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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Scared to take drugs (Social Anxiety)
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Scared to take drugs (Social Anxiety)
by Justin, Jun 24, 2000 12:00AM
Hi. I've been dealing with Social Anxiety for quite a few years. It's to the point now where I just can't take it anymore.
I don't want to take drugs, as they bring back bad memories of previous substance abuse. And now I'm reading all the horror stories about people coming off of these drugs, and it scares me more.
These drugs aren't a cure right ? So if I start taking them does it mean as soon as I stop the problem comes right back ? In other words, am I on it for life ? This is not acceptable for me.
I'm also hearing alot of people complaining about symptons like "these drugs make me: forgetful/tired/dopey.." I'm already forgetful/tired/dopey and I need all the energy/memory I have left!
I really need some suggestions for alternative solutions that don't involve taking a pill...Are there support groups for this sort of thing in the Seattle area ?
Thank you for your help
I don't want to take drugs, as they bring back bad memories of previous substance abuse. And now I'm reading all the horror stories about people coming off of these drugs, and it scares me more.
These drugs aren't a cure right ? So if I start taking them does it mean as soon as I stop the problem comes right back ? In other words, am I on it for life ? This is not acceptable for me.
I'm also hearing alot of people complaining about symptons like "these drugs make me: forgetful/tired/dopey.." I'm already forgetful/tired/dopey and I need all the energy/memory I have left!
I really need some suggestions for alternative solutions that don't involve taking a pill...Are there support groups for this sort of thing in the Seattle area ?
Thank you for your help
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS-M.D.-HG, Jun 24, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Justin
For support groups in your area, you may want to consult your community mental health clinics. Modern medications are relatively safe and effective. Side effects are not severe enough that you have to suffer from discease. Based on your condition, you may not require to take them life long. In general a combination of medications and therapy are proven to be successful for social anxiety. You may want to consult your psychiatrist for discussing the treatment options.
Sincerely
HFHS-M.D.
For support groups in your area, you may want to consult your community mental health clinics. Modern medications are relatively safe and effective. Side effects are not severe enough that you have to suffer from discease. Based on your condition, you may not require to take them life long. In general a combination of medications and therapy are proven to be successful for social anxiety. You may want to consult your psychiatrist for discussing the treatment options.
Sincerely
HFHS-M.D.
I've read through this forum a few times, and just want to make some suggestions, especially on the problems of social phobia. It is true that many new drugs are proving effective, such as Paxil and Effexor. Some drugs used in the past have also been effective, but their use has been almost discontinued because of medical side effects and health dangers. One such drug which is rarely heard of any more is Nardil ( phenalzine sulphate). I have taken this, and must say it was the most effective cure of social phobia and depression. No other drug (newer ones) has had such a curing effect. However I was willing to discontinue Nardil and try the newer ones because of some of the side effects (notably insomnia). I have found Wellbutrin to be the only other drug to work at all for me ( with no side effects), and have found ssri's such as prozac and zoloft did not work at all, and seemed to have only a super sedating effect on me. I wonder if anyone else has shared any of these experiences?
Joseph, you said that the Wellbutrin is the only other drug to work at all for you. Exactly how effective is it for social anxiety. Is it just a small difference or a moderate difference?
Also, I am curious as to whether anyone has tried serzone or an
SSRI with wellbutrin and how that worked out. Thanks for everybody's input and take care.
Joseph, you said that the Wellbutrin is the only other drug to work at all for you. Exactly how effective is it for social anxiety. Is it just a small difference or a moderate difference?
Also, I am curious as to whether anyone has tried serzone or an
SSRI with wellbutrin and how that worked out. Thanks for everybody's input and take care.