Posted by Shrink-Wrapped on April 19, 2010, at 14:34:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro AND Alcohol for Social Phobia? » Shrink-Wrapped, posted by Deneb on April 19, 2010, at 14:21:54
> Hello Shrink-Wrapped!
>
> Welcome to Psycho-Babble! I have social anxiety disorder and it used to be very bad. I've gotten much better over the years. I don't have a problem with alcohol though.
>
> For me I think SSRI's did help me a lot, but I would still be very anxious sometimes. Because my anxiety symptoms are mostly physical, like racing heart and tremors, my pdoc prescribed propranolol, a beta-adrengeric blocker for me. I really like it! I take it before job interviews, social events and other anxiety provoking situations. The propranolol keeps my body calm. I don't get the usual racing heart, shaking or nausea that I get when anxious. Feeling calm physically has helped me be more outgoing and social.
>
> When I get over stimulated and experience physical symptoms of anxiety I just take 40 mg propranolol and I will feel calm within 30 mins to an hour. When I am also very upset, I take a bit of Risperdal with the propranolol and that usually helps a lot.
>
> DenebThe doc and I have talked about propranolol. I opted for the Lexapro to help me relax in the days leading up to the event. Do you use the risperdal to help you sleep the night before? How do you stop from worrying up until the hour before the event for which you take the propranolol?
Thanks so much for your advice.
poster:Shrink-Wrapped
thread:944016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100416/msgs/944039.html