Your "miracle" drug

[Chair]

Have you found a "miracle drug" to treat your social anxiety? One that alters the way you feel in a definite positive way?

I've heard of people who had good results with meds, but most seem to not benefit much. I didn't benefit from Paxil or Prozac - they made me feel slightly numb, but weren't potent enough to combat my severe anxiety.

Thanks.

[José Raúl Capablanca]

I tried Diazepam . It worked great and certainly felt like a miracle cure for about two weeks . but that was it.

[chris-cornwall]

I've taken prozac and seroxat, currently taking prozac, not sure it helps much to be honest - sometimes I wonder if they actually make the anxiety worse.

Tried diazepam, it was indeed a miracle drug, unfortunately can't be on it for longer than a few weeks else you build a tolerance to it and end up horribly addicted

I guess alcohol is the best thing for a 'quick fix' but, again, not really something I would want to be responsible for 'recommending'!

I take Valerian to take the edge off the anxiety of I'm feeling really bad. If the anxiety is making me feel depleted and like I've got no energy then I find caffeine or a sugary drink can give me the boost I need (goes against popular opinion I know as caffeine is meant to increase anxiety).

I also take ginseng on a regular basis which is good for keeping energy levels high

[karl-32]

no it does not exist. The only way to try and beat SA is through hard work

[José Raúl Capablanca]

Tried diazepam, it was indeed a miracle drug, unfortunately can't be on it for longer than a few weeks else you build a tolerance to it and end up horribly addicted

I should of added this!

[Superfly]

None of the SSRIs helped me. I have since found another antidepressant that helps with the depression to a degree, but it does nothing to the anxiety (at least nothing I've noticed.

Benzos are the only medicines I have tried that actually change the anxiety level. Both me and other people do notice the change in my anxiety level when I take a benzo. I did once take clonazepam for a few weeks and it eliminated my anxiety, BUT it did also make me feel depressed to the point where I started to have serious self-harm thoughts. That was obviously not good at all, so I stopped taking it ... moderate anxiety is much less painfull than severe depression.

I have to vote No. But if you want to experience reduced anxiety for a time, benzos can do that.

[kastra]

I'm on effexor/venlafaxine, and although I wouldn't say it's a wonder drug for anxiety it did a damn good job on my depression (and that indirectly helps the anxiety as it helps with the motivation to work at it)

[G-1]

No anti-depressants helped me. Diazepam spaces me out too much, though it's good to know I have it with me if I need to take one..... that fact alone enables me to go into way more difficult situations than I normally would.

A good thing I found is Syntocinon nasal spray.... read some research from Zurich Uni that said it had helped with SA, and managed to buy some illegally from Hong Kong. It does work too. Don't use it regularly though as there haven't been long-term studies in to the side-effects of habitual use - it's mainly prescribed for pregnant women for something or other.

[Seagull]

Originally Posted by G-1

Diazepam spaces me out too much

Agreed. The few times I've tried it I've found it a vile drug that, if anything, makes anxiety worse because you end up feeling 'fuzzy' for want of a better word. It wasn't a case of taking too high a dose of it either.

[diplodocus]

I like alcohol but it'd be good if it didn't muck up your hand eye coordination and cause memory lapse. If it had no come down and withdrawal symptoms it'd be great. I'm not taking the piss apparently scientists are working on such a drug.

[LongerTripBackHome]

Yep, alcohol is the closest to a miracle drug for sa. The trouble is, it increases a side effect of sa, namely depression. Depends which one you prefer. Bored with sa, fancy a bit of depression instead? Alcohol's the answer.

[karl-32]

i must say iv been on venlafaxine now for 7 weeks (which is around the time it should really kick in ) and my paranoia the last few days has dramatically reduced . The sort where you think everyones watching you

[Phaedra]

I took Prozac and waited for a few months for it to kick in and get over the horrible side effects and all of a sudden it was like a light bulb was switched on. The anxiety was still there but in the background like I was this Prozac zombie person and I could achieve whatever I put my mind to. I enrolled on a course at college and went once a week for 5 months. This was after 5 years of being agoraphobic and seeing only the same 2 people. I was going to be a success, there was hope for the future then bam it stopped working and I was in the deep end and the anxiety came back with a vengeance. I have since tried Prozac again 4 times but with no success. It was a miracle drug for me but for only a few months.

[Conrad]

Originally Posted by G-1

A good thing I found is Syntocinon nasal spray.... read some research from Zurich Uni that said it had helped with SA, and managed to buy some illegally from Hong Kong. It does work too. Don't use it regularly though as there haven't been long-term studies in to the side-effects of habitual use - it's mainly prescribed for pregnant women for something or other.

I use clomiparine, not sure that it's very effective.

Purchased Oxytocin nasal spray which I assume to be similar the above. Has a strange effect when I use, it which is not often. I do feel a bit different on it - hard to put in to words why though.

[abc_03]

I believe if there were some more decent scientists/doctors interested in finding a way to cure the anxiety related disorders like SA, OCD etc., there would be better options or even a cure for us...

Most of the scientists are into space researches, high tech. (which also means big money source and trade for some people), physics, new inventions etc. I think if quarter of them were into mentally disorder researches, then a lot of mentally sufferers people definitely would be better off now. It's also same for other illnesses like cancer, aids, epilepsy, stroke, blindness etc. There are millions of different sufferers waiting for cure and a decent life or just a life . Same as poor people...

I'm thinking there must be more works and researches for the sake of humanity not mostly for the money making ideas and stuff... But unfortunately there are so many people in the world who dont care anything but money or fame. They always want more and more, never get saturated.

Anyway, hopefully things will get better in the future for all of us. We'll see.

Best wishes

[Kal]

i find jagermeister or pernod works pretty well

[charlotterainbow]

Originally Posted by LongerTripBackHome

Yep, alcohol is the closest to a miracle drug for sa. The trouble is, it increases a side effect of sa, namely depression. Depends which one you prefer. Bored with sa, fancy a bit of depression instead? Alcohol's the answer.

Haha , Yes this is true, alchohol takes the edge off being afraid of social situations, ''as much as this pisses me off, as i know sa is so frigging irrational and illusionary, yet its so real inside your mind.

Anyway, the depressing thoughts do kick in day after a boozy night,, cant win really can we....
I have tried Seroxat but jeees the belly churning and headaches have been a pain so im taking a break from it.
Hmmmm drawing board.....

[charlotterainbow]

Originally Posted by Phaedra

I took Prozac and waited for a few months for it to kick in and get over the horrible side effects and all of a sudden it was like a light bulb was switched on. The anxiety was still there but in the background like I was this Prozac zombie person and I could achieve whatever I put my mind to. I enrolled on a course at college and went once a week for 5 months. This was after 5 years of being agoraphobic and seeing only the same 2 people. I was going to be a success, there was hope for the future then bam it stopped working and I was in the deep end and the anxiety came back with a vengeance. I have since tried Prozac again 4 times but with no success. It was a miracle drug for me but for only a few months.

Sorry to hear it Phaedra, ive enrolled with openuni, can study at home, is much easier, when i was reading your post, I thought there may be some hope in finding that drug that takes the sa away and gives that freedom to go out into the world and do anything.... I guess it isnt out there yet.

Is psychotherapy the answer rather than drugs ?? A full re-wiring of the neural pathways if that is every acheivable?

[G-1]

Originally Posted by Conrad

I use clomiparine, not sure that it's very effective.

Purchased Oxytocin nasal spray which I assume to be similar the above. Has a strange effect when I use, it which is not often. I do feel a bit different on it - hard to put in to words why though.

Yeah, that's the same one..... I bought Syntocinon, which is the brand, because that was the one they used in the studies and the only other ones I could find looked a bit dodgy and were supposedly to help pull women!?!?!

When I used that stuff it made me feel able to babble nonsensically without a care in the world. I might try it out again this week actually.

Don't you find that it takes some of the anxiety away? With me it was like there was a nice warm blanket over my stomach, as opposed to the normal icy fist I feel round it. Did make my head feel a bit funny though, felt a bit "out of it".

[Conrad]

Originally Posted by G-1

Yeah, that's the same one..... I bought Syntocinon, which is the brand, because that was the one they used in the studies and the only other ones I could find looked a bit dodgy and were supposedly to help pull women!?!?!

When I used that stuff it made me feel able to babble nonsensically without a care in the world. I might try it out again this week actually.

Don't you find that it takes some of the anxiety away? With me it was like there was a nice warm blanket over my stomach, as opposed to the normal icy fist I feel round it. Did make my head feel a bit funny though, felt a bit "out of it".

Yes there's something about it; I really ought to try it more, but it worries me a bit.

It isn't a placebo, it definitely does something, it's just hard to figure out exactly what

[Pathetic_Earthling]

My miracle cure was cannabis. Well, okay, not a cure, but definitely a miracle. It enabled me to sit on the setee for 10 years (when not at work) and never realize how bored, frustrated, and lonely I was. I've smoked it on and off since my first joint at the age of 15. Never liked the whole finding a dealer experience and it's too frustrating when there was none available so 10 years ago someone showed me how to set up a hydroponic garden in a wardrobe in my bedroom and I never looked back. Had a plentiful supply, no worries about quality, never had the paranoia of carrrying it around outside the house and it was great. It's also non-addictive and the only drug in existance that doesn't have an overdose limit and I always slept like a baby.

Recently though, my thinking has changed. 3 weeks ago, I decided enough was enough. One day I smoked, the next day I didn't and haven't had any since. My resolve is still to not smoke any more though one can never say never. The only physical effect is not sleeping well any more. The mental effect of giving up is that I am now bored, frustrated and lonely but again, my resolve is to do something about that through counselling, CBT, peer-group support, talking more honestly to my family and anything else I can try. Who knows what may happen, today I feel miserable but I know I'm alive.

I've been taking Fluanxol and is not doing a fat lot. Although it does take the edge of the anxiety i seem more unmotivated than ever and more negative......

[Herby]

Originally Posted by Pathetic_Earthling

My miracle cure was cannabis. Well, okay, not a cure, but definitely a miracle. It enabled me to sit on the setee for 10 years (when not at work) and never realize how bored, frustrated, and lonely I was. I've smoked it on and off since my first joint at the age of 15. Never liked the whole finding a dealer experience and it's too frustrating when there was none available so 10 years ago someone showed me how to set up a hydroponic garden in a wardrobe in my bedroom and I never looked back. Had a plentiful supply, no worries about quality, never had the paranoia of carrrying it around outside the house and it was great. It's also non-addictive and the only drug in existance that doesn't have an overdose limit and I always slept like a baby.
.

i also smoke cannabis, and it does wonders for me too. can i ask what strains you were growing? because recently a freind of mine has had loads of a certain haze strain which pretty much keeps a smile on my face! indica strains are the ones which seem to give me that "couch-lock" effect, but the sativa's (like haze) actually want to make me go out and see people, socialise

weed is definately my miracle drug!

[jez9999]

Diazepam and clonazepam work for me. In my experience, you only get 'horribly addicted' if you take them every day. Take them occasionally, when you need them for stressful situations, and they work pretty well. Especially when mixed with a bit of alcohol. Only downsides are that they make you a bit sleepy after a while and you slowly build up a tolerance for them (so have to take more to have the same effect).

Of course if this country just made its drugs laws sane, cannabis and the like would be legal and we could use relatively harmless soft drugs like that. They would REALLY chill you out.

[SoulSeeker]

Originally Posted by Pathetic_Earthling

My miracle cure was cannabis. Well, okay, not a cure, but definitely a miracle. It enabled me to sit on the setee for 10 years (when not at work) and never realize how bored, frustrated, and lonely I was. I've smoked it on and off since my first joint at the age of 15. Never liked the whole finding a dealer experience and it's too frustrating when there was none available so 10 years ago someone showed me how to set up a hydroponic garden in a wardrobe in my bedroom and I never looked back. Had a plentiful supply, no worries about quality, never had the paranoia of carrrying it around outside the house and it was great. It's also non-addictive and the only drug in existance that doesn't have an overdose limit and I always slept like a baby.

Recently though, my thinking has changed. 3 weeks ago, I decided enough was enough. One day I smoked, the next day I didn't and haven't had any since. My resolve is still to not smoke any more though one can never say never. The only physical effect is not sleeping well any more. The mental effect of giving up is that I am now bored, frustrated and lonely but again, my resolve is to do something about that through counselling, CBT, peer-group support, talking more honestly to my family and anything else I can try. Who knows what may happen, today I feel miserable but I know I'm alive.

If we're just talking about cannabis use alone...you sound a lot like me/i used to be. I smoked cannabis every single day for 12yrs..im not exaggerating there either. Quite heavily also..no joints...pipes and water bongs (buckets). Anywhere between 10-20 a day...joints on occasion aswell.

If your're strong and thick skinned...and you can still say this after 10yrs heavy use...by all means keep smoking it. It does not damage everyone's brain. I have/had mates who have smoked it for 15-20yrs solid..and they live completely normal lives...kids, girlfriend, social, etc..

...it can be an awesome calmer...and a great way to enjoy life...but..

...it can also be brutal and destructive...once it takes hold and bites. You (anyone reading) decide if you're one of these who has been biten (think long and hard)...if you're, im afraid its time to call it a day...before it starts to completely destroy you.

I would say if you have sa..a sensitive personality..body image issues..or whatever...stay well clear of cannabis...it is only for the 'strong' amongst us.

Cannabis is not a cure to sa or any other social/persoanlity/self esteem disorders. Think about it..why peolpe use it..the effect it has....it is actually the opposite to where we (us sufferers) want to be.

I miss it a lot..the laughs..the taste..the whole thing...it isnt reality though...you just have to come to realise this.

As for pills. Never tried any. Whether i take a pill or not..either way..it's gona take some super human and very painful effort to get out of the mess i find myself in. I think i'd rather battle through the extra pain...rather than be drugged up on pills ( i stress i think).

[jez9999]

Originally Posted by SoulSeeker

As for pills. Never tried any. Whether i take a pill or not..either way..it's gona take some super human and very painful effort to get out of the mess i find myself in. I think i'd rather battle through the extra pain...rather than be drugged up on pills ( i stress i think).

I've seen this many times, and I never understand it. Drugs in this context are simply a tool. It's like saying you'd rather give birth with no painkillers, deal with epilepsy with no controlling medication, deal with asthma with no inhaler, etc. I see no moral or practical issue with using appropriate medication to get you through (even a long-term) illness, and I classify bad SA as an illness.

[SoulSeeker]

Originally Posted by jez9999

I've seen this many times, and I never understand it. Drugs in this context are simply a tool. It's like saying you'd rather give birth with no painkillers, deal with epilepsy with no controlling medication, deal with asthma with no inhaler, etc. I see no moral or practical issue with using appropriate medication to get you through (even a long-term) illness, and I classify bad SA as an illness.

Thats fair enough jez..we all have opinions. I did say 'i think'...

..thats because i havent tried pills. I just dont like the idea of turning 'dependant'..and i also dont like the stories i hear about them. Suicidal thoughts..depression..feeling ill..not really tackling the problem..only 'masking'..etc etc.

Infact i've never read one case..whereas..someone has been completely cured by pills..or even played a signifigant part in curing them. (someone in my situation/or very similar, anyways)

To me..it just seems like i'd be getting myself into deeper trouble. 'Repetition and doing'..with a clear head is the only way if you ask me. The only way to tackle the problem..rather than mask it. Even if pills do help...it seems like it's a case of improving under a mask..and as soon as the mask is removed..the problem comes straight back...and was never solved in the first place.

Like i say though mate..this is just how i logically see it (my opinion)...logically as in the reason why i put 'i think' at the end of my previous post. Who know..i may be forced into pills..i'd just rather not..if it can be avoided.

Also..from an outside view (someone who hasent taken pills)...i dont think any of your comparisons compare tbh. The examples you give..they all directly solve the problem..are pills really going to cure us?

[jez9999]

Tranquilizers make me feel like kind of a different person. At best, like the kind of person I'd want to be without SA. It's only temporary, woefully, but during that time I'd say they do a pretty good job of curing me.

[Pathetic_Earthling]

I was never too sure whether it was indica or sativa so I don't think I could tell the difference. I didn't like it too strong either as it made me feel paranoid. For me it was just a way to mask the boredom of endless evenings watching crap on tv and I can't go on like that now. The wonder of it is that it's not an addictive drug. One day I smoked, next day I didn't and I had smoked as much as I wanted almost ever night for 10 years and pretty much always alone. Now though, I want to rejoin the human race so I've left the weed behind. Every day is a struggle for me now. Not because I'm desparate for a smoke, but because I'm impatient to go forth and do other stuff but I've no idea what to do. I really have no idea so I'm frustrated, bored, lonely and anxious. My resolve is still forward rather than backward though.

Originally Posted by Herby

i also smoke cannabis, and it does wonders for me too. can i ask what strains you were growing? because recently a freind of mine has had loads of a certain haze strain which pretty much keeps a smile on my face! indica strains are the ones which seem to give me that "couch-lock" effect, but the sativa's (like haze) actually want to make me go out and see people, socialise

weed is definately my miracle drug!

[Moksha]

klonopin is great- Xanax too. Seroxat is the only anti-depressant that has ever worked for me. It helped every symptom- from low self esteem, to insomnia, to depression, to anxiety.