Social Anxiety Disorder Medications

Social phobia is a mental disorder that affects millions of people in the US, in one study it was shown that more than 19 million people have this disorder and there are many more that dont look for help.

Social anxiety is basically fear of being scrutinize and judged by people. Is more than just shyness because this disorder actually prevents you from doing many activities and achieving the goals you want. When the anxiety that you feel is stopping you from doing your daily activities then in social anxiety.

Over the years there has been more research on this mental disorder and some medications are now available that help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression and even get rid of social anxiety.

There are 2 types of treatments for social anxiety:

• Medications and Therapy
• Social Anxiety Medications

The most common types of Medications are:

• antidepressants
• anti-anxiety medicines
• beta blockers

Antidepressants

Are divided in different groups

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) This are known to be effective in treating different anxiety and depressive disorders, althought some results from drug companies have shown that in up to 85% of people with social phobia that take these drugs do not achieve positive results.

So although SSRIs drugs are not effective in treating social anxiety, they are effective in treating some of the side symptoms of it, like depression and anxiety.

This are some of the most common SSRIs drugs:

• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Paxil CR
• Celexa
• Lexapro

Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs)

These are SNRIs anti depressants: Effexor XR: powerful antidepressant, but not very effective for social phobia Cymbalta: another antidepressant

MAOIs For Social Anxiety "Nardil" is a powerful antidepressant. There are also Parnate, Emsam and Aurorix.

Those are some of the most useful medications for social anxiety that doctors prescribe, however you should not take any of them without proper prescription. Drug medications usually have side effects like nausea, insomnia, headaches, changes in sexual behavior and more, ask your doctor. Some of the medications produce minimal side effects so you should ask first.

Beta Blockers

For people that have anxiety of performance or talking in public beta blockers is what is used effectively. You should ask your physician for your particular situation.

Common Beta Blockers are Atenolol and Popranolol which can have some side effects like nightmares, fatigue and bradycardia.

Those are the social anxiety disorder medications that are said to be effective by physicians. However you should always consult your physician before trying any medications.

Behavioral Therapy Treatment

An alternative to medications is behavioral therapy, it depends sometimes in how severe is your social phobia, but behavioral therapy can be very effective in achieving long term effects and its safe.

You will change your thought patterns and beliefs that prevent you from being comfortable with people and then it will be easier to start getting a social life little by little.

Conclusion

Medications for social phobia can be very effective when applied properly and following a prescription, but they are not the magic solution for your problem, you will experience some side effects and you will reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Getting over social anxiety, can be more effective when you follow a psychotherapy or behavioral therapy to achieve long term effects. Now what you need to do is to go with your physician and talk to him, tell him your concerns and doubts so he can diagnose your properly.