Klarinet Archive - Posting 000764.txt from 1997/07

From: "Diane Karius, Ph.D." <dikarius@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Inderal (sp?)
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997 12:16:44 -0400

Inderal (which is a trade name for the generic propranolol) is
what is known as a "beta-blocker". Its action in the body is to
block some of the receptors that adrenalin (= epinephrine) binds to
in order to have its (adrenalin's) affects. It does not suppress the
release of adrenalin. It may sound familiar to some members of the
list because it was a common drug prescribed to treat high blood
pressure (it's still used in that context, but other drugs are
probably considered first now). Its use in situations like
stage fright is a fairly recent phenomona. I have heard of
several people taking it during high-stress situations (in
association with test-taking anxiety (my physiology tests :-)), stage
fright, etc...).
A couple things to consider: 1. It does not *prevent* stage
fright - it merely prevents many of the physical
symptoms associated with these anxieties. Since anxiety (in most
people) is increased by these physical symptoms, it makes sense that
it would help in that regard; 2. It has many side effects -
adrenalin does many things in the body (normally and during
fight/flight (stress) responses). Inderal blocks those effects
mediated by the beta receptors indiscriminantly - so there are many
physiological changes that will occur when the drug is taken. Along
those lines - it will lower your blood pressure. If you are standing
up for long periods, you may experience dizziness or even pass out
(especially if it is hot). (Based on the comment regarding the
experience of already having passed out during a recital - Inderal
may actually make that worse).
My recommendation to medical students who ask me
about this (or tell me they are taking inderal for this purpose) is
to find a professional who can help deal with the CAUSE (inderal only
helps the symptoms). It's not easy, but there are ways of learning to
cope with stage fright/anxiety so that you don't need the drug.
Inderal is a prescription medicine, so you'll have to go to a doctor
anyways - you and the doctor can work together for short-term benefit
(which may include the drug) as well as long-term "getting over"
stage fright. Interestingly, several of the students who have tried
this have reported back to me that the side-effects were just as
disruptive to them as their anxiety was. Hope this helps!
Diane R. Karius, Ph.D.
Department of Physiology
University of Health Sciences
2105 Independence Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64124
email: dikarius@-----.EDU