Beta blockers only really work for physical anxiety (the canonical example being classical musicians taking them to prevent trembling hands before concerts). Benzodiazepines work for both physical anxiety and mental anxiety, which is better for pickup. The lowered inhibitions of xanax/klonopin/valium is comparable to alcohol, but with fewer immediate side effects (less loss of coordination, etc.).
Beta blockers only really work for physical anxiety (the canonical example being classical musicians taking them to prevent trembling hands before concerts).
In my experience, propranolol greatly reduces mental anxiety if taken for several days. I could be unusual, or this reputation could be derived from less centrally-active beta blockers. (Not to say that a mental effect would have to result from CNS activity — feedback from physical state seems equally likely.)
Beta blockers only really work for physical anxiety (the canonical example being classical musicians taking them to prevent trembling hands before concerts). Benzodiazepines work for both physical anxiety and mental anxiety, which is better for pickup. The lowered inhibitions of xanax/klonopin/valium is comparable to alcohol, but with fewer immediate side effects (less loss of coordination, etc.).
In my experience, propranolol greatly reduces mental anxiety if taken for several days. I could be unusual, or this reputation could be derived from less centrally-active beta blockers. (Not to say that a mental effect would have to result from CNS activity — feedback from physical state seems equally likely.)