Beta Blockers for Musicians
I've used beta blockers and still use them sometimes. You probably know people who have used them in the past and that might use them in the future. It's one of the most hot topics in the music world, but also a controversial one. SO what do you need to know?
Quick facts about beta blockers*:
Beta blockers are a type of medication that is prescribed to patients with a high heart rate. They have also been recommended to people with irregular heartbeat, angina, and high blood pressure.
Beta blockers also offer relief for glaucoma, overactive thyroid, and anxiety.
Beta blockers are non-addictive, non-narcotic sedatives that help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
What do they actually do:
Beta-blockers block the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which prepare our muscles for exertion. This physical preparation is taken into action when our body feels in danger. It is called the "fight-or-flight" response.
Side effects
There aren't many side effect for using beta blockers but the common ones are:
Cold feet and hands
Dry mouth, skin and eyes
Nausea or weakness
Fatigue
Are they safe to use?
According to arts medicine specialist Dr. Alice Brandfonbrener : “Beta-blocking drugs, primarily propranolol, have proved to be safe and effective for many musicians as one means of temporarily controlling the negative physiological symptoms of performance anxiety."
Why do musicians take them?
Performances and auditions can get to our heads. While we all know it's normal to get nervous and anxious before an audition, if we can control the physical symptoms, we might have a more successful performance.
Beta blockers can help with shakiness, accelerated heart rate, sweating, and other PHYSICAL sensations we might feel when we are nervous.
Do beta blockers make you calmer?
No. They block the physical sensations of nervousness so you might feel like you are calmer. However, the truth is that the body-mind connection is affected by the physical balance, and that's why we feel calmer.
Should I try it?
This is a controversial one. Many performers and teachers do not like to talk about beta blockers and will not recommend using them.
While we all agree we should try to overcome our anxiety and fear through preparation, practice, and experience, we might feel like our anxiety is controlling us. We struggle to manage it during a performance, and it doesn't matter how well prepared we are or how much we practiced, we still go on the stage and can’t control our nerves. We mess up only because we were too nervous.
From my own experience, I think it's ok to experiment with beta blockers. We are all so different, so you should really think what is best for YOU, and what is really in your way when it comes to performance nerves. If you feel like your nerves are in the way of your optimal performance, I would recommend to at least try beta blockers once. In any case, if you decide to try it, you must consult a doctor and get a prescription. Experiment first by taking it during a practice session or a mock audition before using it for the real deal. It might not be appropriate to some people, while others will swear by it.
*Based on research from Medical News Today: www.medicalnewstoday.com