Posted by Rick Denney on May 05, 2003 at 15:21:12:
In Reply to: Re: Beta Blockers posted by Frank on May 05, 2003 at 12:08:33:
Yes, they are used to control blood pressure. But the dosage typical for that application is much higher than that used by the musicians I've talked to. I've heard musicians taking dosages of only around 10 mg, and then only before big events, as opposed to heart patients who take 150 or 200 mg every day.
I absolutely agree that they should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
As to whether they calm you mentally, I don't think that's the claim. Those I've talked to claim that they are as mentally nervous as before, but they don't have the chest tightening, the swimming head, the jumpy vision, and the tremors that are associated with nervous attacks in performance situations.
Rick "who believes that Inderal doesn't make you a musician, but adrenalin can keep you from it" Denney