Comments on: prescription/herbal treatment for social anxiety?

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:17:59 +0000

I’ve had very simmilar troubles. For me, Zoloft was helpful, but can add a little "edginess" that might make some people feel worse. Or possibly you’d not been on the right dose or not on it long enough–the effect is somewhat cumulative over several weeks.

Regardless, I have to say I’ve had better results with the class that includes effexor and cymbalta. These act on both serotonin and norepinephrine systems. The norepinephrine activity seems to be particularly halpful with anxiety. Zoloft and most others only act on the serotonin system. Of the two mentioned, cymbalta seems to have far fewer side effects (especially nausea).

Another possibility (generally to try in addition, not instead of an anti-depressant) is Buspar. Some don’t feel an effect from it, but I think it’s very helpful.

You seem highly self-aware and well-informed. I’m a big believer in fish oil, too, but it can take weeks and weeks to take effect.
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By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:40:59 +0000

medication is really not the best way to treat social anxiety in my opinion. I’ve used different prescriptions that are supposed to take the edge off the anxiety but they don’t work. Social anxiety is a long time fear that has been built up inside of you, for many it’s been building since childhood and it needs to be addressed and corrected in other ways for you to truly feel comfortable in social situations. For me, I was made fun of when I was younger and it has caused me to always worry that people are laughing at me and for a long time it made me extremely scared of people. Everyone has a different reason. A lot of therapists and psychiatrists don’t seem to have many treatments for this, but I know one affective way that’s helping me is cognitive therapy. You can also work on your self esteem, what to say in a conversation, introducing yourself, what to do in high anxiety situations. This can also be paired with medication if necessary. But I truly don’t think medication is enough for social anxiety. This is just from someone who has worked very hard on it, and been very successful so far.
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By: Ginny Jin

Ginny Jin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:15:59 +0000

I take Spirulina (google it). This is a Superfood they give people in hospices to give energy. It was recommended to me by a health professional. For mood try St John’s Wort. Black Cohosh is good too.

For me – Prescription medication = liver damage
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