Beta blockers for public speaking

[Chinnychin]

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I am a bit confused as to how this works to stop you from getting sweaty hands and shakiness when you are nervous such as public speaking where this is often prescribed.

I thought sweat glands, although under sympthatic control, used Musc receptors, which was the only place in the body that the sympth. did that. Also how does it stop the shaking? The only thought I had is that it acts centrally somewhere in the brain, since beta blockers to cause fatigue as well-but I was just curious. Thanks!

 

[mig26x]

not only public speakers, but I know of surgeons that take them to control the hand shaking. Im talking about old surgeons (in their 60's early 70's years of age).

 

[Chinnychin]

wow interesting-is that a good idea when they are probably still overworked at that age to take something that makes ya sleepy🙂 haha but mechanism anyone?

 

[subtle1epiphany]

While not the definitive source, this may shed some light on the subject at hand:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blockers

Anxiety commonly manifests itself in the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, as you've mentioned. This results in palpitations, racing heart rates, and other symptoms which then cascade and cause the patient to catastrophize and exacerbate the symptoms. By holding the initial symptoms in check with a beta antagonist, the psychological response could be held at bay as well. By modulating the beta-receptors the entire SNS can be controlled, somewhat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperhidrosis
Beta-blockers, while likely among the most simple and well-tolerated interventions, aren't the most efficacious for hyperhidrosis. Anxiety and palpitations or panic attacks are another story, when a speedy resolution is needed and benzodiazepines or buspirone are contra-indicated.
Still, SSRIs and other psychoactive medications would be the most beneficial for patients with symptoms of anxiety and panic.