Drug info - Are anything besides benzodiazepines prescribed for social anxiety?

[Nahbus]

As some of you know, SWIM will be out of his perscribed valium that he's been taking for about a year (not everyday, but semi-often). He hasn't had withdrawl symptoms or anything (he didn't take any for about a week or so).
SWIM was wondering if there are other medications perscribed that are as effective as valium (or other benzos).
SWIM can't imagine not having a benzo, and it's like a godsend for SWIM when he starts to get severely anxious and nervous/etc..
Just wondering what other medications there are, and their effectiveness.
Thanks a lot.

[Forthesevenlakes]

swim can reccomend gabapentin for social anxiety. like nicaine posted in one of the coke threads, its prescribed alot by doctors recently. it seems to act on the gaba receptor but doesnt feel like a benzo. swim has taken it and found himself being outgoing and social among people he did not know well or had just met, and was able to have pleasurable conversations with them. he felt a very light urging to be more social, but nothing overwhelming. not the loopy disinhibition of benzos, or the forced socialization of stimulants, but more of a natural compulsion. swiys milage may vary especially since he responds to drugs a bit oddly, but its worth a shot.

barbiturates might work but swim really doubts swiy will get a script for those. antidepressants might be mentioned but swim would stay away from those too since there are too many potentials for side effects. swiy may do well to stay away from that money grubbing doctor, and instead switch to a new one and mention that valium had worked in the past.

[tre2005be]

swim was prescribed dosulepin for about a year, did absolute wonders! at one point swim couldnt be in social environments at all without wanting to be sick, one year later on dosulepin and i'm back to normal! ask swiys doctor about them.

[Broshious]

Originally Posted by Forthesevenlakes

swim can reccomend gabapentin for social anxiety. like nicaine posted in one of the coke threads, its prescribed alot by doctors recently. it seems to act on the gaba receptor but doesnt feel like a benzo. swim has taken it and found himself being outgoing and social among people he did not know well or had just met, and was able to have pleasurable conversations with them. he felt a very light urging to be more social, but nothing overwhelming. not the loopy disinhibition of benzos, or the forced socialization of stimulants, but more of a natural compulsion. swiys milage may vary especially since he responds to drugs a bit oddly, but its worth a shot.

barbiturates might work but swim really doubts swiy will get a script for those. antidepressants might be mentioned but swim would stay away from those too since there are too many potentials for side effects. swiy may do well to stay away from that money grubbing doctor, and instead switch to a new one and mention that valium had worked in the past.

Swim can attest to gabapentin being very effective. Swim ordered some online and used them recreationally (Think 3g when the normal dose is 600mg - 1.2g). Gabapentin works wonderfully at the high doses giving Swim a drunken semi-euphoric feeling that lasts for hours, and even after it has worn off Swim seems just generally happy. At normal doses the effect is much more subtle. In a situation that Swim would normally feel very anxious Swim still thinks in his head that this is a scary situation, but the normal panic type symptoms don't follow.

[Benzhead]

SWINahbus,

Has SWIY been sceened by a good P-Doc?

SWIM has social anxiety as well, but the underlying condition is GAD(Generalized Anxiety Disorder). SWIM also had a few rough bouts with major depression. Essentially, all this is tied together.

Serotonin and GABA and Dopamine, Oh my!(sorry about the Wizard of Oz digression, SWIM"s back now)

For SWIM, it was many trials over as period of a couple of years before SWIM and his P-Doc hit upon a combination of meds that addressed all SWIM's inter-related issues.

The meds in SWIM's case are the SSNRI anti-depressant Effexor(vanlaxafine) and Klonopin(clonazepam).

No one needs to tell SWIM about Effexor's discontinuation syndrome. SWIM's had to go through it on multiple occasions. It wasn't nearly as bad for SWIM as most others report....but it still was not pleasant by any stretch.

Another thing that needs emphasis is that healthy interpersonal relationships, regular exercise, and a proper diet can all help to alleviate symptoms in some individuals, and it's good advice and practice for everyone!

SWIM is going to break his own rule and offer a link to a website..albeit one that is dedicated to Social Anxiety Disorder.

http://www.socialfear.com/

Pretty self-explanatory.

Best of Success with your therapy!

Bh

[Nicaine]

Originally Posted by Nahbus

As some of you know, SWIM will be out of his perscribed valium that he's been taking for about a year (not everyday, but semi-often). He hasn't had withdrawl symptoms or anything (he didn't take any for about a week or so).
SWIM was wondering if there are other medications perscribed that are as effective as valium (or other benzos).

Probably not, although be aware benzos don't retain their effectiveness forever (at least not without steadily increasing dosages).

Lyrica (pregabalin) was recently approved in Europe for GAD, and anything for that would probably help with social anxiety too. Effectiveness is supposed to be good, but only at higher doses (~600 mg/day).

[C.D.rose]

hey there..

most of the prescription drugs available for your disorder have been listed. in some cases, monoamide oxidase inhibitors are given, but i guess they are only prescribed in cases where other medication don't help, due to side actions etc..

the point why i'm posting is the following: have you ever considered psychotherapy? (or maybe you do that already, then my post is unnecessary)
of course this won't be any help in situations you described ("and it's like a godsend for SWIM when he starts to get severely anxious and nervous/etc.."), and i don't want to talk you into dropping your medication, but in the long term especially cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven very effective.

i did a brief search on PubMed and found two publications:
WCA recommendations for the long-term treatment of social phobia

Psychotherapy in the overall management strategy for social anxiety disorder

if you never considered this before, it might be worth thinking about it.

so much for now.. bye

c.d.rose

[Nicaine]

Originally Posted by C.D.rose

the point why i'm posting is the following: have you ever considered psychotherapy? (or maybe you do that already, then my post is unnecessary) of course this won't be any help in situations you described ("and it's like a godsend for SWIM when he starts to get severely anxious and nervous/etc.."), and i don't want to talk you into dropping your medication, but in the long term especially cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven very effective.

I was extremely shy/socially anxious as a kid, and had a doc that did a lot for me using a very simple technique. He told me to stare into his eyes while he stared into mine. It was really difficult, I wanted to drop my eyes but he wouldn't let me. We also practiced how long it was socially acceptable to look into a person's eyes before looking away, and how to talk normally at the same time & still be able to think clearly even when feeling nervous. A few hours of this practice & I was already gaining confidence with people in a lot of areas. Gotta love a doc who knows what he's doing.

[London_Bloke]

Originally Posted by Nicaine

......... and had a doc that did a lot for me using a very simple technique.

Nicane,
Do you know if this was a published technique, something that might have had a name, or a book published about it? Or did you get the sense that your doctor was flying on some very good instincts? Very curious. I have serious trouble making eye contact with people and I would love to find some exercises and techniques to try. I'm almost 45, but I don't think I'm too old to change..... right?

BadnessNeeds

[Nicaine]

Originally Posted by BadnessNeeds

Nicane,
Do you know if this was a published technique, something that might have had a name, or a book published about it? Or did you get the sense that your doctor was flying on some very good instincts? Very curious.

The latter. Just a basic desensitization procedure for phobias/near phobias, along with a standard dose of 'learning' -- look into someone's eyes often enough, and one learns how long it's acceptable to maintain eye contact.

I have serious trouble making eye contact with people and I would love to find some exercises and techniques to try. I'm almost 45, but I don't think I'm too old to change..... right?

Probably not! P.S. as long as I'm posting, I'd like to recommend propranolol (Inderal). Kills the physical symptoms of anxiety like rapid heart rate, sweating, hyperventilation, etc. Worked surprisingly well for me at one point.

[Nahbus]

I would love to give that a shot.

[Broshious]

Swim's psych gave Swim a prescription for it when Swim asked.

[Broshious]

Swim wishes there were an edit button. Pregabalin is a supposedly more potent Gabapentin, but Swim has yet to try it.

[allyourbase]

no. look up atarax as an example. there are many types of medications given for the various types of anxiety.

[azrael2600]

Swim waould recomend Serax (Oxazapam), Ativan (Lorazapam), Xanax (Alprazolam). But then there's always the new non-narcotic benzodiazapine Buspar (Buspirone). Swim wouldn't recomend the last one. swim has tried buspar before. Buspar works but there are so many unwanted side effects at swim had bad side effects. Mostly nausia and a bad headaches.

[Jatelka]

^^^ Buspirone is 8-[4-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl]-8-aza-spiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione monohydrochloride.

It is chemically and pharmacologically unrelated to the benzodiazepines, barbiturates or other sedative/hypnotics.

Its's mechanism of action is unknown. It does not have anti-convulsant or muscle relaxant properties.

In vitro it has no significant affinity for benzodiazepine receptors and it does not seem to affect GABA binding sites.

It has a high affinity for 5HT1a (serotonin) receptor and moderate affinity for D2 (dopamine) receptors.

It is indicated for the short-term relief of anxiety (not associated with stressful life events).

Most common adverse effects include:

Dizziness, nausea, headache, nervousness, lightheadedness, and paradoxical excitement/agitation.

As with many of the newer anti-anxiety meds buspirone is said NOT to cause tolerance/dependance (now where have we heard that one before?)

Buspirone interacts with warfarin and is contraindicated in those taking MAOI's. It has an additive sedative effect with other downers (including alcohol) and particularly with anti-psychotics. Because of it's effects on the dopaminergic sysem there is the potential for Parkinson-like symptoms.

Sorry, all SWIJ has time for currently: Anyone else got any more?

[azrael2600]

swim forgot to mention Klonopin (Clonazepam).

[Jatelka]

^^^ And the title of this thread is: "Anything besides benzos prescribed for social anxiety?"

Clonazepam, oxazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam: All benzos last time SWIJ looked.

[Donmeka]

thanks for that info on buspar jatelka, SWIM was asked to take it by his doctor and he said noooo because hes against anything close to an AD or SxRI.

SWIM believes he has a mix of ADHD and SAD and he asked his psych about a stimulant like adderall and maybe xanax plus lifestyle changes but he refused a stimulant with an iron fist without explanation really besides he said adderall is like meth. thats where SWIM realized the psych was BS and was trying to scare SWIMs mother.


the only thing that has really helped SWIM is benzos for SAD, it doesnt let him be as outgoing or urge to be social. it just stops him from being as nervous as he would be without or not nervous at all with 1mg of xanax. + with the right mind stay away from dependence/addiction

[DrMuffy]

Originally Posted by Donmeka

thanks for that info on buspar jatelka, SWIM was asked to take it by his doctor and he said noooo because hes against anything close to an AD or SxRI.

SWIM believes he has a mix of ADHD and SAD and he asked his psych about a stimulant like adderall and maybe xanax plus lifestyle changes but he refused a stimulant with an iron fist without explanation really besides he said adderall is like meth. thats where SWIM realized the psych was BS and was trying to scare SWIMs mother.


the only thing that has really helped SWIM is benzos for SAD, it doesnt let him be as outgoing or urge to be social. it just stops him from being as nervous as he would be without or not nervous at all with 1mg of xanax. + with the right mind stay away from dependence/addiction

As SWIco-incidence said, prozac (fluexetine) can help alot wit the long term part of anxiety. SWIdr has GAD, but its mostly caused by social situations, and he has been on 30 mg prozac a day, and 1 mg Klonopin (clonazepam), for a couple of years and it has helped him alot. But SWIdr doesnt have ADHD and is clinically depressed, so his results may be unique. Prozac does have a very long half life and reacts differently to everybody though, so ask SWIY's doc before trying this. Also it does take about a month for it to really kick in.

[Donmeka]

Originally Posted by DrMuffy

As SWIco-incidence said, prozac (fluexetine) can help alot wit the long term part of anxiety. SWIdr has GAD, but its mostly caused by social situations, and he has been on 30 mg prozac a day, and 1 mg Klonopin (clonazepam), for a couple of years and it has helped him alot. But SWIdr doesnt have ADHD and is clinically depressed, so his results may be unique. Prozac does have a very long half life and reacts differently to everybody though, so ask SWIY's doc before trying this. Also it does take about a month for it to really kick in.

SWIM is really against anti depressants, from personal experience with celexa (it just not working) and being prescribed ADs like nefrazadone. SWIM wishes to stay away from them as much as he can regardless of the help they COULD supply.

SWIM likes medication like benzos because in normal doses it allows him a more flexible solution in his mind. where the only downside to benzos is addiction and he experiences NO side effects whatsoever. SWIM has never been a slave to addiction through his drug escapades (for example tried cocaine for like a month insufflating maybe every 2-3 days and quit cold turkey no problem) and he feels that the benzos help him tremndously because of his social fears or w/e his true problems are.

basically SWIM like the "hey take this and your cool" rather than "hey take this but wait 2-4 weeks and you MIGHT feel better"

[DrMuffy]

Originally Posted by Donmeka

SWIM is really against anti depressants, from personal experience with celexa (it just not working) and being prescribed ADs like nefrazadone. SWIM wishes to stay away from them as much as he can regardless of the help they COULD supply.

SWIM likes medication like benzos because in normal doses it allows him a more flexible solution in his mind. where the only downside to benzos is addiction and he experiences NO side effects whatsoever. SWIM has never been a slave to addiction through his drug escapades (for example tried cocaine for like a month insufflating maybe every 2-3 days and quit cold turkey no problem) and he feels that the benzos help him tremndously because of his social fears or w/e his true problems are.

basically SWIM like the "hey take this and your cool" rather than "hey take this but wait 2-4 weeks and you MIGHT feel better"

Well the main reason why doctors tend to lean towards SSRI's and other anti-depressants instead of Benzos is due to (as SWIY said) their addiction potential. Even if SWIY has a very non-addictive personality, benzos WILL get him physically addicted if taken daily for a long period of time. The cold-turkey withdrawel from benzos is much more dangerous than that of heroin. Sudden withdrawel from a normal daily supply of benzos can cause seizures and a lot of other really bad problems. But if SWIY doesnt plan on taking benzos everyday, then maybe they could be a good option. Also there are herbs and plants which have anxiotic effects like Kava kava, which is much safer and can be just as effective.

[stoneinfocus]

Fluoxetin (Prozac) has the indication for treatement of fear -and isn´t it an amphetamine, so more like the opposite of valium´s effects?

[Riconoen {UGC}]

How about good old fashioned Jack Daniels?

[Spare Chaynge]

swim was prescribed klonipin when he left for school in belgium. swim was robbed in rotterdam at 4 in the morning leaving a bar. swim got a police report and rode this claim easily saying i had ptst. this eventually led to being prescribed 5 mg of ativan a day in belgium. swim went back to the states and was taken down to 3mg. the doctor said they are more liberal with benzos like that in europe. swim lived like a zombie for 2 years swim did some crazy partying but swim does not remember much. swim lived in new orleans and because of katrina threw some heroin and fentanyl(pharma grade) lollipops into the picture swim allmost died. swim stays away from addicting drugs like benzos and is now on depakote(it dosent do shit). swim drinks red wine alot. swim used MDMA as the most important tool for getting over anxiety