There's a friend of mine who likes using the phrase:
fear mobilizes whilst anxiety imobilizes.
What this boils down to is this, some level of fear is always great under any circumstance, that adrenalin rush helps one remain focused and in a perpetual state of action.
On the other hand, if you let this get out of hand, then paralysis sinks in, and one remains like a rabbit in a beam of light, and yep, you guessed it, in the middle of the night.
I am not sure what the cause of your stage fright is but, all external manifestations of our emotions, illnesses etc are psychosomatic (self caused).
You may have been looking forward to your "event" with so much energy you did not realize the potential of "sliding" into a state of paralysis.. Stage fright is a form of paralysis, of the mind at least.
Someone alluded to the fact that you should attempt standing in front of the mirror once in a while and practice.
Whilst this is good advice, the significance of the mirror test could be lost if one is not given the dynamics of it.
Looking at oneself in the mirror is similar to the "inner man" talking to you, the shell that you would be looking at, and not the other way round. The "inner man," is that part of you that knows no boundaries and is ever wise and willing to lead you to great things.
This is a totally different subject, and I feel this is not the place to delve into this but, with practice, (every muscle requires some level of practice in order to perform) you could beat the dark and move into the light.
It sounds easy, and it is, but only with determination, patience and a desire to leave the mundane behind.
Just look at idols (the tv show) and you will see many an aspiring musos losing it just because the nerves took the better of the person.
As for medication, i'm no fundi in that but, I can tell you this, medication is not the solution, never was, and never will be.. Imagine taking a pill each time you wanted to have the courage to chat with your girlfriend, do the math, walk the dog, stand in front of class..
Believe in yourself, and don't worry about the world.. The world is busy working its magic, ensuring that you become that part of the universe you deserve to be.
Don't be harsh on yourself.. Pat yourself on your back ever so often, you have made it this far in life.. Don't lose focus.
In light, love and laughter.
Lightweaver
