As a public community activist, I have used Toastmasters, and my own system for getting past the 'nerves' of public speaking, both on camera and off. Averting eye contact and looking over people's heads in a large group, etc. Notecards that have one sentence on it that spurs a paragraph. Teaching my kids techniques like these got them through book report 101.
Being that I have been suffering the 'fifth of whiskey head' syndrome from Seroquel use, I can safely say that this med has caused me to LOSE my ability at public speaking.

I cannot form proper sentences, or remember what I needed to say. I cannot see to focus to write a notecard.

If a person wants to wake up in the morning and be able to present a powerpoint or give a speech or interview, I would recommend sticking with Toastmasters, notecards, and extra deoderant.
Take Seroquel for stage fright, and your'e guaranteed to choke.

You're right, docs are prescribing it for reasons other than bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I was prescribed a small dose of seroquel for sleep (I was on so many antidepressants/anticonvulsants at the time, I was bouncing off the walls). I finally got a clue and decreased the antidepressants/anticonvulsants until I was on none, and voila I could sleep again. Amazing how that worked! I decided that if they had to give me antipsychotics to counteract the antidepressants to counteract the depression, then perhaps this wasn't the treatment for me.

Philip,

Thanks for the great post. Agree with you whole-heartedly. I linked to you on my blog. You can read the entry at www.PublicSpeakingSucker.com

Thanks,

Ross

"Virtual Audience" ?!!?!!!!! Well there's one way to "prove" your drugs effectiveness.?
I'm pretty sure I would do better in front of a virtual aduience than a real one with or without my Seroquel. Most likely I would do better without it.

Good grief! I can't get over how pharmaceutical companies are trying to promote drugs for self-confidence and other issues that are better addressed through therapy, coaching or just getting off your tush and giving it a go.

I don't have any personal issues with public speaking; it's never been a challenge for me but I can relate to the social phobia and the difficulties many people face in new situations. I don't think antipsychotics are the solution...

I think the managers who have commissioned this study ought to try taking the drug. I was given seroquel to treat nightmares. The first couple of nights were pretty good. I slept well and felt great. After that it was all bad news. Drowsy, fatigued and demotivated.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention

Hi, I am a psychiatric nurse. I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, social phobia and agraphobia at different points in my life. I take 30mg of paroxetine a day for my symptoms. Quite honestly this medication has helped me enormousely within my everyday lif. Some medications do relieve symptoms.

Seroquel calms the nervous system. It stops the shaking. I fear being in front of people, but it is necessary for me to be sometimes. With Seroquel, I can be calm enough to get through it. I can do things today that I would never have been able to do without it.