Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 23, 2003, at 23:31:06
As is the case with many other SP'ers out there, I have been in a constant struggle to find the optimal meds or combo of meds to treat this debilitating disease. However, one class of meds I haven't been willing to try up to this point have been the SSRIs, namely as a result of the infamous and well reported AEs such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction. But with the preponderance of anecdotal evidence out there that seem to show they do indeed work in many instances, I think I may finally bite the bullet and give 'em a try. Zoloft will most likely be my first trial.
But what I'd really like to know is, how do the SSRIs make you "feel" when you suffer from SP? I've read of numbness, detachment, apathy, etc., but how do they help deal specifically with social anxiety? Have they been the silver bullet for some? Do you feel more calm, less worried about criticism, have fewer of the persistent negative thoughts, etc.? I'd really appreciate hearing of any of your experiences out there. The side effects may be frustrating, but if they can help me unleash from this imprisoning cloak of inhibition, they just may be well worth it.
I can say that what has worked for me thus far has been a Klonopin/Provigil combo taken prn when anxious situations are anticipated. But I'm also looking for something "baseline" to keep going in the background on a daily basis. I'm hoping an SSRI such as Zoloft may just be this background med.
I can also tell you what hasn't worked for me. For starters, Neurontin seemed to be a total bust. I suffered dreaded fatigue at first, and then really nothing to speak of. And Gabitril was worthless. I actually felt MORE anxiety on this med, but perhaps I haven't given it a sufficient trial. And finally, Wellbutrin SR just made me more anxious and irritable, on top of some major weight loss.
And if weight gain is so prevalent with the SSRIs, what types of meds might help counteract this? I've read of individual physician trials with such combos as Prozac and Phentermine (the "phen" of "fenphen" as many of you probably know) that appear to show some success. So I would imagine that perhaps an addition of something like Provigil, Phentermine, or some other CNS stimulant may be of some help. The sexual AEs may be another story...
Thanks everyone for all of the helpful posts on this forum. I have been a silent reader for a couple of years with a few scattered posts, and have learned much from what you all have to say. I genuinely feel for each and every one of you and hope that someday soon we can all find the treatments we've been looking for to live the kind of lives we know we have the potential of living.
Regards,
Rocket, MD
poster:Rocket Jackson
thread:221893
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030423/msgs/221893.html