What's the best treatment for social anxiety?

Question

I have social anxiety and I really want to get on meds, but what is the best to use? I'm usually very happy, not depressed at all, so not sure if Xanax and stuff like that would make me not be that happy anymore or what? Anyone know of something less addictive I can use for just social anxiety?

Thanks!

Answer 1

i cant give you a direct answer. sometimes http://www.gethealthytips.com may help you

Answer 2

Just get a few drinks in ya and everything will be sweet

Answer 3

you can't just get some meds the doctor gives them to you if he thinks you need them things like that can be dangerous if you self medicate cause the meds work with for brain function .i have ADHD so i know some things about trying meds and the only thing you can do is try and try and try and til you find the right medication that will work for you because everyone has different chemistry so for one person that medication works for the same one dosest  

Answer 4

I have that as well. I'm 26 and have never been on a date. My case is severe.

Trust me, there is no substance that will fix this. The best thing is to have friends help you. If you don't have any, the next best thing is to change your mentality.

When you talk to people, focus on what you are saying, and you won't have to worry about the other things, plus you come out as intelligent.

I know it's easier said than done, but it is a gradual thing.

I was so shy that I couldn't even order a meal at a fastfood restaurant or anything like that. It has been reduced, but not a lot. Oh, and promiscuity doesn't cure it, either. I tried it on one (1) occasion, and it didn't make me less nervous around girls at all.  

Answer 5

the doctor will first put you on an SSRI such as effexor, paxil, citalopram/celexa, or the MAOI inhibitor Nardil.  I wouldn't recommend paxil.  Citalopram and effexor are the best IMO.  Nardil is supposed to be the best but has side effects like you can't eat many foods like cheese.  Citalopram gives me no side effects.

the doctor will also prescribe a benzodiazepine for a month while the SSRI is kicking in if you ask, such as valium, xanax, clonazepam, or lorazepam.  These work MUCH better for treating social anxiety disorder.

I would recommend asking your doctor to prescribe a benodiaezepine  in addition to the SSRI for long term use, if the SSRI is not doing enough after your prescription of the benzodiazepine runs out.  For me, that is the only thing I have found that takes the social anxiety completely away.  SSRIs more just take the pain off the edges.  Benzos are actually harmless and not addictive if you take them AS DIRECTED for long term use, and work WONDERS for social anxiety disorder.

Please don't listen to any of these other negative posters especially perfectlybaked.  SAD is unfortunately a very understood mental disorder by the general public they think it is just shyness, but trust me I felt debilitated just like you before I took medication, really stiff muscles like everyone was judging or staring at me, but now I am 100% normal.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Paxil helps me : ) .

Answer 7

Not really able to comment on the use of Xanax or other medication, but I agree with you in terms of "less addictive" being better. I always prefer to go the natural route if at all possible.

I found this book and the information Jon provides to be really helpful: http://smartguides.ws/easy-calm/

Give it a try and best of luck to you...

Answer 8

I've had social phobia/ anxiety for years.. you really should see a doctor and he/she would be better able to help you with meds if you needed them ...along with therapy. i know how bad it can get....see a doc...good luck! :o)