (brand name Zebeta) are prescription beta blocker medications that were originally designed to block the effects of adrenaline on the heart, helping people manage their heart and cardiac issues successfully. However because these medications block adrenaline, these beta blockers are also used “off script” by some to help them get rid of anxiety symptoms and stage fright. In this article we look at Bisoprolol and Propranolol beta-blockers and see which is best for anxiety symptoms.

Hydroxyzine is a prescription antihistamine drug that has some sedative properties, and is therefore used by some to help with anxiety symptoms and disorders. A part of the ‘piperazine’ class of drugs, we wanted to know how hydroxyzine works for anxiety purposes, what the recommended dosages are for anxiety, potential interactions, upsides and downsides of usage (as well as any side-effects) and ultimately; we attempted to find out if hydroxyzine is better then alternative anxiety solutions (pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, as well as natural alternatives). Find out just how good Hydroxyzine is for anxiety.

Flying anxiety medications and pills to overcome a fear of flying

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.

Acebutolol (Sectral) is a beta-blocker medication that many people (particularly performers such as singers, musicians, speakers and sales execs) use ‘off-script’ to help them manage their anxiety symptoms, be it performance anxiety, social anxiety or generalized anxiety. Here we look at how Acebutolol works to help with anxiety and stage fright issues, consider if it is a safe and effective medication to use, understand ideal acebutolol dosage for anxiety purposes, and look at some natural alternatives to the prescription beta-blocker.

Natural Propranolol Alternatives for Anxiety

Propranolol is the most prescribed beta blocker in the US, and it’s commonly used off-script for anxiety & stage fright symptoms by professional performers of all sorts. Here we look at what Propranolol is and why it’s being used by so many to help with their performance anxiety, as well as identifying the side-effects and downsides of the medication. Finally we look at several natural alternatives to Propranolol for those who want a natural option to help with their anxiety issues instead of using beta blockers.

Khloé Kardashian uses beta blockers for her anxiety?

Many celebrities have been known to use Beta Blockers to help with their performance anxiety and stage fright issues. Some of the most popular include Katy Perry, Shawn Mendez, Whitney Cummings and, the highlight of this article; Khloé Kardashian. In an episode of ‘The Kardashians’ on Hulu, Khloé Kardashian was pushed by her mother and manager Kris Jenner to user a beta blocker to help calm her nerves before appearing on The Late Show. Here, we look at what beta blockers are, how they help celebs like Khloé Kardashian with their anxiety, discuss the risks & downsides and even suggest some natural alternatives to prescription beta blockers.

Flying Anxiety guide to help overcome a fear of flying

Just over 40% of the US population experience some degree of flying anxiety according to studies. If you regularly suffer from flying anxiety, then you’ve probably heard the stats about how safe flying really is, particularly compared to other modes of transportation, or about how rare accidents are in the aviation space. Unfortunately, we typically can’t overcome our fears and phobias with a few well-quoted statistics. In this article we look at what flying anxiety is, what the symptoms are, uncover why we suffer from a fear of flying in the first place and then look at several medications, techniques and books that should help you overcome your own fear of flying.

Lost Voice Remedy - How to get your voice back

For professional performers and professions that emphasize vocal communication, the voice is an essential tool. What many experience after repeatedly pushing their voice to the extremes is either a complete loss of voice, or harsh irritation and inflammation of the throat (and therefore voice). This is a natural bodily response, but there are several things that can be done to either prevent voice loss from occurring too regularly, or remedies to help you recover faster when voice loss inevitably occurs. Here we try and hone in on the ultimate lost voice remedy.

Is a fear of public speaking really the number one fear in the world?

According to a recent survey, over 40% of Americans say they have a fear of public speaking and the only fear more common was snakes (some even listed death as less scary then public speaking)! Fear of public speaking, or the medical term glossophobia, is extremely common in humans and has primal routes in our psychology. Here we investigate if the fear of public speaking really is the number one ranked fear globally, as well as dig in to why so many experience this fear and what we can do to help overcome it.

How to calm nerves before a presentation

Giving a presentation is a terrifying experience for many people. In fact, studies show that nearly 40% of Americans list a fear of public speaking and giving presentations in front of an audience as 1 of their top 5 fears. If you have a presentation coming up, you may be feeling the nerves and anxiety and it might be getting in the way of preparing properly. Here, we investigate why we experience anxiety before a presentation in the first place, and then provide several solutions to help you calm your nerves before giving a big presentation.

Supplements & Medications for public speaking anxiety

There is a lot of people with a fear of public speaking (clinically called glossophobia), or general public speaking anxiety. According to one survey, a fear of public speaking affected over 40% of Americans. Many of those suffering with public speaking anxiety may be considering popular anxiety medications and dietary supplements designed to help with performance anxiety & stage fright. We look into the top supplement choices for public speaking anxiety, and compare those to some more traditional anxiety medications.

Public Speaking Anxiety Tricks to overcome speech nerves

The clinical term for a ‘Fear of Public Speaking’ is Glossophobia, and it is the second biggest fear of adult Americans, according to recent surveys. This fear of public speaking isn’t a problem at all for some people, but for others it can be a crippling phobia that significantly impacts their life and ability to perform & speak in front of an audience. In this article we look at what causes public speaking anxiety in the first place, why it effects some and not others, and then we cover fourteen different tips & tricks that can help you overcome your public speaking nerves & anxiety, and maybe give the best presentation or public speech that you’ve ever given.

Dramamine, generic name Dimenhydrinate, is an over-the-counter antihistamine drug primarily used to treat motion sickness and nausea. Lately, it has become clear that the motion sickness drug can also provide relaxation benefits. This combination of helping with nausea as well as decreasing anxiety symptoms has proven to be a very useful pairing for many. We look at how dramamine works for anxiety, what the side-effects and dosages are, and a few natural alternatives.

Beta Blocker Dosage for Anxiety - Propranolol, Metoprolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol, Atenolol & Acebutolol dosage for anxiety

Beta-blockers are prescription medications typically prescribed for cardiovascular health conditions such as blood pressure, angina (chest pains) and irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), among others. Available over-the-counter under names like Propranolol, Metoprolol, Carvedilol, Acebutolol, Atenolol & Bisoprolol; beta-blockers have become extremely popular for professional and amateur performers who need to control their performance anxiety & stage fright symptoms, as beta blockers can block adrenaline effects. We look at the right dosages that are recommended for several popular beta-blocker medications when used for anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the US, affecting more than 19% of the adult population; approximately 40 million people. The run-on effect of this is a lot of anxiety medications being prescribed to help people manage their anxiety symptoms, with Benzodiazepines being the current most popular type of medication prescribed. While benzodiazepines are effective, they also have a very high risk of dependence and addiction. This is one of the many reasons that is causing people to look for non-addictive alternatives to traditional anxiety medications, and here we look at how these anxiety drugs works and what the best alternatives are.

Can Silexan help with anxiety while being non-addictive?

Silexan is an extract of lavender oil created by a German pharmaceutical company. Lavender has long been used as a folk ‘anxiety cure’ so it is not surprising that recent studies are showing that extracts of lavender (Silexan) are possibly just as effective as popular anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines & SSRIs at resolving generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Here we look at how silexan works for anxiety, what (if any) the side-effects of silexan are, dosage recommendations and some potential natural alternatives.

Over 40% of American adults claim to have a fear of public speaking, according to surveys, and the only fear more common is snakes! Since a 1965 article published in the Lancet, performers have been using beta-blockers (heart medication) “off-script” to help deal with their stage fright and performance anxiety, and that includes public speakers. Considering that the link between beta blockers and public speaking goes so far back, we wanted to investigate why performers are using beta blockers to help with their performance anxiety issues, if they actually work and what the side-effects may be, as well as covering several alternatives to beta-blockers.

The beta-blocker Metoprolol is commonly used ‘off-script’ by professional performers (public speakers, musicians, singers, etc) to help overcome anxiety symptoms, and two very common questions Metoprolol users ask is ‘what is the right Metoprolol dosage for anxiety’ and ‘are there any Metoprolol side-effects’. Here we answer these questions about the beta-blocker Metoprolol as well as looking at how Metoprolol works and considering if there any valid alternatives for anxiety.

Atenolol vs Metoprolol for Anxiety and stage fright

Metoprolol (commonly sold under the brand name Lopressor) and Atenolol (commonly sold as Tenormin) are both selective Beta-1 blockers, designed to block the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline), and are typically prescribed to treat various cardiac-related heart conditions. However, beta blockers like Atenolol and Metoprolol are also used off-script to prevent anxiety symptoms. We look at how both Metoprolol and Atenolol work, what the side-effects are and then finally investigate which of the two beta blockers is most effective against performance anxiety symptoms.

Carvedilol or Coreg for Anxiety & Stage Fright

Carvedilol is a prescription beta-blocker, normally prescribed under the brand-name Coreg to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and irregular heartbeats. Many high-level performers use beta blockers like Coreg off-script to help reduce performance anxiety or stage fright before and during a big performance. We take a look at why so many performers and celebrities are using Coreg to help with their anxiety, and we determine if Carvedilol is actually a good long-term solution to stage fright. We also see how Coreg works exactly, what the side-effects are, what the recommended dosages are and even check to see if there are any natural alternatives.

Clonidine For Anxiety - is Catapres any good at helping people with anxiety?

Clonidine, often sold under the commercial name Catapres, is commonly used off-script for anxiety by performers and people trying to overcome their stage fright and anxiety symptoms. In this article we look at how and why Clonidine works to help with anxiety & stage fright, as well as revealing the side-effects and diving into natural and equally effective alternatives.

How I overcame Speech Anxiety and my fear of public speaking

According to studies, over 40% of Americans say they have a fear of public speaking and the only fear more common was snakes! Fear of public speaking, or the medical term glossophobia, is extremely common in humans and has primal routes in our psychology. I recently had a battle with speech anxiety, and I wanted to understand it as best I could and, if possible, overcome it so I could be confident in social situations and during presentations despite my social anxiety. I share the journey in this article.

What are the side effects of the beta blocker Propranolol?

Propranolol (Inderal) is commonly used by professional performers off-script to help with performance anxiety, stage fright & social anxiety symptoms. As the beta blocker Propranolol is so common among musicians, public speakers, and other performers, in this article we investigate if there are any Propranolol side effects to be aware of, how severe they are and alternatives available to those seeking help with their performance anxiety symptoms.

Ultimate guide to fighting performance anxiety for musicians, singers, actors, athletes & public speakers

Performance Anxiety is an extremely common issue for singers, musicians, actors, public speakers and even (especially?) athletes. In fact, for anyone who wants to perform at a high level, fighting performance anxiety so that you can remain calm & focused is the key to what you do. We looked at how high level performers in various fields fight performance anxiety successfully so that they can perform at their best consistently. You won’t want to miss this one…

How to calm audition nerves & overcome audition anxiety

Actors, singers, musical instrument players and all sorts of high-level performers have to deal with auditions. Auditions can be nerve-wracking experiences even for veteran performers, you have to perform at your best literally on-demand and the stakes can be very high! So we looked at how you can train yourself to give ace auditions using a few simple, research-backed techniques so that you can get the opportunities you deserve in your career.

Fear-setting stoic exercises to conquer fear & overcome performance anxiety

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy designed to increase wisdom, happiness, virtue and resilience to the adversity that the world often throws at us. A stoic concept, made popular by author and entrepreneur/investor Tim Ferris, is ‘Fear Setting’. Fear-Setting is where, instead of setting goals, you visualize & clearly define the worst possible outcome of an event you’re considering in detail. In this article, we look at how fear-setting can be used to define, and then completely conquer, your biggest fears and anxieties.

How to overcome golf anxiety and beat Golf Yips

Golf, at higher levels, is a mentally taxing sport. You need to balance mental focus and calm with infinite physical variables that can all make or break your game. This makes anxiety and mental blocks important to manage while improving your golf game; managing anxiety and controlling your mental state and staying calm may be the only thing preventing you from reaching the next level in your game. In this article we look at what causes golf anxiety and several remedies you can use to help with your golf anxiety so that you can level-up your game.

Buck Fever can ruin your hunting experience as it’s the nervousness that hunters may experience when they have their target in sight, and it’s time to take the shot. Buck Fever is a real condition that can even cause the most experienced of hunters to miss the broadside of a deer from close range. So why do we experience buck fever? What causes it and is there a way to overcome buck fever? PerformZen investigates all of that, and more, in this article.

Listen to this music to instantly gain control of your anxiety

Music is a powerful tool for helping deal with anxiety and for calming nerves, particularly as part of a preparation routine for big events like exam and tests, competitions, stage and music performances, etc. In this article, the PerformZen team brake down why elite performers like Lebron James use music to help them consistently perform at their best, looking into the science behind it. Then we provide several recommendations for music that has been specially developed to help with anxiety.

Glossophobia and fear of public speaking: how to beat it

In this article I share my personal story about overcoming my own fear of public speaking. I tried everything, from therapy (Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) to yoga to researching different, often extreme, techniques and practicing them in front of audiences like my local Toastmasters group. In doing so I also learned a lot about Glossophobia, which is ‘a fear of public speaking’, including learning what causes it, why it’s so common a fear amongst the general public and, most importantly, how to defeat glossophobia and overcome a fear of public speaking. Here, I share my own story as well as everything I learned. If you suffer from public speaking anxiety, you will not want to miss this!

Propranolol for Anxiety & Stage fright - the ultimate to the beta blocker

The beta-blocker Propranolol is commonly used off-script for anxiety & stage fright by professional performers of all sorts: from singers to CEOs, orchestra musicians and anyone who is experiencing severe anxiety in the run up to a large, high-stakes event. Here we look at how and why propranolol works to help with anxiety & stage fright, as well as analyzing the side-effects and diving into natural and equally effective alternatives. Keep reading if you are interested in using propranolol to help with your performance anxiety.

Test Anxiety Tips for overcoming exam nerves, anxiety & stress

If you’re facing anxiety and stress in the run up to an exam or test, you are not alone! Test anxiety is when you experience physical, emotional and/or mental symptoms in the lead up to an exam, and can have serious health implications, not to mention the likely effect on your academic abilities. In this article PerformZen looks at why we experience such extreme nerves and anxiety in the run up to exams & tests, and reveal 5 science-based techniques for getting past test anxiety and excelling in any exam.

Beta Blockers for anxiety - everything you want to know about using beta blockers for performance anxiety & stage fright

Many performers (from musicians, to public speakers, to athletes) use beta blockers off-script to help with their stage fright & performance anxiety symptoms. In this article we look at what performance anxiety is and what causes it, how beta blockers actually work to help with anxiety symptoms, what the positives & negatives of beta-blockers are and finally, we investigate alternatives to beta blockers for those trying to overcome performance anxiety without any negative side effects.

Metoprolol / Lopressor for performance anxiety and stage fright

Metoprolol is a prescription beta blocker, typically prescribed under the brand-name Lopressor to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension, as well as irregular heartbeats and similar conditions. Metoprolol is often used off-script to help high level performers reduce performance anxiety before and during a performance that usually would strike fear in even the most well-practiced individuals. We take a closer look at Metoprolol and determine if it is a suitable solution to performance anxiety, why it is said to work, what the side effects are, and if there are any natural & effective alternatives.

How to beat stage fright and performance anxiety using science

Is it possible to defeat stage fright considering recent scientific discoveries? We believe so, and in this article we look at several ways individuals who need to perform, whether on stage or in a job interview, can overcome stage fright so that they can perform at their best despite all the pressure. We also look at several stage fright remedies available to you right now, from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to GABA & L-theanine supplements.

How to defeat interview anxiety & get the job you've always dreamed of

Job hunting can be high-stakes. You want the job so that you can progress with your career and possibly improve your standing in life. All of the potential upside of finding a good job makes the stress, fear and anxiety that come with job interviews extremely potent. Here we answer the question ‘what is interview anxiety’ as well as showing several interview anxiety remedies that can be implemented quickly to give you the strongest chance of getting the job you want.

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