Article by David Whitby

Introduction.In recent years Social Anxiety (SA) has become more recognized as a separate form of Anxiety Disorder. drugs|medications for anxiety] have been used. Also some medications first developed for treating depression have been foundto be effective for anxiety. Several havebeen given FDA specific approval as being efficacious in treating social anxiety.Of course there are many advantages and disadvantages as regarding taking any drug. All of these drugss can have side effects, some of them serious and others just bothersome. However, medications have their uses. If you are having very severe and crippling anxiety or panic attacks or you have become fearful about even leaving home (agoraphobia), then it is advisable to consult your doctor about treatment, including the use of medications. If your anxiety is milder and only related to specific situations, then using medications is less important. If you have any doubt, consult your doctor. All of these medications are only available on prescription. I do not discuss any herbal remedies as I do not have enough knowledge about them.

Short Acting MedicationsBenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines, of which Valium is the best known example, are a class of medications which quickly relieve anxiety. They differ from one another in terms of how long their effect lasts and also how sedative they are. Some medications in this group are used as sleeping medications–examples would Halcion, Dalmane and Restoril.There are three benzodiazepines which are particularly of interest in treating social anxiety disorder. The first of these is Ativan (lorazepam). This is useful because it is short acting, lasting only three or four hours and quick in its onset of action. It is available in a sublingual form. When this is placed under the tongue it dissolves quickly and enters the blood stream immediately. It acts almost as fast as an injection. The usual dose is 0.5 or 1 milligram. This makes it very useful for short term use in anxiety provoking situations such as giving a speech. However, it is very advisable to try its effect ahead of time in case it proves too sedating for you.The other two are Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam). These two benzodiazepines are somewhat different and seem to be more effective in treating panic attacks. They differ in that Klonopin is longer acting than Xanax.As with any medication there is a downside to the benzodiazepines. Firstly extended use may lead to the development of tolerance, that is to say that it takes a larger and larger dose to have the same effect. Secondly, dependency may develop. Coming off the medication may be difficult and disabling withdrawal symptoms may develop. These often resemble the original anxiety which makes diagnosing them difficult at times. While dependency is more often seen when the person has been taking a large dose over a long period of time, it can occasionally occur with a normal dose after a relatively brief exposure.The other major problem with benzodiazepines is that they are subject to being abused. There is often an increased tolerance in those people who have previously or currently have alcohol problems. In fact there is often a cross addiction between alcohol and benzodiazepines, when a benzodiazepine addiction can become a substitute for alcohol addiction and dependence.Beta BlockersBeta-blockers are a different class of drug. While they do not stop anxiety they do block its physiological effects. These include rapid heart rate, tremors, dry mouth and sweating. They’re commonly used by performers such as musicians to control the effects of anxiety which could interfere with their performance.The commonest beta-blocker which is prescribed is Inderal (propranolol). It is taken about half an hour before a performance.This the first part of Medications for Social Anxiety. The second part will cover long acting medications.

About the Author

Dr. David Whitby is aprofessor of psychiatry with over 40 years experience. He has extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. He has a special interest in social anxiety. For more information visit http://socialanxietyinformation.com

Tagged with: anxiety • Medications • Social

Filed under: Alcohol Withdrawal Anxiety

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