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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pseudonym on June 25, 2003, at 2:57:25
I've been looking at different med possibilities for my condition, one of debilitating social anxiety, and I wonder if the med to "cure" SAD simply hasn't been invented yet. I have watched many opportunities slip away, and avoid all social situations, because of this chronic debilitating condition that I must defeat. Help me decide which, if any, of the following, will bring some relief.
Some of the possiblities for social anxiety include:
* Ocinaplon: Non benzo anxiolytic by Dov Pharmaceutical, exciting, promising, and entering phase III this summer.
* Alchohol: Works reasonably well, but hardly a long term solution.
* Cymbalta: Will this work for social anxiety? No one knows.
* Pregabalin: Same
* Zoloft: Approved for SAD, but have you heard of a social anxiety suffer who thought this stuff cured them?
* Lexapro: Approved for SAD, but have you heard of a social anxiety suffer who claimed this stuff cured them?
* Nardil/Parnate: Consensus seems to be that these work well for social anxiety but they are hard to obtain in the US, possess life-threatening side effects, and worst of all, quit working after a while.
* Klonopin: Good for social anxiety, if you're willing to deal with memory loss and addiction.
* Paxil: May work for social anxiety, but dangerous withdrawal side effects.
* Effexor: May work for social anxiety, but again, dangerous withdrawal side effects.
* Gabatril: May work at 10mg/day.
* Zyprexa: Pilot study indicates possible effectiveness.Current or former SAD sufferers, your thoughts?
Posted by Dragonslayer on June 25, 2003, at 9:48:07
In reply to 12 possibilities for social anxiety, posted by pseudonym on June 25, 2003, at 2:57:25
> I've been looking at different med possibilities for my condition, one of debilitating social anxiety, and I wonder if the med to "cure" SAD simply hasn't been invented yet. >>>
Sorry for your problems, are you referring to Seasonal Affect Disorder or using "S" for Social? I assume it's Social. Your list is probably pretty much in order. In my opinion, nothing beats Klonopin. I have avoided the pitfalls (tolerence, seeking and abusing, etc...) and have been on it for 1 1/2 years at a low dose. I don't seem to have side effects (or I don't remember them, tee hee). This drug gave me my life back - not a sign of "addiction" - it didn't ruin my life. I am thankful for it. Some of the other meds listed I have no experience with. The SSRI's and Buspar made things worse for me. I understand how frustrating it is. A benzo works for me. I also have never looked at a drug as a cure - only treatment. Your list does give the ultimate theroy I have, there are no prefect meds. There are draw backs to all - it's a risk vs. benefit call we must all make.
Posted by stjames on June 25, 2003, at 19:41:14
In reply to Re: 12 possibilities for social anxiety, posted by Dragonslayer on June 25, 2003, at 9:48:07
I would think CBT would be of benifit
for social anxiety.
Posted by ace on June 25, 2003, at 23:12:20
In reply to 12 possibilities for social anxiety, posted by pseudonym on June 25, 2003, at 2:57:25
> I
> * Nardil/Parnate: Consensus seems to be that these work well for social anxiety but they are hard to obtain in the US, possess life-threatening side effects, and worst of all, quit working after a while.I wouldn't worry abou this- I've heard of people on MAOIs 20+ years working fantastic. Furthermore, it's still up in the air whether this poop-out is a real phenomenon.
>
> * Zyprexa: Pilot study indicates possible effectiveness.Just read one study on this- worked really well, I think in combo with an AD it would be great.
Good luck,
Ace.
> Current or former SAD sufferers, your thoughts?
Posted by Viridis on June 26, 2003, at 13:00:18
In reply to 12 possibilities for social anxiety, posted by pseudonym on June 25, 2003, at 2:57:25
I vote for Klonopin. Addiction is very rare with this med, although dependency is common, but generally not as severe as with Effexor, Paxil, & co. Slight memory loss problems etc. cleared up after about a week for me, and I've been at the same low dose for two years now with no problems.
Posted by Alara on June 28, 2003, at 6:31:44
In reply to 12 possibilities for social anxiety, posted by pseudonym on June 25, 2003, at 2:57:25
Celexa works for me.
It is mid-winter here in Australia and for the first time in years I have not suffered from SAD symptoms. I function well at work, socialise with my workmates, and don't get depressed every time it rains! I am even getting out of bed on cold dark mornings when the alarm rings...
I have been taking 20mg of Celexa since December. Before that I used Prothiaden (a tricyclic) and then Effexor. Although these ADs helped with the social anxiety to some extent, the problem was always bubbling under the surface. On Celexa, I am confident and even a little laid back in social situations.
I am still myself - a sensitive person. I have my bad days like anybody else. But I am not ruled by depression or anxiety; I can even cope with the tremendous pressure of the politics and high workload in my job.
Maybe I've just calmed a little because I'm 33 now and am feeling a little calmer about life in general. But I do sometimes wonder if it is the Celexa that cured me of social anxiety and SAD. It seems to be a very gentle drug.
I'll be interested to see if I get through the entire winter feeling this way.Hope this helps,
Alara
Posted by Alara on June 28, 2003, at 6:36:03
In reply to Re: 12 possibilities for social anxiety, posted by stjames on June 25, 2003, at 19:41:14
> I would think CBT would be of benifit
> for social anxiety.I second that. "Feeling Good" by David Burns will give you a good dose of CBT. I read it again every time I catch myself worrying about what other people are thinking of me.
This is the end of the thread.
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