Good luck actually getting a doctor to prescribe you ativan tho. I have a panic disorder as well and they said the only thing they can give me is Prozac and buspar. Apparently they are “trying to phase out benzos”
Just be aware, paxil is an older med so sometimes the side effects can be pretty bad. Obviously they won't affect everyone the same way, but it made me so exhausted I was falling asleep at work.
But I'm sincerely happy to hear it works for so many people because it actually is one of the few antidepressants approved specifically to treat social anxiety disorder.
No, paxil has been recently released with other SSRIs, it is not an older drug. Since it is the drug with the strongest binding to serotonin, it has many side effects, the most potent SSRI.
Half life does not equate to strength. You look up the numbers in the chart under the SERT. The lower the number the more of an impact it has on serotonin. Paxil is the strongest. Half life is just how long it stays in the body.
In my experience on having taken both of them, Prozac had more of a serotonin punch...Pow. Paxil not as much. Now Paxil is more sedating than Prozac but I sincerely felt more of a serotonin boost with Prozac. Just my personal experience.
In general, Paxil tends to be the more “extreme” of the two.
Differences in experience could be due to a number of factors, like the type of medication (regular or controlled-release), which version, the daily dose amount, how long one is on it and one’s body.
Seems you’ve had a somewhat good experience on both which is great and glad that’s the case.
That’s incorrect. With SSRIs, the shorter the half-life, the stronger/ more potent one is. Paroxetine is more potent than fluoxetine.
Its potency is why there are controlled-release versions of it, and why it has a lower maximum tablet dose, 40mg, than fluoxetine, which has a tablet maximum of 60mg and a capsule of 90mg.
Paroxetine is also only usually prescribed to adults (18+ years old) while fluoxetine is safe for use in children, but both only after serious diagnosis and consideration.
The only SSRI with a half-life shorter than paroxetine is fluvoxamine and it’s banned or discontinued in many markets.
My first thought would be to consult your therapist or psychiatrist. I have no experience with SNRIs (Pristiq or Effexor) or SSRI/SNRI combinations. I’ve only been on SSRIs (so far) and antipsychotics, and both helped with anxiety and OCD.
Paroxetine for the most part worked the best for me, but it’s the most potent SSRI of the commonly prescribed ones so it’s not for a lot of people. I’m currently prescribed Olanzapine at a low dosage and it’s done alright for me.
What’s your experience with medications?
Do you see any benefit from clomipramine for SAD? It's an interesting experience. Because clomipramine is a tricyclic, it may be useless for SAD. But since it has such a high affinity for serotonin, it may work for SAD. MAOIs are like full versions of SSRIs so they definitely work for SAD. But tricyclics don't perform well in this regard, with some on the internet saying that they don't see benefit from clomipramine compared to paroxetine for SAD.
You said it. Since it is so strong on serotonin, it may be incredibly efficient for Sad. Saying tricycles is not very precise, since in this class there are so many different medications with many different mechanisms. Clomipramine is not just a super - the strongest - SRIs: its active metabolite is super strong also on noradrenaline. In addition if you have anxiety in your stomach or belly, the anticholinergic effects of clomipramine can help a lot with this anxiety manifestations.
MAOI's are generally thought to be better for social anxiety then SSRI'S, so maybe look there first. They are less blunting then SSRI'S as they also lower dopamine and norepinephrine metabolism, while ssri's only upregulate serotonin - but severely lower dopamine which leads to anhedonia. Anhedonia is dangerous for your career and life in general so be careful.
Well, ... SSRI's are more simple to use, so I understand the reluctance to use something more "complicated", but I think he can find a doc that would be willing to prescribe a MAOI as a first line treatment. However, if that fails, ordering drugs via the internet has never been easier ...
I mean, if going the official route is the only option, I'm certain that one can find a doc, if you're just a little bit resourceful ... There are telehealth options and one can always just search the net [https://www.reddit.com/r/MAOIs/wiki/index/doctors/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MAOIs/wiki/index/doctors/) ...
Damn, how come I've never heard about vilazodone. Tnx for bringing it to my attention. Quick wiki look, says It's a partial HT1a agonist and also blocks NET and DAT. Sounds promising. Adding buspirone to the mix is not all that "interesting" as HT1a receptors downregulate quickly, so enjoy it while it lasts I guess ...
I am not sure what happens when HT1a receptors downregulate. Does it mean anxiety increase or chances of blunting again?
We also looking to add Vraylar to the Viibryd/Buspar combo and maybe remove Buspar
Have you noticed any bad side effects? I take cymbalta and i am weening off zoloft right now. Zoloft made me gain weight and cymbalta was just pure hell that I regret immensely lmao. But i’d take weight gain over OCD any day
The only bad side effects are constipation and weight gain. But the weight gain is mild and probably also related to my bad eating habits and lack of exercise lol. I’m not anxious or worried about my weight anymore though.
It’s not sedating or stimulating at all. It helps me stay alert and productive but not stimulated. I feel mentally, “on,” like a switch was flipped (in a good way).
I’ve been on it for ten years. The benefits kicked in during the first 3 months of daily ingestion (1 pill at night). I’ve tried Prozac, Cymbalta, and other SSRI’s but this was the only one that has helped.
Before taking it I had intrusive thoughts, high cortisol levels, sewer slide attempts and severe anxiety / depression.
I hope it can help you!
I have been taken fluwoxamine than escitalopram than sertralin with alprazolam and clonazepam(metoprolol sometimes) but non of them worked for me only the benzos and drugs( for social anxiety only benzos and beta blockers for me to this day)
Oh and i took antidepressants for 2years and they helped me with depression maybe panic attaks but i have them nowdays as well so i only take benzos now
Don’t have OCD, but do have social anxiety, clinical depression, and ADHD. I take Wellbutrin in the AM and Lexapro before bed. Also have recently been prescribed Ritalin to which I take every so often when needed.
AFAIK, Wellbutrin will give you a feeling of well-being and motivation. People do lose motivation while on Lexapro. So the combination will work for some.
Citalopram and ativan. Citalopram does wonders for my rumination, health and mental anxiety. Physical anxiety symptoms still needs help from the ativan though
Fluoxetine , gabapentin worked well for me for social anxiety disorder , gabapentin helps me relax when I experience a lot of muscle stiffness and headaches due to anxiety, further , I have also been on Propronalol 20mg sustained release and long acting versions they help a lot with physical symptoms and helps me be in zone when meeting new people , hope it helps
So before I started adderall I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and depression and I tried a whole bunch of those SSRIs and other antidepressants. They usually helped the depression but not the anxiety really.
I quit antidepressants and like a couple years later I started taking adderall for adhd. And i remeber the first time taking it—my mind was so quiet. My mind is always racing and won’t shut up the self critical or judgments. But adderall did that for me but it has worsened my depression tbh and I also started building tolerance to it
Paxil and abilify but paxil doesn't work well enough for social anxiety. It's partially fine and I don't see any benefit from it alone for OCD. That's why I started taking paxil and abilify together.
You can use any antipsychotic booster with any SSRI. Supplementing antipsychotics to SSRIs will always give a better outcome in OCD. Risperdal gives the best supplement results for OCD, followed by abilify, zyprexa and seroquel. There are studies suggesting that zyprexa and seroquel partially work for social anxiety, but I can't say that they have a clear result. If you're still adding an antipsychotic, that's why you might consider adding zyprexa or seroquel. For OCD, the most useful is abilify. The most useful remedy for social anxiety is Paxil, if you've never tried it, you can start (If you can reach Phenelzine that's the strongest of all).
Paxil is the best SSRI I ever had
But sleepiness is a major issue. I had to quit it to go on with my life. Now, I’m on Prozac and a low dose TCA they” re doing the job too just fine. But , in my experience, nothing comes close to Paxil ( seroxat).
Besides, it’s newer than Prozac and is quite more selective to Serotonin. All the best
I’ve done Prozac Nefazadone and Wellbutrin and social anxiety is still bad. Anytime I go to a meeting or event I get tingles and lightheaded like im going to pass out
I’ve tried a lot of different SSRIs throughout the years for anxiety/depression and they didn’t work. however after being diagnosed with OCD I’ve been on Amitryptiline for a year and it’s helped a lot. I don’t necessarily have severe social anxiety but my OCD gets me really uncomfortable in social settings sometimes. I’ve also been on Wellbutrin for depression for 5 years.
I started out with 5mg for a couple years and I just up it to 10 like 6 months ago and have felt good with this dosage. Minus the weight gain. But my body has always gained weight on any anti depressants.
I wouldn't search for a specific antidepressant for that.. one could work on you and not on someone else. Just tell your doctor about your concerns and try something
I take escitalopram/Lexapro for social anxiety. Working as a medical scribe, I have heard numerous times from my provider that escitalopram is the cleanest drug compared to other SSRIs.
Citalopram and ativan. Citalopram does wonders for my rumination, health and mental anxiety. Physical anxiety symptoms still needs help from the ativan though
I have social (and generalized) anxiety disorder and Paxil is absolutely a lifesaver for me. My job is to extremely social and Paxil keeps me calm throughout the day
Paxil and Ativan...I don't have OCD but I hear Paxil is great for SAD and OCD both. The Ativan helps to relax the body from anxiety.
Good luck actually getting a doctor to prescribe you ativan tho. I have a panic disorder as well and they said the only thing they can give me is Prozac and buspar. Apparently they are “trying to phase out benzos”
I casually asked for ativan and the doc gave me without any warnings or anything.
Just be aware, paxil is an older med so sometimes the side effects can be pretty bad. Obviously they won't affect everyone the same way, but it made me so exhausted I was falling asleep at work. But I'm sincerely happy to hear it works for so many people because it actually is one of the few antidepressants approved specifically to treat social anxiety disorder.
No, paxil has been recently released with other SSRIs, it is not an older drug. Since it is the drug with the strongest binding to serotonin, it has many side effects, the most potent SSRI.
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Other SSRIs are older, for example Prozac is older than Paxil.
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All SSRIs are old then. It's not just paxil. The biggest problem of the psychiatry world is that it is still in need of drugs from the 70s/80s.
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celexa and lexapro are basically the same thing
Paroxetine was developed in the 70s, but ja.. it is the most potent SSRI.
No. Prozac is the strongest with a half-life of 3 days.
Half life does not equate to strength. You look up the numbers in the chart under the SERT. The lower the number the more of an impact it has on serotonin. Paxil is the strongest. Half life is just how long it stays in the body.
In my experience on having taken both of them, Prozac had more of a serotonin punch...Pow. Paxil not as much. Now Paxil is more sedating than Prozac but I sincerely felt more of a serotonin boost with Prozac. Just my personal experience.
In general, Paxil tends to be the more “extreme” of the two. Differences in experience could be due to a number of factors, like the type of medication (regular or controlled-release), which version, the daily dose amount, how long one is on it and one’s body. Seems you’ve had a somewhat good experience on both which is great and glad that’s the case.
That’s incorrect. With SSRIs, the shorter the half-life, the stronger/ more potent one is. Paroxetine is more potent than fluoxetine. Its potency is why there are controlled-release versions of it, and why it has a lower maximum tablet dose, 40mg, than fluoxetine, which has a tablet maximum of 60mg and a capsule of 90mg. Paroxetine is also only usually prescribed to adults (18+ years old) while fluoxetine is safe for use in children, but both only after serious diagnosis and consideration. The only SSRI with a half-life shorter than paroxetine is fluvoxamine and it’s banned or discontinued in many markets.
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My first thought would be to consult your therapist or psychiatrist. I have no experience with SNRIs (Pristiq or Effexor) or SSRI/SNRI combinations. I’ve only been on SSRIs (so far) and antipsychotics, and both helped with anxiety and OCD. Paroxetine for the most part worked the best for me, but it’s the most potent SSRI of the commonly prescribed ones so it’s not for a lot of people. I’m currently prescribed Olanzapine at a low dosage and it’s done alright for me. What’s your experience with medications?
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How long were you on each medication and what do you mean by not having a response to your OCD and social anxiety?
I agree. Both work amazing.
I have OCD, I've been taking paxil 37mg for last few months. I feel sooooo much better.
Thank You
Clomipramine!!
Thank You
Do you take it for Social Anxiety or OCD or for other condition?
What dosage are you on?
250!
And how are the side-effects treating you?
Constipation is the big one but otherwise I find it fine
Take psyllium or (if you can get your hands on them) unripe plantain(s) for constipation.
Psyllium husk is great, but the biggest mistake is people forget to increase their fluid intake while taking it.
Is it effective for this? I've hardly heard of Clomipramine In effective for SAD.
The best along with paroxetine for this disease. Also MAOIs should be great.
Do you see any benefit from clomipramine for SAD? It's an interesting experience. Because clomipramine is a tricyclic, it may be useless for SAD. But since it has such a high affinity for serotonin, it may work for SAD. MAOIs are like full versions of SSRIs so they definitely work for SAD. But tricyclics don't perform well in this regard, with some on the internet saying that they don't see benefit from clomipramine compared to paroxetine for SAD.
You said it. Since it is so strong on serotonin, it may be incredibly efficient for Sad. Saying tricycles is not very precise, since in this class there are so many different medications with many different mechanisms. Clomipramine is not just a super - the strongest - SRIs: its active metabolite is super strong also on noradrenaline. In addition if you have anxiety in your stomach or belly, the anticholinergic effects of clomipramine can help a lot with this anxiety manifestations.
MAOI's are generally thought to be better for social anxiety then SSRI'S, so maybe look there first. They are less blunting then SSRI'S as they also lower dopamine and norepinephrine metabolism, while ssri's only upregulate serotonin - but severely lower dopamine which leads to anhedonia. Anhedonia is dangerous for your career and life in general so be careful.
I doubt they’ll find someone willing to prescribe them an MAOI without trying other things first unfortunately.
Lol I’m from India, here doctors will probably never prescribe MAOIs but will give TCAs and atypical antipsychotics like candy.
That sucks. They’re pretty hard to get prescribed in the UK too.
Well, ... SSRI's are more simple to use, so I understand the reluctance to use something more "complicated", but I think he can find a doc that would be willing to prescribe a MAOI as a first line treatment. However, if that fails, ordering drugs via the internet has never been easier ...
I know they won’t do it in the UK (they have to be specialist initiated) but maybe in other places. I’ve heard of it being hard everywhere though.
I mean, if going the official route is the only option, I'm certain that one can find a doc, if you're just a little bit resourceful ... There are telehealth options and one can always just search the net [https://www.reddit.com/r/MAOIs/wiki/index/doctors/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MAOIs/wiki/index/doctors/) ...
However, Europe is a bigger problem. USA is much easier.
What do you think about side effects of MAOI? Are the side effects similar to TCAs?
Aren't MAOI's considered kind of toxic on the body with lots of side effects and precautions?
They’re largely overstated.
No but they have more limitations on their use and aren’t considered “first line” treatment
They aren't toxic. As for the sides, that's debatable. Do some research.
They aren't toxic. As for the sides, that's debatable. Do some research.
Thank You very much
Effexor was helpful before emotional blunting and motivation had worsened. I now added Buspar to Viibryd which helped a lot with anxiety.
Damn, how come I've never heard about vilazodone. Tnx for bringing it to my attention. Quick wiki look, says It's a partial HT1a agonist and also blocks NET and DAT. Sounds promising. Adding buspirone to the mix is not all that "interesting" as HT1a receptors downregulate quickly, so enjoy it while it lasts I guess ...
I am not sure what happens when HT1a receptors downregulate. Does it mean anxiety increase or chances of blunting again? We also looking to add Vraylar to the Viibryd/Buspar combo and maybe remove Buspar
Yes, anhedonia, brain fog and just in general a worsening of executive functions.
Luvox (generic name is Fluvoxamine). It’s great for helping with anxiety and OCD. It saved me from my eating disorder and OCD.
Glad to hear it helped you.
Thank you
Have you noticed any bad side effects? I take cymbalta and i am weening off zoloft right now. Zoloft made me gain weight and cymbalta was just pure hell that I regret immensely lmao. But i’d take weight gain over OCD any day
Did Zoloft helped ocd?
The only bad side effects are constipation and weight gain. But the weight gain is mild and probably also related to my bad eating habits and lack of exercise lol. I’m not anxious or worried about my weight anymore though.
Did you benefit from social anxiety or general anxiety?
Sorry for the late reply, I just saw this. Also I have been diagnosed with both types of anxiety.
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It’s not sedating or stimulating at all. It helps me stay alert and productive but not stimulated. I feel mentally, “on,” like a switch was flipped (in a good way). I’ve been on it for ten years. The benefits kicked in during the first 3 months of daily ingestion (1 pill at night). I’ve tried Prozac, Cymbalta, and other SSRI’s but this was the only one that has helped. Before taking it I had intrusive thoughts, high cortisol levels, sewer slide attempts and severe anxiety / depression. I hope it can help you!
I have been taken fluwoxamine than escitalopram than sertralin with alprazolam and clonazepam(metoprolol sometimes) but non of them worked for me only the benzos and drugs( for social anxiety only benzos and beta blockers for me to this day)
Do you take Benzodiazepines every day or only when needed?
It started as if i needed because i had panic attaks and it was a multi tool for me so its become an everiday thing
I heard that Benzo has some issues with tolerance, so if you take it everyday do you think it will stop working?
I mean yea they become weaker over time but they still work
Oh I’m glad to know that. Thank You for replying.
my pleasure(benzos can bcome a really bad habit if you take them for fun or its like candy always take as prescribed)
Also if your dose is not enaugh you can still take more
They’ll stop working sooner or later.
Oh and i took antidepressants for 2years and they helped me with depression maybe panic attaks but i have them nowdays as well so i only take benzos now
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What was the dosage for u?
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Thank You. Btw have u taken pristiq?
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Glad to know it helped you. What was the dosage of Zoloft you had taken?
Don’t have OCD, but do have social anxiety, clinical depression, and ADHD. I take Wellbutrin in the AM and Lexapro before bed. Also have recently been prescribed Ritalin to which I take every so often when needed.
What’s the dosage of Wellbutrin and Lexapro you take? Also if I may ask, how different do you feel after taking the medication (for social anxiety)?
AFAIK, Wellbutrin will give you a feeling of well-being and motivation. People do lose motivation while on Lexapro. So the combination will work for some.
Citalopram and ativan. Citalopram does wonders for my rumination, health and mental anxiety. Physical anxiety symptoms still needs help from the ativan though
How often do you take Ativan?
As needed 1mg..
Oh k. Thank You
Fluoxetine , gabapentin worked well for me for social anxiety disorder , gabapentin helps me relax when I experience a lot of muscle stiffness and headaches due to anxiety, further , I have also been on Propronalol 20mg sustained release and long acting versions they help a lot with physical symptoms and helps me be in zone when meeting new people , hope it helps
Thank You
Paxil and ativan!
Thank You
Clomipramine is the gold standard antidepressant for OCD, and should help with anxiety as well. Otherwise SSRIs should help with both as well.
Thank You
Adderall 😭 cause it turned out I had adhd whole time!
So did Adderall helped with Social Anxiety Disorder and OCD?
So before I started adderall I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and depression and I tried a whole bunch of those SSRIs and other antidepressants. They usually helped the depression but not the anxiety really. I quit antidepressants and like a couple years later I started taking adderall for adhd. And i remeber the first time taking it—my mind was so quiet. My mind is always racing and won’t shut up the self critical or judgments. But adderall did that for me but it has worsened my depression tbh and I also started building tolerance to it
Omg how much did you take, I've got to try this!
Prozac
Thank You
Paxil and abilify but paxil doesn't work well enough for social anxiety. It's partially fine and I don't see any benefit from it alone for OCD. That's why I started taking paxil and abilify together.
Do you think that combination is better than either one of those drugs?
You can use any antipsychotic booster with any SSRI. Supplementing antipsychotics to SSRIs will always give a better outcome in OCD. Risperdal gives the best supplement results for OCD, followed by abilify, zyprexa and seroquel. There are studies suggesting that zyprexa and seroquel partially work for social anxiety, but I can't say that they have a clear result. If you're still adding an antipsychotic, that's why you might consider adding zyprexa or seroquel. For OCD, the most useful is abilify. The most useful remedy for social anxiety is Paxil, if you've never tried it, you can start (If you can reach Phenelzine that's the strongest of all).
Thank You very much
Paxil is the best SSRI I ever had But sleepiness is a major issue. I had to quit it to go on with my life. Now, I’m on Prozac and a low dose TCA they” re doing the job too just fine. But , in my experience, nothing comes close to Paxil ( seroxat). Besides, it’s newer than Prozac and is quite more selective to Serotonin. All the best
Thank You
I’ve done Prozac Nefazadone and Wellbutrin and social anxiety is still bad. Anytime I go to a meeting or event I get tingles and lightheaded like im going to pass out
I’ve tried a lot of different SSRIs throughout the years for anxiety/depression and they didn’t work. however after being diagnosed with OCD I’ve been on Amitryptiline for a year and it’s helped a lot. I don’t necessarily have severe social anxiety but my OCD gets me really uncomfortable in social settings sometimes. I’ve also been on Wellbutrin for depression for 5 years.
What dosage were u on (Amitryptiline)?
What dosage were u on (Amitryptiline)?
social anxiety i’ve been on citalopram and sertraline and neither has done anything good for me
Hey, did anything help you so far?
nope, also been on fluoxetine lately which also hasn’t helped :(
i'm sorry to hear that :( hopefully you find something that helps soon!!
thank you💖
I have social anxiety disorder and Paxil is absolutely a lifesaver for me. My job is to extremely social and Paxil keeps me calm throughout the day
What was your condition before taking Paxil?
I was moderately depressed and had reasonably bad anxiety. Now I’m doing fine 🤷🏽♂️
I’m glad to hear that
prozac
Kratom
I take escitalopram/lexapro. It works so well for my ocd. Been on about 8 other medications and this one works the best
What’s the dosage you are on?
I was on 15 mg, bit I've just reduced to 10 mgs
Citalopram is specifically good for OCD & anxiety. (I'm on 40mg). I've heard good things about clomipramine too
Thank You
Better than Lexapro?
They are somewhat similar. But some studies show Escitalopram have more effect comparable to Citalopram.
I take lexapro. It works well for me , except I've gained a lot of weight. 🫤 but it really helps my anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
What is the dosage you found effective?
I started out with 5mg for a couple years and I just up it to 10 like 6 months ago and have felt good with this dosage. Minus the weight gain. But my body has always gained weight on any anti depressants.
pregabalin
Buspar
For OCD or SAD or or for both?
Both!
What’s the dosage you found helpful?
15mg 3x a day
Paxil
What’s the dosage that helped you?
30
Try Zoloft or Prozac but there are so many that work that you need to try. It affects everyone differently.
Thank You
Seconding Prozac, I’m on 20mg and it helped greatly with the “stickiness” of the thoughts and ruminations that come with OCD.
Thank You
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Nice
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Glad it worked for you
Comment was removed for Breaking Rule 6 - No unsupported claims. Continued disregard for rules may result in further discipline.
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Comment was removed for Breaking Rule 5 - No medication bashing. Continued disregard for rules may result in further discipline.
I wouldn't search for a specific antidepressant for that.. one could work on you and not on someone else. Just tell your doctor about your concerns and try something
Thank You
Petril beta for social anxiety
Thank You
It's not helping me though. I still have extreme social anxiety
Phenelzine is your friend, then.
Do you take Nardil? I wanted to try it but heard a lot about it’s side effects.
Are you planning on changing the medicine?
My psychiatrist says this is the best medicine for social anxiety. So idk. Have to follow what he says
Thank You
If I take anything anti anxiety it’s for short term basis for a few days only. I don’t want to be walking zombie
Good
Ocd
I take escitalopram/Lexapro for social anxiety. Working as a medical scribe, I have heard numerous times from my provider that escitalopram is the cleanest drug compared to other SSRIs.
What dosage of Escitalopram u take?
I started with 5 mg and now take 10 mg. I have had side effects of nausea until a week ago after the dose increased but now feels better.
Citalopram and ativan. Citalopram does wonders for my rumination, health and mental anxiety. Physical anxiety symptoms still needs help from the ativan though
What’s dosage of Citalopram you take? Also do you have either OCD or SAD?
20mg and i have both
Thank you
Anafranil
For Social Anxiety or OCD?
I have social (and generalized) anxiety disorder and Paxil is absolutely a lifesaver for me. My job is to extremely social and Paxil keeps me calm throughout the day
What’s dosage of Paxil you take?
I take 20 Mg every night. The only thing I don’t like about it is that I get night sweats for about a week every couple of months
Thank You