hey.. im on lexapro now too...20 mg/day. i dont know if it really works for social anxiety... i dont think any medication really does. lexapro (as i understand) just decreases your sensitivity to things around you... including people. it doesn't help you deal or talk with people, tho. i was on klonopin, but that did nothing for me. i'm on risperdal now which is a mild anti-psychotic.. i feel the effects of it right away; it is very calming and relieves my anxiety so i can leave my house. The price for that is feeling kind of zoned out and a little tired.. which is fine if i don't have to feel like everyone is stalking me. exchanging alcohol for actual medicine can be difficult.. but do NOT drink while on this stuff... trust me. hopefully medication is all just temporary.
as for actually dealing with social anxiety rather than masking it with medication, i've also heard of these tapes and audio books ect. i found that there is a lot of this stuff available online since most people with genuine social anxiety (myself included) have a really hard time with things like talking to total strangers about your most personal problems. in my search, i found this site: http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/
there are some testimonials on there from some people who got good results; unfortunately i dont have $300.00, so i dont get to find out the secret to these people's success. i am on the mailing list of this group, however, and i keep reading about how wonderful this particular programme is.
i see a shrink once a week. we occasionally touch on cognitive stuff; i have found that introspection is something i already do a lot of, since i am constantly worrying that there is something wrong with me personally. its important to beable to reflect on your introspection... i find it helpful when my shrink points out how irrational my fears are. sometimes i need to be reminded that everyone else is fine... and i am just one of them. he has also tried to help me figure out why i am messed up; i find this helpful, and sort of fun. today he reminded me that it takes will power to do anything at all. that seems kind of obvious... but it reminded me that every person is on zer own level. im scared to take a walk around the block because someone might see me... but its a step further when i just do it, and i feel better afterwards.. just like i am just going to send this really long "answer" even though im scared someone will actually read it. it just takes practice!
feel free to contact me
good luck
2006-06-15 14:45:50
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answer #1
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answered by stanly 1
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I have had limited experience with Ativan or Lorazapam.. same thing.. brandname or generic..
it worked very well for me at the times when social issue related panic got to be waaay out of control for me..
But I have been told by many doctors and psych people that it is not to be used as a long term solution to anxiety issues.. it has some nasty effects with repeated use that go far beyond addiction and the subsequent weaning/withdrawal process..
if you are looking for something on a 'take as needed' basis for overwhelming spikes in social
anxiety.. Ativan may be a worthy alternative .. look into it .. doctor knows best.. but most will accept the input of a well informed patient and take your ideas into consideration.
Wasting life away hiding in your bedroom makes for a horrible existence. I have been there for more than I care to admit.
Good Luck.. :)
2006-06-15 13:35:03
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answer #2
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answered by lost_but_not_hopeless 5
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Eliminate Social Anxiety And Shyness : http://tinyurl.com/IEUUWCb5F6
2015-09-25 16:47:14
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answer #3
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answered by Tuan 3
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I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.
Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life
2016-05-16 02:07:05
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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how long did you take the lexapro? im on it and it took a while to actually work really well. you might want to give it another try and definetly see a psychiatrist.
2006-06-15 12:34:15
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answer #5
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answered by Kelly 3
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When I was taking xanax, that helped my social anxiety. Well, it helped alleviate ALL of my anxiety...! Anyway, I have found that if I just remember to breathe and stay calm, the anxiety will lessen. A lot of self-talk for me....
Good luck.
2006-06-15 13:50:49
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Effexor XR 150 mg a day. Oh, and believe or not, Yoga.
2006-06-15 12:35:19
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Just get out of the house more.
2006-06-15 12:33:42
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answer #8
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answered by parshooter 5
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