Is beta blocker + diazepam safe?

PeterPiper · 17-02-2009, 00:03

Basically, ive got to stand up and do a speech soon in front of a lot of people which is my worst knightmare!

Ive got some diazepam and some propranolol and was just wanting to know if it would be safe to take the diazepam while on the propranolol?

I know most people will say that i only need one or the other, but i am truly lacking confidence for this and just want to make sure my nervers dont get the better of me.

Also, would it be ok to drink alcohol? I know you have to take it easy while on diazepam but this is a wedding so i really want to have a few drinks.

Cone · 17-02-2009, 01:16

Low doses of beta and diazepam should be okay, but cut the alcohol out of the equation. I think alcohol will be too much.

Less is more.

johanneschimpo · 17-02-2009, 01:57

Peter - how much of each are you planning on taking. Also, what is your tolerance like? Meaning, how much of each does it take for you to feel anything, what's your normal dose of each, how often do you take each, etc...

Cane2theLeft · 17-02-2009, 02:03

You are nervous so you think more is better in pre-speech anxiolysis but this is the mentality that leads girls to get shitfaced when they are nervous around a guy... you don't want to fall down in the middle of your speech!

Can you induce a similar or a little milder level of anxiety in preparation for your speech and experiment with doses to find the one that manages your symptoms but leaves you with sufficient cognitive functioning?

As the 2 previous posters stated, its all about dose and tolerance, if you have none to either than the combination at sufficient doses will be far too much and I would absolutely not recommend alcohol.

A small amount of both is alright but there is a small window, taking too much will produce effects for you during your speech worse than anxiety.

Cone · 17-02-2009, 04:58

I know you know this, but some things bear repeating. Make sure you practice in front of the mirror several times before delivering the speech (most important).

IF POSSIBLE try to just stick with the propanolol, if you dont feel that it is going to be enough or you feel some breakthrough anxiety ~30 minutes before the speech, then I'd say go ahead and take a little Diazepam. Alcohol is out of the question IMO.

The only thing worse than giving a speech and being nervous is bombing it because you were smashed then having to face your colleagues the next day.

Trust me.

Mr Blonde · 17-02-2009, 05:12

I don't see the point of taking the two. Propanolol takes away the physical symptoms of anxiety but not the mental ones. Diazepam will calm you and take away shakes and jitters.

Just take the diazepam. Also, we need more information along the lines of what johanneschimpo asked before we can recommend doses. Non-tolerant, 10mg should be enough to calm you to give the speech and after that you could have a couple of drinks as well if you don't go overboard.

Mazel tov on whoever's wedding it is.

I_Stay_Dead · 18-02-2009, 15:33

Both can be taken togehter safely, but as other say, don't drink alcohol, and keep to prescribed doses.

PeterPiper · 18-02-2009, 18:25

Thank for the advice guys. In regards to tolerance, I have none to either of the drugs.

Im thinking now that I might skip the propranolol and just take the diazepam. 10mg in the morning and 10 in the afternoon before the speech. Does this doseage sound ok?

Also, no alcohol is a bit of an issue for me as it is a wedding and I really want to have a few drinks before the speech. Will the alcohol be ok as long as i pace myself and dont go over the top?

Cane2theLeft · 18-02-2009, 18:49

The diazapam dosage sounds reasonable and appropriate and I think its a better call than throwing in propanalol. 10mg of diazapam with no tolerance can make small amounts of alcohol far more sedating/intoxicating depending on your tolerance so if you must drink, you really need to be careful and pace yourself. It'd probably be wise to eat a lot and get plenty of rest if you're going to drink.

take care and good luck with the speech!

niebus · 18-02-2009, 18:58

In my exp, diaz plus alcohol before the speech will be too much. You will tend to forget parts of the speech, skip parts etc, and your speaking may be slowed or slurred. Plus, you will definitely "look" funny but I guess you could blame it on too much alcohol if you do screw up.

vortex30 · 18-02-2009, 23:11

10mg of Diazepam will probably be good for the speech, before giving the speech if you have to drink, just a glass of champagne or a beer, TWO MAXIMUM. Then afterwards, eat a lot, and drink moderately, no shots like they like to do at weddings. Lethal combination you're dealing with, so take it easy. I know you wanna make a good speech though, hehe.

Lawrence · 21-02-2009, 02:34

Hi,

I was put on a beta blocker my self because my heart rate with anxiety can reach 150 BPM and I do high pressure (around 135/100). BB keep my HR at around 68 BMP and pressur normal. I also take Diazepam or Lorazepam for sleep without problem.