Best drug for social anxiety?

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I have an appointment with my head shrink this week to deal with my social anxiety. I have been resistant to medication before because I didn't want to be dependent on a drug...I tried Lexapro once for depression but it didn't work. However, it's getting to where the anxiety affects my whole life. Does anyone know what they would prescribe me, or what even works?

Lexapro only works if the social anxiety is caused by depression (in my case it was), and obviously it doesn't work for you either way. Do you actually have 'social anxiety disorder'?

Someone close to me has had some good experience with Effexor.

There isn't really a "best drug" for this sort of thing. Ask ten different people that have taken a specific prescription drug for _____ (specifically things considered to be psychological ailments) and you will probably get ten very different answers. Over the years I was put on four or five different SSRIs, and at one point an anti-psychotic. Looking back, it seems like the short-lived "benefits" were more placebo effect than anything for me. At the same time, I know of people that have taken those very same medications and had very different results.

The problem is your view of people, drugs will not change that.

They are all faking it, trying to put you on the defensive, call their bluff, your opinion will change.

It is their problem not yours.

Give yourself some room, claim your space, and others will respect it.

You are much too good for this world.

I got over my social anxiety (for the most part anyway) through therapy. I don't want a social life now because I just don't care for one instead of because of being anxious.

Zoloft is what I recommend as a first line of treatment. It is officially approved by the FDA to treat social anxiety. Lexapro is not officially approved for social anxiety.

Zoloft's main side effect is that it can make you jittery at first. After a while, it subsides and you feel like yourself again--only better. It increases dopamine levels and is kind of stimulating rather than sedating.

You should be forewarned: social anxiety can often be a lifelong problem, so you can't discount being on the medication like a diabetic is on her insulin (always). That is what my doctor told me.

My doctor prescribed Paxil but after reading that it commonly causes weight gain and sometimes memory problems, I called up and got my prescription changed to Zoloft. However, Paxil, the most potent of the SSRI drugs, is sedating rather than stimulating, which might be good for some anxious persons.

I currently am taking Zoloft 100mg per day for social anxiety, general anxiety, and mild OCD, and I have seen a benefit.

Escitalopram Oxilate PWNS!

I take Cipralex, which is the exact same chemical as Lexapro, but a different brand name. Works wonders for social anxiety and paranoia.

my 8yr old is on Celexa (he also takes Concerta for ad/hd)
The 10mlg of Celexa seems to work fine on him.

Alcohol works too.

Just what I was going to say^.^

Ecstasy. Problem is it has some bad long-term side effects, but what doesn't?

Haha, very true...it does help me in social situations.

Unfortunately, can't have a glass of wine before work...or church...haha.

Thank you guys...I've gotten some really good suggestions and I appreciate it! I will let you know what they prescribe...the doc said on the phone he might try Zoloft with a side of Klonopin for the REALLY bad days...we'll see...

Oh, and I have tried therapy. Just doesn't work for me. I don't dislike people at all, just scared sh*tless of them...lol.

oh xanny xan

social anxiety is just another made up disorder by the pharmaceutical industry. It used to be called being shy. THe psychiatric establisblishment
has gone from mainly treating debilatating conditions to life issues wich people use to just manage on their own. If you have genuine anxiety, i reccomend magnesium, passion flower, l-arginine and GABA.
sorry if i sounded harsh, but i have seen the psych industry from the inside out and i would hate it you wound up there.