So I counsellor that's been helping me with social anxiety suggested that I might benefit from some medication. I was just wondering if anyone else out there had any experience with this. Are there some meds that are good and some that I should stay the hell away from? Any help would be much appreciated.

Yeah, I've thought about taking something like that. But I think that when you do get some success, it feels much better when you know that it was you who was solely responsible, not some meds, not alcohol.

Sup, I used to take a medicine call Triliptol (sorry if spelling is off) and all this stuff does is make everything dull. It may let you walk up to them but you will come off as boring and you will have a hard time coming off as an alfa. Hope that helps some.

i have been through lots of anxiety medications and know people who have been through dozens and I can tell you first hand that none of them will completely take away the anxiety without turning you into a zombie. I am not against them all im saying is that they just act as a bandaid and help slightly, just don't expect them to be a godsend like I did.

Different medications work differently on everyone so your just going to need to find the one that is right for you, your doctor will not prescribe you one that you should be staying away from so don't worry about that. Good luck on the anxiety tho bro.

At the end of the day it is up to you about whether or not you want to take medication or not. Many people argue it works and there is an equal number that argue against it.

I used to have it so bad to the point of disassociation (out of body feelings) and I have slowly but surely recovered. I understand how difficult it can be and how uncomfortable it can feel but it can be worked through without medication. I have a buddy who has been through SSRI after SSRI trying to find one that works and I have seen the downward spiral he has been going through. My advice would be to make it your challenge to get through this without medication. It can be done.

If ur consellor suggests it, give it a try. After all what have you got to lose? If thnks don't improve you can always get off them. The newer meds, such as SSRI aren't as addictive as the older ones, so do talk to your doctor about perhaps trying these.

My Experience
I was on escitalopram for a while, and they helped me feel much more confident generally.

I was even able to outAMOG the AMOGs of my group, more often than I would have usually, so it definitely makes you appear alpha in that sense.

With women, I managed to strike up a friendly relationship with a woman for the first time. And when I did come off them, I managed to ask the girl out, (which was a time) and she accepted.

I don't claim its a magic pill, but it could help you gain useful social skills, while you are at it. Just make sure you are pushing urself all the time while you are on them however.

Once again, ur counsellor asked you to try them for a reason be oen-minded about it. Also keep ur therapy sessions going if you do go on them, as I've heard SPAM is more likely to be successful that way.

Keep us updated.

Realplayer, what dosage were you on. I was started off on 20mg Citalopram, but want to know what I should be feeling or when I should ask for the dose to be raised.

I'm on 20mg escitalopram (brand name Lexapro)... just a little different than citalopram.

Tho it hasn't taken away my AA, it's done a lot for me in other areas... willing to open up once engaged in a convo, relax more... so I'm thinking it'll help once I get some more experience & tips thru this site.

Sorry to be harsh but really medication????? fuck that the brain literally will change with little to no effort. Allegedly if you eat a food you hate 10 times your palette will adapt to it and it will be edible at least. Same with anxiety it is all to easy to sit in your room dosed up using it as an excuse to not meet people or socialize or you could bite the bullet approach people and work through your problem rather than using drugs to sweep it under the carpet.

you should get into music, I have seen it help people more than any meds, it gives you something to talk about, makes you meet people who share common interests and allows you to express yourself.

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hey Steel Hammer, its been a while, so don't remember. Will find out from doctor next time I see him though.

Positive effects wise however, I noticed myself getting more open with people, which meant I actually made some close mates. I could push myself that little bit more in my interactions. Its as if not worrying freed up my brain and allowed me to be funnier etc.

Also, the reason you haven't noticed any effects could just be that you haven't been on them long enough? How long have u been on them? I think it takes atleast a couple of weeks to start having effect. Also during the first two weeks, you might feel a little depressed so if thats the case
dont worry.

And ignore Jaybot. Iagree with part of what you say Jaybot, the human body, is capable of wondrous stuff and not just the brain. BUT, were you to cut yourself and blood was gushing out, will you help your body stop the blood flow? Or do you let the natural clotting process run its course?

And even otherwise, I'd rather listen to a professional then some random stranger on the internet.

I didn't mean it as literally as that and I am sure drugs can help some folks but I have hung out in a couple of art schools and to my suprise almost every other person in these schools has been on medication, so I am left wondering are pills worth it or is it more about being who you are and enjoying your uniqueness rather than being like everyone else.

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There's nothing enjoyable or unique about social anxiety.

Also, vicarious, it would be great if you could tell us how you found counselling. Was it any use? How much would you say improved?

I was depressed in the first place so that could not get worse. I have only been on them two weeks and at the minimum dose - 20mg. My main worry is that they will make me tired, lazy and less likely to be able to put my frustrations to good use, and change.

Jaybot, I appreciate your input from an outside perspective. These drugs are a last resort for me really. I was prescribed them 3 times in the last 10 years when I got really down, but always stopped taking them after a couple of months because I hate the idea of them.

I sometimes get so anxious in public that I can't get a deep breath or more recently my neck starts to twitch due to the anxiety, which is a bastard as it is noticeable and probably freaks women out when they see my head twitching. I wish that all the drugs and the tags were just a conspiracy by the drug companies, but when you get physical symptoms so bad then you know it's real. At the same time your point is valid. I intend to start approaching and talking to people in the next few months so that is the only way to change.

I've taken ritalin in the past for ADD and when it kicks in I can tell... because I start speaking a million miles an hour. I'll tell you that it's very effective for overcoming that social inertia that us natural introverts have.

Having said that, I now need to dash your hopes of using it as a magic pill. See, ritalin is best taken with food. This works great if you eat solo and only plan on opening between meals. If you take it on an empty stomach, expect nausea. I've even felt ill taking it after having a muffin & coffee for breakfast.

These days I avoid it (so it doesn't become a crutch) and use alcohol as my social lubricant of choice. I've also lost 13kg (28 pounds) from diet and exercise - the confidence I get from feeling and looking great exceeds anything I've gotten from ritalin.

Haven't u just found a new crutch rather?