Better Performances Through Chemistry

The New York Times reports in its Sunday "Arts and Leisure" Section about classical musicians using drugs to calm fears before performances. It has been an open secret for some time that doctors prescribe beta-blockers, as well as other drugs, to quell performance anxiety. This article reports that, in the classical music world at least, its use is ubiquitous. Some doctors have prescribed one-time use for nervous grooms or people scared to fly; but should they be routinely used by performers who find their calming effect improves their performance?