Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: Weak knees, sweaty palms? Consider a beta blocker

Public speaking is a very real fear for many people. And if you’re someone whose fear goes beyond pre-performance jitters and extends to sweaty hands, shaky knees or a trembling voice, you might want to ask your doctor about beta blockers. Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. While they weren’t intended to treat performance anxiety, many doctors prescribe them “off label” to manage the condition. For some people, a small dose before a performance or speech prevents their body from an extreme reaction to adrenaline and allows them to perform normally. Learn more about beta blockers.