Is there a pill for social anxiety that I can take occasionally (as often as I would take tylenol or aspirin)?

Question

I get very anxious in social situations when I don't know the other people there. The other night, my girlfriend had a few co-workers over for a dinner party and I was extremely anxious the entire time. This happens to me at most parties/bars, etc. Otherwise, I am pretty relaxed in life. I don't want a pill that I have to take everyday, I only want something that I can take occasionally. I don't drink alcohol so I can't ease the tension with that.

THanks.

Answer 1

wow does that really happen to you? my goodness...i m really sorry about your situation. but try to be comfortable with yourself and you'll be fine with others when u r comfortable with your own self. don't worry about other people..what they mite think of you or say about you...just enjoy the company of others if u can

Answer 2

A very mild, non-addictive one is Klonopin, that's probably your best bet. Xanax and Valium, although intended to take for only those situations can become addictive.

Social anxiety can cause these feelings.
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried meds, individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 3

Truthfully thier are many medications out that you can take occationally, however they are known to become habit forming, especially for someone who doesnt realize what habbit forming is (i.e. someone who does not smoke or drink). Zanax, Vallium, Paxil (although this one might be more longterm), welbutrin, and a long long list of other prescription drugs are available.

Stay away from the SSRI's, those are ones like Paxil and what not, you are not severly depressed. Like i have said, all of these drugs can be habbit forming however, even once in a while pill taking can turn into 10 pills a day pretty quickly, so beware. My advice to you is to find an alcohol you do like and try a drink or two before you get on these types of pills. But of course, alcohol can be just as has habbit forming, especially if their is a family link. LOOSEN UP! THIS IS YOUR ONLY CHANCE IN LIFE, SO MAKE SOMETHING OF IT

Answer 4

Valium, Xanax, Ativan can all be used occasionally. Dr's are hesitant to prescribe them, as they are so addicting--but if you make it clear that you only need enough for certain situations, they might be more understanding--maybe give you about 10 per month.

Answer 5

They have had a lot of success on some of the SSRI antidepressants (e.g. such as Paxil.) Best to stay away from benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Ativan, Xanax) as these can be habit-forming.

Answer 6

Xanax. This is the ticket to surviving funerals and birthday parties. That one person who you just can't stand will become managable. It is best that you don't drink on these.

Answer 7

consult with a neuropsychologist. they will be able to determine if your problem is physical, psychological or both. with an accurate diagnosis, you will know what kind of treatment you need.

PS a neuropsychologist is an MD who has studied both neurology and psychology