I am 31yrs old and I have been battling extreme anxiety for quite sometime now, especially social anxiety. I cannot control the physilogical reactions - sweating, blushing, tembling when interacting with attractive women or authority figures at work. I am a nervous person who also worries alot. I am extremely frustrated as this is getting in the way of my sex life, my career and my overall well being.
I have been in therapy for over a year. I have done everything from diet, excercise, relaxation / breathing excercises, reading self help books to changing my body language but I just can't shake the nervousness - especially in front of people (strangers and people I know). For the last three months I have taken Xanax (.50mg when needed) and 150mg of Wellbutrin XL. The Xanax has really helped me feel calm in most situations but I can't take this drug on a daily basis and i don't want to because of the problems it can cause. I also think my anxiety is worse when I stop taking it. The Wellbutrin has helped get me out of the sluggish mood I was feeling. I tried 300mg but it was way too strong, besides I'm not depressed. I don't sit home and feel sorry for myself and act like some sad sack. Although I am most comfortable in my living room than anywhere else.
So, my therapist has suggested that I see a psychatrist about going on Zoloft and I am scared. I have read about the side effects and I was wondering if I should start off really small at 12.5mg and work my way up to 25mg. I have read that 25mg can work for anxiety, is this true? I refuse to go any higher than 25mg.