la petite moi

I searched for this, but I didn't find anything.

So recently, I've come to realise that a lot of my stress comes from anxiety. Social anxiety, specifically. I'm always afraid someone is saying/thinking bad things about me. I'm severely afraid of any situation where people I know will put me in the limelight. For example, a wedding.

I don't like how my life is so severely limited by this. Are there any of you that take anxiety pills, and what do you take, if so? Also, how should I go about getting a prescription from my doctor?

jorgelito

Oh no! Please don't take any pills. You're such a nice girl. Although pills can and do help, in my opinion it is best to avoid it if you can.

Have you thought about counseling or therapy? There really isn't much stigma attached to it anymore and it can be very liberating.

You need to work on your confidence and self-esteem and stuff.

Oh by the way, I am not a professional, it's just my opinion ok?

Try as many other alternatives as you can before turning to pills. That should be your last choice.

You can do it!

jaded

I wouldn\'t recommend pills either. Such pills usually have plenty of undesirable side effects, and you should only use them as a last resort. Speaking with a doctor or a shrink might be a better option to try first. Good luck to you!

gh0ti

It may be a chemical imbalance in your head. If you do end up going for pills, don’t take the "only when you need them kind" (Xanax, Valium, Adivan, etc). They can be addictive and usually have the bad side effects.

I had pretty much the same problem and it got worse when I got depressed (I don’t know if they went hand in hand or what). I ended up getting on an SSRI (Zoloft) and seeing a psychologist about my depression. I took the Zoloft for a year and got off it when I felt like "me" again. I wasn’t depressed anymore and I felt good about myself. Allot of the social anxiety has gone away too.

Go see your doctor about it, he will refer you to a psychologist and talk it over with both of them.

Rodney

There are a lot of ways to moderate anxiety without pills. They just take time and effort. That's why they're not more popular.

Yoga is one way, believe me. Buddhist meditation is another. Both are proven to relieve stress. If you don't have much time, take a few sessions of a yoga course to learn the basic, buy a tape you can use at home to walk you through the exercise, and continue with it.

Another thing that works is basic exercise. Why do you think there are so many fanatic runners? They get high off the endorphins. When I had a particularly stressful job, weight training before work helped get me through the day and long meetings much better than I would have otherwise.

This isn't what you want to hear, but except as a temporary measure during therapy, pills aren't the answer for anxiety. They just lead to more pills.

I just read that any any given time, 44 percent of _all_ Americans are on at least one prescription med. 44 percent! Something is truly wrong with the way we've been taught to perceive health and healing, and the drug companies have a lot to do with it.

yellowchef

Pills are not your first answer. See someone first, even your doctor will send you to a therapist before just giving you a pill. I know firsthand that its more important and better for me to talk it out than it is to just eat a pill. I have been sooooo depressed before that talking made me feel better, but I only saw the therapist 3 days a week, the other 4 I was miserable so I was put on Zoloft and told to do some form of exercize. Exercize increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain which releases endophins that make you feel better. Don't resort to pills unless you feel MISERABLE and cant function. Right now Im only doing what I have to because my ex is gone, and my friend Diana makes me get up for school. So Talk to someone.. and they can help you determine if you need meds or not.. the decision to take a pill takes a long hard discussion and thought..

Im actually going back on Zoloft or Paxil.. since the episode with my ex, I havent been able to be me inside my head. Im seeing my psych teacher(who is also a licensed psychologist) and we've spent about 3 sessions debating my return to meds. I dont LIKE the idea of meds again, but I know that the meds will help and when Im feeling ok again I can get off them again. For me getting off of Zoloft the first time wasnt hard, I just started forgetting to take them because I was finally feeling better after about 9 or 10 months.

ShaniFaye

I find a punching bag really works for me.....turn up some Ratt or Metallica and go to town on it

Pills are a bad way to go....the side effects sometimes just arent worth it

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I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!

Blackthorn

There are several choices out there specifically for treating many forms of anxiety. You will need to see your doctor to talk about the options. Many of the SSRI class of drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are perscribed for anxiety. These include some of the names you've probably heard of like Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, or Effexor. These all come with a host of side effects that are in many cases not very pleasant.

There is another pharma option for treating anxiety disorders called Ativan sold generically as Lorazepam. This also requires a perscription.

These are serious medications and should not be taken lightly. Better living through chemistry isn't always the outcome. Talk to your doctor. That's the best way to go from here.

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What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want?

la petite moi

Okay, for those who offer yoga and punching bags- I've tried yoga, it does nothing for my SOCIAL ANXIETY. Neither does punching things, or listening to music- it increases my anxiety.

My anxiety is severe, to the point where I can not think normally. I don't think I have mentally relaxed for the last four years- I am so worried sick about my appearance to others and how I might embarass myself in the future that I can't.

Therapists might be the answer, but I personally don't think I'll have to time once I start spring semester and work at the same time. And no, we don't have on-school therapists. I could maybe somehow find a psychologist, but then I would have to drive to see them, and that's just a huge hassle.

I am a typical American- stressed, and looking to pills (which trust me, I HATE) for an answer.

Maybe I should have included all this in my previous post.

gh0ti

That too me sounds like more then little social anxiety. Worrying about your appearance to others can lead to allot worse situations (like an eating disorder).

It sounds like your making excuses not to get help:

I don’t know how else to say it, but GET SOME FUCKEN HELP! ;-)

Option 1. Talk to a close friend about how you feel. You will be amazed at how much getting your feelings off your chest helps.

Option 2. Find an on campus support group for others with social anxiety, you don’t even need to participate initially, just go to a couple of meetings and listen to others talk about themselves.

Option 3. Drive your lazy ass ;-) to your doctor and have him refer you to a physiologist. I only go once a month (once a week initially) and it does wonders for me.

And keep your head up, you’re not the only one who has ever felt how you feel.

ShaniFaye

Dont most colleges have programs for the students for help on a sliding payment scale?

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I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!

la petite moi

1) I've had three eating disorders, so yep, know what you're saying there. However, I'm pretty much over those.

2) I talk to nwlinkvxd all the time about my problems- does nothing.

3) There is no oncampus support group for others with social anxiety- I go to a community college, if you get the point.

4) Yeah, I should go to the dr., but that costs money and my time. Plus, I hate driving. But that's just an excuse, I know.

Anyway, this whole thread was not to cause to me more grief, but to recommend an anxiety pill that I could take. I have already called my dr. about it, and the receptionist said she'll get back to me. If my dr. doesn't think I need it, she'll suggest something else. Another thing- my mom started taking anxiety pills and they gave her no side effects. She thought it wasn't working, but when she stopped taking the pills when her prescription ran out,she suddenly realised how selfconscious she was without the pills.

PS: This is all my health centre at school offers: http://www.bakersfieldcollege.com/student/health/

maleficent

Taking a pill doesn't solve your problem, all it does is cover it up, and makes it so you don't have to deal wiht it right now. Eventually that comes back to bite you in the butt.

Your doctor is the right person to ask, however, if he/she just gives you a prescription for medication without first trying therapy or counseling, i'd seriously question his ethics. Medication should be a last resort, not because you want an easy fix.

You've got a lot of changes in your life coming up, it's best to learn how to deal with them now, before they become bigger problems.

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la petite moi

So, how long would it take for me to change (be less anxious about everything) if I did therapy or counselling?

I'm scared shitless and freaked out about nwlinkvxd's parents coming to dinner in a week.

maleficent

Therapy isn't a quick fix, it generally takes some time to get to the root of what is really bothering you. Some people, once they know what the problem really is, are done at that point, other folks, need some help dealing with the problem.


Dinner with his folks...
You know his parents already. They love him, and they know that he loves you, so therefore, they are going to love you.

What therapy will help you with is to help you see things more clearly, and not make a mountain out of a molehill. A lot of it you can probably do yourself.

They are coming to dinner. What's the worst thing that could possibly happen? Betcha your imagination could come up with someone pretty bad, but you know it would never happen. What therapy will help with to show you that your imagination isn't reality and nothing could be as bad as you imagine.

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yellowchef

you have to MAKE time for thearapy, otherwise the pills probably wont work either. I have a whole lot on my plate and I REALLY dont want to go back to pills, but Im back to the point of being miserable on days that I dont have sessions. I mean I cant make it through the day without crying, I dont pay attention, I dont eat, I cant sleep, and I cant even think. Looking for the magic pill isnt your answer, especially if you havent tried therapy. Looking for the "pill" as a quick fix wont work. You also are not your mom, you may have some CRAZY side effects. I don't want to go back on meds because they usually drag my sex drive down, make me not want to eat and whatever else can happen. Look here http://www.zoloft.com/ZoloftUSPI.pdf for the side effects of my drug....increased suicide rate, seizure, weight loss, and abnormal bleeding...I havent experienced any of these.. but is it something you want to risk?

When I did my required hands on/internship for my psych degree I learned a lot about "busy" people. Theyre often not as busy as they seem to believe they are. Its very hard to get into a routine, but with the help of a therapist they can sit down with you, walk you through your day and help you establish a schedule. I would also guess that your sleep patterns are not routine, which is only adding to your troubles. When you dont sleep enough its like making your brain work at half the power with double the effort. Yes you're in college and you want to be there for your friends, your boyfriend, and live the college life but if it is affecting your health this adversely I would give in to a scheduled lifestyle. It sucks but it will benefit you more than you know. If you are a person who is not organized then you need to get there! A lot of anxiety comes from the fear of the unknown, misplacing things, feeling rushed, and an all over feeling of discombobulation. Take some time to see a therapist, talk, RELAX.. get organized. The pill isnt the answer unless you've seen a therapist and your doctor first.

I hope you arent offended by this, but if your doctor is willing to hand you a pill in one short visit, Id be looking for a new doctor. I know that most doctors are well educated, intelligent and knows how to do exams properly, but its never safe or good to hand out a pill after just a few minutes chat.

bing bing

I have always had problems with anxiety (OCD/phobias) but i've found Celexa and meditation and regular weight lifting to help me out in a big way. While there are still exceptions where i do get quite anxious, generally, i'm now calm as a hindu cow.

yellowchef

woah Celexa, thats some strong stuff right there! Im glad to see that you are doing something in conjunction with the meds to help yourself.

Stompy

I have that too, where you think people are always sayin shit about you.

I used to think I had some social disorder, but not so much after I found out people were actually sayin shit.

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I love lamp.

Baron Opal

Well, since you asked...

There are two basic pharmacologcial treatments for a generalized kind of anxiety. These are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and benzodiazepines. Now the SSRIs work by increasing the amount of a specific kind of chemical messenger in your brain (serotonin, mostly). Increasing this chemical allows certain pathways of your brain to function easier or more efficently. This tends to elevate mood, improve focus and reduce perseveration (going over and over things in your mind or constantly focussing on one thing to the exclusion of all else). The SSRIs that have been tested and shown to have good results are paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Fluoxetine (Prozac) is not so good for this particular use, but is an excellent drug for other situations. A drawback of these medications is that most people don't get the full effect for two weeks. Also, there can be some significant side effects, namely either fatigue or energy, loss of appetite, and an inability to orgasm.

Benzodiazpines work by enhancing the calming, slowing portions of your brain, the GABA system. The rush of thoughts is diminished, and the patient is able to approach situations more calmly and without a rush of anxiety. They are usually able to handle surprises better as well. The is really only one benzodiazepine recommended for long term treatment of major anxiety and that is alprazolam (Xanax). There is an extended release formulation that is supposed to give better control of your anxiety and lessen any euphoria from taking the medication. Sleepiness and fatigue are the common side effects here. As it is a benzodiazepine, dependance is a concern. Dependance is less likely with an extended release formulation than with a instant release. Also, given its long half-life and the general nature of benzos, stopping taking them usually involves little to no symptions of withdrawl when you taper the dose.

Now, this is just a nutshell amount of information. If we were to meet and do this professionally, I would take a good 20-30 minutes to go over all the options and their consequences. There are several other pharmacutical options, but the two mentioned above are the most common that I know of. When you see your physician, discuss options. Talk with your pharmacist about what to expect.

Medication is only a portion of the solution. It is a crutch. But, crutches are useful. When you break your leg it makes getting around much easier. At some point, however, the leg heals and you don't need the crutch anymore. This is similar. It can be difficult to say exactly how long medication may be needed for your case. This is something that requires discussion between you and the health care workers that you become involved with. Overcoming your anxiety will take more than just medication, and you and your physician can work out exactly what that means.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask. I'll keep an eye on the thread.

Baron Opal, Pharm.D.

Ilow

As the Baron^^ points out succinctly, there are several medical options, but mostly those are new uses for a medication formerly used for something else (like depression). If you do choose to go the medication route, I would definitely recommend seeing a psychiatrist rather than your PCP, as they specialize in psych meds, and their side effects, rather than having to learn about meds for many other purposes. Honestly, I would encourage you to go to see a psychologist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT was essentially designed for your type of issue, and through cognitive restructuring etc. it can get you back to feeling ok in social situations without the possibility of nasty side- effects or the expense of medication all the time. Run CBT through a search engine, I'm sure you will find some good information to help make a decision. you appear to have a fair amount of rationalization going on as far as your reasons for not going to therapy, but you will have to get past that regardless of the mode of assistance you choose.

__________________
"Religion is the one area of our discourse in which it is considered noble to pretend to be certain about things no human being could possibly be certain about"
--Sam Harris

Rodney

It's not, but it needn't take forever. I did 10 weeks once to get past a bad time; it didn't solve all my problems, but it helped me go on -- which I was in danger of not doing -- and gave me some mental tools I could use to cope with my problems.

My point is, a good therapist, or the right one, might be able to give La Petit Moi some kind of tool or coping mechanism that'll get her through tough situations in the short term while she works on her problems long-term. Mine certainly did.

alpo

As usual Opal, that's a lot of great information.

Although I'll be the first to admit that psychiatry is not my specialty, my training is first and foremost as an internist, so I see more than my fair share of people with psychiatric disorders which span the spectrum from depression to schizophrenia to social anxiety disorder. Much of what la petite moi has described sounds like social anxiety disorder. There are a lot of good, randomized controlled trials that show that drugs in the class of SSRI's are pretty good for Social Anxiety disorder. As Opal stated, the ones that work the best, or there is the most evidence to support their use, are sertraline (also known as Zoloft) and paroxetine (brand name Paxil). In my experience, they take a fairly long time to work, but are generally well tolerated.

Psychotherapy is not as effective at treating social anxiety disorder when compared to a mode of treatment called cognative behavioral therapy. This is a multifaceted approach that focuses on exposure to the stressful situation, and in a way, retraining the way in which you react to the stressful stimuli. Cognitive behavior therapy can take even longer than SSRI's to have an effect (up to 6 or more months). To the best of my knowledge, it is also rather costly. Because of those two factors, I haven't seen it used all that frequently.

Again, I'm not a mental health professional. In fact, I only slept at Howard Johnson's last night. My opinions are just that -- opinions. I'd recommend seeing your doctor. Working together with your doctor should allow you find a plan that will help you with your anxiety. Good luck!

alpo

I'm post-call and have been awake for way too many hours in a row to find the exact data, but I'm willing to bet that at least 44% of the population has at least one of the following conditions that require medication - diabetes, hypertension or obesity. I'm willing to bet that many of those people are on enough medicines to bring up the average for the rest of us. Case in point, I admitted a sweet little demented lady to my service last night who was on no less than 28 medications. When I send her home, she'll be on 6, still quite a lot, but it's only what she needs.

ryfo

I suffer panic disorder and simply put i am afraid todo anyting just in case i get stuck.eg supermarket queues, driving in traffic,roadworks,restaurants,shops peoples home I was given xanax but i got the script over a year ago and still have half left. Cognitive behavior therepy and bloody sheer mindedness works for me I am NOT going to let illogical thoughts stop me from living my life I have trouble still but the doc helps and a very understanding partner (& pets are great too)

pattycakes

pills are not the way to go. My girlfriend takes zoloft and she dosent need it. she decided she had the symptoms after she looked what the symptoms up. usually when you think you need medicine you dont.

If you hhave anx problems see a phsyc

jgp

your symptoms are characteristic of agoraphobia, fear of social and open places. many treatment methods are successful. best fist point of reference is your primary doc. it is not necessary to jump to a psychiatrist. treatment options include medication, and cognitivie behavioural therapy. many meds are effective inculding the ssri, more commonly known for their anti-depressive effects. these are probably the best fisr line meds as they are low in side effects. one thing to note, ssris do take a while to kick in, give it at least 2-3 weeks before noticing a gradual effect. other effective meds include the anti-anxiolytics and hypnotics. most physician will prescribe anti-anxiolytics over hypnotics. they are effective, but have more seirious side effects such as rebound anxiety for short acting meds, seizures, addiction. best place to start, check with your primary care doc. good luck,

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liz

woOt?

I have suffered from Depression and anxiety since I was 18. I am 25now and needless to say my life hasbeen shaped by these two illnesess. I realized recently that my anxiety was not general but was Social. I have social anxiety. I hate it and it kills me. I've taken all kinds of presciption drugs. Wellbutrin, Effexor and a bunch of others. They all caused undesirable side effects. I read that therapy can cure social anxiety. But for now, I resorted to natural treatments.

I am currently taking THEANINE, which helps with anxiety w/o making me feel drowsy. I haven't noticed any side effects so far. I know that with anxiety and depression comes a lack of concentration and memory. I take DMAE for this. They seem to be working and I have noticed a difference. But I am not cured yet. I got all the info on them from www.lef.org.

I am not a Doctor and I'm only sharing the stuff I've found along my way. I've met people with different types of anxiety disorders over the years. Everyone copes with it differently. Some people are able to carry on relationships, have jobs, go to school, etc. I on the other hand have difficulties making friends. I was alone (no friends) for a long time. That changed with time. However, I haven't had a relationship since High school. I couldn't finish school and I haven't advanced in my career becuase of this. What ever you do, find help. In fact, I don't participate more in the TFP becuase I'm afraid people will judge the things I say and I will come off as being stupid. lol I can't help but laugh at myself for this.

One more thing, exercise helps. You don't have to be a body builder but incorporate cardio and strength trainning in your life. If anything, it'll boost your serlf-esteem not to mention making you feel a whole lot better.

Good luck

woOt?

martinguerre

late to the thread a bit...

i've got a lovely tweaky combination of anxiety disorder and depression...and i've had most of my sucess outside of medication. but i would not say to rule them out. Baron sums up your options pretty nicely...i keep xanax around for the really blown out panic attacks, and its good to know i have a saftey valve. if things get all fucked up, i can go to sleep, try again, and know i'll be safe.

longer term medication may or may not be the answer. but don't let people dissuade you from trying. for a lot of folks, it does the trick and you at least owe it to that possibility to consider medication.

combine it (or just do, depending on your choice) with therapy, working out, and time management. if you can pace yourself, and have time to recharge social batteries, that can help, too.

don't expect any fix-it solutions...be ready to be patient with yourself, and celebrate the little victories.

peace,

-mg

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For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life.

-John 3:16

woOt?

Anxiety pills make me sleepy and they kill my sex drive. I don't like them.

Anibal5

You need to fully realise "what" you are scared of.
If it is physiological i.e. I am scared they are talking about me (perception) and this leads only to anxious feelings and feeling the need to flee then medication may be essential along with cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT). If the above progresses into, "My hearts racing, I feel like I am going to faint and make a fool of myself" i.e. your bodies perceived physiology, you may only need CBT.

This will NOT go away
You MUST deal with this or risk;

a] You start to avoid certain situations for the rest of your life
b] It will reappear like malaria, every time another life stressor presents itself i.e. job loss, death of family member

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Forgiveness is like the fragrance a flower gives after it's been stepped on.

Grasshopper Green

la petite, I realize this is an old thread, but I'll just throw in my two cents anyway.

I have suffered from anxiety and depression for the majority of my life, and I never took pills until about 9 months ago because I didn't think medication was the answer. Being on medication has given me my life back, and with very few side effects. I talked to a psychologist after my brother died and it did absolutely nothing for me except for empty my wallet. Perhaps she wasn't a good one, but she was well recommended, which is why I saw her. I take lexapro, which my doctor prescribed for me because of its lack of side effects. The first month I had some while I was adjusting to it, but the only one I have now is a slightly lower libido (it was zilch at first, but it has slowly come back in the past few months and is pretty much normal now).

Lexapro is an SSRI, and while it was prescribe for depression for me, I've noticed my anxiety has gone waaaaaaaaay down. I worry a lot less, feel more comfortable around people I don't know well, and am just generally functioning better. I also have started exercising and have noticed that it makes me feel much better too.

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"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

bayd

Someone will prolly bitchslap me for suggesting this, or atleast heartily poke, but amphetamines have basically destroyed all social anxiety I've had - I just used it for the first time at school today and spent pretty much the whole day talking to other people, people I normally don't talk to, where normally I'm intensly intimidated by social situations (espeically when it comes to people I don't know extremely well - plus being able to concentrate on my homework now is fun ). mm that was kind of a long sentence...

Sage

Oh, yeah, great idea... get hooked on speed while you're at it.... *rolls eyes*

In a recent study by Duke university, exercise was equally as effective in combating depression and anxiety as pills. Learned this in my psych class- don't have the hard data for it.

Pill suck. All psych pills are "unknowns" anyway- doctors have no clue WHY they do what they do, instead they have theory after theory. I don't trust my body to theories, especially when it comes to my mental health.

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Meat Juice

I've heard by professionals in the field of anxiety disorders that the best approach is pharmacology taken with couselling. Successful treatment increases to upwards of
80% than with drugs alone. Normally a medication from the antidepressant family is prescribed such as Paxil. But again, the most effective treatment is realized in conjunction with some sort of cognitive behavioural therapy. Your doctor should be able to help guide you to such resources. Many communities offer group therapy where you can learn from others with your affliction and how they cope in a supportive atmosphere. Hopefully I've demonstrated that drugs are only part of the long term solution.

clavus

I don't know anybody who has taken pills for anxiety who looks back on it and says, "Boy I'm sure glad I took those pills."

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Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

highthief

Well, I was glad I did. I had serious anxiety/panic attacks - debilitating attacks - and it was a combination of pills (clonezepam, in my case) and cognitive behavioural therapy that got me over it. There is a place in many treatment plans for pills, but usually in combination with other forms of therapy and healing.

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Si vis pacem parabellum.