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I'm on medication that treats depression, social anxiety, and anxiety (I take it for the depression and anxiety). I find it to be very helpful, but I also do a lot of other work for my anxiety above and beyond the medication (meditation, massage, etc). Medication can be good if used correctly and in conjuction with other forms of therapy.
As a student you should have lots of options open to you at your university. I know at mine we receive six free visits with a therapist at counseling services per term and free group therapy. There are also counseling services workshops around campus that offer advice about such disorders as social anxiety.
As for side effects and how you feel, that completely depends on you and the medication you are on. Medication for mental health issues can be completely hit or miss--it might take several prescriptions before you find the right one, or it might work immediately. I've been on citalopram (Celexa) for a very long time and haven't had any problems with it, and since it deals with both my depression and anxiety I find it to be quite helpful. But when it comes to mental health, everyone is different. I would recommend having a serious discussion with your doctor about your thoughts regarding your social anxiety and possibilities for treatment. Ask if there are any alternative therapies you might try before resorting to medication. Ask if there are any free counseling services available in your area, if there are none available on campus.
Good luck.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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