I have had social phobia all my life and am thinking of going on Seroxat as my Dr recommended it but I was wondering if anyone had tried anything else that would be better? I have treid Diazepam and propanolol and they are fine but not great for social anxiety. Thanks
Paroxetine (Seroxat) has been studied the most in the treatment of Social Phobia. Other SSRI antidepressants can be effective too, such as fluoxetine and citalopram/escitalopram. It’s possible that venlafaxine, an SNRI antidepressant could also be of some benefit. A less commonly used drug is the Reversible MAOI antidepressant, moclobemide. Diazepam will help any kind of acute anxiety, but is not specific to certain disorders such as Social Phobia. Propanolol is effective in treating the physical, as opposed to the psychic symptoms of this condition.
Cognitive behaviour therapy
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Drugs can help with the symptoms but not the cause. Talking to a therapist or councillor is good to because they can help you find ways to deal with the phobia and also maybe find out what caused it. I have been using a therapy called Emotional Freedom Technique which has helped me. It can reduce and clear negative emotions by focusing on negative memories or thoughts while tapping on your meridian points.
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http://www.emofree.com
http://www.sarah-holland.co.uk/howto.html
i am on abilify and methylyn and i have become more sure of myself and my insecurities. ask doc if you might be bipolar?
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30 years of trying different meds for depression
I have dealt with social phobia all my life and tried all the meds and I think, for what it is worth, that the problem is you have to learn to accept yourself for who you are. After that, it won’t matter what others think of you. I am over my social phobia now, but I am in my 30’s and it was only like a year ago that I came to this realization. I am not proclaiming to be a doctor or a therapist, but I have taken all of the meds and I think it is in my head that I thought I wasn’t as good as others and that is why I was so nervous around them. Now, I think if they don’t like me that is their problem. I can now go to the store without getting all tense and having my hands shake and get sweaty palms. I am just relaxed.
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Paroxetine (Seroxat) has been studied the most in the treatment of Social Phobia. Other SSRI antidepressants can be effective too, such as fluoxetine and citalopram/escitalopram. It’s possible that venlafaxine, an SNRI antidepressant could also be of some benefit. A less commonly used drug is the Reversible MAOI antidepressant, moclobemide. Diazepam will help any kind of acute anxiety, but is not specific to certain disorders such as Social Phobia. Propanolol is effective in treating the physical, as opposed to the psychic symptoms of this condition.
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CBT is probably the most effective managements. ‘Cure’ rates of 70% are often quoted.
As far as pharmacology is concerned, Diazepam is a disaster, both nearly worthless and very addictive. Occasionally propranolol is useful in reducing the somatic (physical) symptoms such as sweating and palpitations. Probably SSRIs such as Prozac are the most useful drugs. Unfortunately no medication treats or deals in any way with the root cause.
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GP for more years than I care to remember
There is no medication that will treat phobias, you need therapy. Ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist. Good luck
PS don’t take drugs like Diazepam ‘cos you’ll spend the rest of your life being treated for tranquilliser addiction
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20 yrs working in mental health
I would recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy
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