Scared to take drugs (Social Anxiety)

[Justin]

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

[HFHS-M.D.-HG]

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.

[Silent all these years]

I took Paxil several years ago for a situational depression/ anxiety problem. My side effects were mild and after a month I didn't have any, other than being cheerful for a change. When I stopped taking the Paxil I did not have any withdrawal symptoms. Yes, I did get depressed again, and started on medication again several years later, but in the intervening years I functioned very well without medication and without excessive anxiety. What made the difference was improved self-esteem, and recognizing a relapse when it came along. Substance abuse is different from using medication for a mental health problem, as anyone who works with dually diagnosed individuals (substance abuse/mental illness)will tell you. If you are determined to not use medication, a therapist who uses a rational-emotive therapeutic approach would most likely be willing to work with you on learning to cope with your anxiety by helping you figure out how your thoughts are effecting you and your feelings.

[StephieB]

Hi.  I just want to let you know that I am in the same boat with you as I have suffered from social anxiety my entire life.  I am 20 years old now and still suffer.  About a year ago I tried to get better without being on any meds.  I just got worse as time progressed and the medicine wore off.  I am now taking 300mg of Effexor and it has made a small difference.  I don't think that I could get better any other way and this is the best that I am going to get.  I wish there was a cure for this disorder because it is making my entire life really hard.  E-mail me if you have any questions or anything because I am actually glad to hear that there is someone else out there like me.  My e-mail is ***@****.  :) Try to keep smiling!

[JosephC]

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?

[aimee]

I am looking for the right meds for social anxiety order also.  
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.

[aimee]

I am looking for the right meds for social anxiety order also.  
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.

[Gayle]

I thought I was having panic attacks, but after some web research I now realize that I have social anxiety disorder. I was taking Zoloft and Prozac for what my doctor diagnosed as depression, but now that I realize I have s.a.d. I don't want to go back on those medicines (I've been off for about 4 years). I gained about 50 lbs. from taking the med, and I haven't lost more than 15 lbs., even though I tried. Has anyone tried counseling vs. drugs?, any other suggestions on how to deal with this s.a.d.?