Stage fright and panic attacks

Hi there! I'm here because I am looking for some adivce. I get serious panic attacks when it comes to presentations/speeches/speaking in front of others. Even if I have to read a paragraph outloud in class, I experience intense symptoms such as my heart feels like it will beat out of my chest, and I almost feel like I am dying, as if a tiger were about to maul me or something (I'm not even exaggerating!). In the past I have simply avoided these types of situations. I can do for example, a "check in" in front of a group, but when it comes to reading or presenting, it's terrible. I just started college and I don't want to have to be constantly worrying about presentations because it reduces my quality of life WAY too much. I am almost 17 and am looking for advice. I used to feel shame about this issue but I realize that is silly and I just want to deal with it. I am thinking about going to the doctor's and perhaps getting a prescription for beta blockers to be used only prior to needing them. I have also done therapy, meditation, cognitive therapy, and read books on this issue but none of it has helped very much. I'd love any advice! Thanks.

I know your question has gone unanswered for a while. I hope things have been better since posting. I also get panic attacks during speeches etc. I have found the best thing for me has been beta-blockers, they help a lot if you are concerned about your appearance of panic (ie. shallow breathing, blushing, sweating), although they do nothing for helping slow down your thoughts, which I have found Valium and the like to be better for controlling the anxious thoughts. Its definitely worth talking to your doctor, because there is no need to suffer with panic attacks if they can be prevented. Good luck