Anti-anxiety meds rundown

KyussBishop

I've been dealing with social phobia for the last ~15 years, and have (briefly) done some CBT, and (for longer and currently) some other psych treatments, but have never tried any meds, as I'm worried about dependence/side-effects/efficacy.

While it's better than before, I find that the anxiety is constant with anyone/everyone I'm around (to the point that it affects them too), and I'm finding there's not really a good way for me to develop socially at all (my social abilities are really worn down from years of disuse, which - on top of the anxiety - is a big struggle to go out and work on, that I really can't muster the motivation for doing, due to the stress).

So, now I just want to get a handle on the anxiety a bit, just to be able to get going redeveloping socially, without as much stress - what are peoples experience with different anti-anxiety meds, and how have they helped? (and what bad side effects were there?)

Are there any which significantly curtail/take-the-edge-off anxiety in social situations? (I might be interested in trying meds which you don't use all the time, but only before stressful situations)

KyussBishop

Just to note: I'm not seeking medical advice, just other peoples experiences with certain meds - I will be going to a doctor/psych to get proper advice, just looking to inform myself a bit beforehand.

InReality

I find beta blockers good the odd time.

KyussBishop

InReality wrote: »

I find beta blockers good the odd time.

They look interesting alright - and also seem to have the double-benefit of being useful for migraines too (which I get the odd time); the short-term use version of that may be something worth me asking a doc/psych about.

LegacyUser

They reduce the physical symptons for a while , maybe a few hours. So if there is a day thats particulary bad or a meeting your dreading etc , they can help a lot.

I got a standard months perserption , about 60 , and they would last me a year or 2.

My Psy is pretty good though - not all might be open to them .

KyussBishop

klio wrote: »

They reduce the physical symptons for a while , maybe a few hours. So if there is a day thats particulary bad or a meeting your dreading etc , they can help a lot.

I got a standard months perserption , about 60 , and they would last me a year or 2.

My Psy is pretty good though - not all might be open to them .

Oh wow, did this post need mod screening before posting? I only just saw it pop up in my emails now (more than week later).

Thanks - yes I may see about getting a prescription of them so, to see how I fare with them; I'm a bit worried about how you can develop a tolerance to them, but they seem a much better way to see the effects of some anti-anxiety meds, without having to go through the potential persistent side effects and withdrawl effects from others.

Lone Stone

Ive had ptsd and major anxiety problems in the past for around 10 years. Found it hard to most things even leave the house. But eventualy i got lexapro, it worked for me, still get depresed and have panic attacks from time to time, but it took the edge of and helped me cope with them and now anxiety doesnt get in the way of life very often.

olliesgirl55

I have a host of mental health issues anxiety being one. I used to be on Xanax but got dependent on it. Switched to valium and I no longer have the same issues. I only take it when the anxiety gets really bad. I have tried beta blockers in the past but didn't work. I am also on other medications for my other mental health issues.

InReality

My psy said beta blockers were not addictive.
I've been taking them for about 7 years now.
I only feel I need them if I'm going to a stressful meeting or interview - if its "normal" anxiety for me, like morning anxiety , I'd just sit that out.