Medications for Social Anxiety Disorderby
Michael Jubinville, MPH Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only the most common reactions are listed. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special steps. Use each of these drugs as advised by your doctor or the booklet they came with. If you have any questions, call your doctor. Social anxiety disorder symptoms can be eased with anti-anxiety medicines or antidepressants. The length of time needed with medicine depends on the person. They are often used with counseling, which can help find the cause of problems. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)Common names:
Serotonin plays a role in anxiety. These antidepressants are helpful in treating social other anxiety disorders as well. Some problems are:
BenzodiazepinesCommon names:
These drugs have help you relax and ease tense muscles. Your doctor will watch you if you have these because they can be addictive. They are used best on a short-term basis. Some problems are:
Beta-blockersPropranolol These are used to help with performance anxiety. It helps with physical symptoms such as fast heart beat, breathing problems, or shaking. Some problems are:
Tricyclic AntidepressantsCommon names:
These drugs affect the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which ease anxiety. They are not addictive. Some problems are:
Atypical AntidepressantsCommon names:
These drugs affect the levels of serotonin, which ease anxiety. Some problems are:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)Common names:
MAOIs will keep brain chemicals from being broken down. These may help people who haven't had success with other drugs. MAOIs can cause problems when mixed with many other types of drugs, even other antidepressants. Ask your doctor about what you will need to avoid. When taking MAOIs, you will have to avoid:
Some problems are:
When to Contact Your DoctorCall your doctor if your medicine doesn't seem to be working. You should also call if you have any reactions. Call for emergency medical services right away if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others. Special ConsiderationsIf you are taking medicines:
References:
Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml. Updated October 2016. Accessed February 27, 2019.
Social anxiety disorder. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. http://www.dynamed.... Updated September 21, 2018. Accessed February 27, 2019. Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. National Institute of Mental Health
website. Available at:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml.
Accessed February 27, 2019.
Social phobia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/social-phobia. Updated July 2018. Accessed February 27, 2019. Suicidality in children and adolescents bring treated with antidepressant medications. US Food & Drug Administration website. Available at:
https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm161679.htm.
Updated February 5, 2018. Accessed February 27, 2019. Last reviewed December 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 2/27/2019 | |
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