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[cloudspitter]

I'm 25, about to turn 26, and just joined a job training program that is mainly 21 and 22 year olds... I HATE being around them!!! Not sure if it's just the number (250 total) or the fact that I just feel not as good as them because I'm older and basically at the same point as them... I need friends, but I hate going out, I feel pressured to drink (which I'm not great at) and just feel awkward, shy and deprived of anything interesting to say or do... GOD I wish I was over this by now, but it's worse than when I was at college!!! What the hell do I do?!?!?

[chryz87]

Has anyone had success with Zoloft (Sertraline) for Social Anxiety/Phobia?

Also..does anyone know if Nardil (a MAOI) can be mixed with Anafranil (a Tri-cyclic)????

Any help would be appreciated...thanks.

[DustyRoad]

Okay, so I did tell my doctor that anxiety, especially social anxiety, has become a big problem. He prescribed Buspirone, which is supposed to treat mild to moderate anxiety, and studies show that it doesn't help social anxiety any more than a placebo. And after reading about other people's experiences with it, the consensus seems to be that it's pretty useless. Not promising! But I'll just have to wait and see, and I know it'll be a while until I find something that works...

He also told me that I'll have to go out and face my fear if I'm going to get over my fear. I wonder if all those years of school count? Dealing with people in day to day life, and all the social outings I've been on over the years, it's never seemed to get any easier. But without school or a job, I have become even more reclusive lately...I'll need to find some place to go to meet people, a club or something I... I really think I'll need the proper medication first, to help me out in relearning how to socialize.

At least I've taken the first step.

Geart going, Fruitbat, seems all I've read there is no outright cure for SA, if you are meeting all of the criteria for a real DX, as such and it interferes with your day to day functioning but I have found Lexapro does wonders for my SA.
Dustyroad

ps.. I think that some forms of relaxation like drinking can help some people break the ice in a crowd or party. It is probablly why ppl drink at bars and social gatherings to be more socialble and less tense which is very common but is not related to full blown social anxiety. Drinking is not going to change social axiety in a person.

Edited by DustyRoad, 06 August 2008 - 11:25 AM.

[justcallmebuddy]

Has anyone had success with Zoloft (Sertraline) for Social Anxiety/Phobia?

Also..does anyone know if Nardil (a MAOI) can be mixed with Anafranil (a Tri-cyclic)????

Any help would be appreciated...thanks.

Hi, I've tried zoloft for my anxiety but found the nausea it caused outweighed the benefit i felt, Which wasnt as good as paxil. I found paxil was the best medicine on earth, i was a totally new person and had no problem approaching strangers or anything. However I had to change meds after a couple of monts as i was gaining more than 10 pounds a month on it.

However, different meds work for different people so i wouldnt rule it out!

I have no idea about the Nardil and Anafranil but i would ask a pharmacist and your doctor to be sure, but found this when googling the two meds

"Warnings
Anafranil can interact with the MAOIs increasing body temperature with extremely high blood pressure and seizures, so you should not start taking Anafranil until two weeks after you have been taking any of the MAOIs. Anafranil should not be taken if you are recovering from a recent heart attack."

as well as

"Do not start taking Anafranil if you are already taking another medicine called a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or you have been taking it within the past 2 weeks.

Taking Anafranil together with a MAOI may cause a serious reaction with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and seizures (fits). Your doctor will know when it is safe to start Anafranil after the MAOI has been stopped."

Edited by justcallmebuddy, 08 August 2008 - 05:48 PM.

[justcallmebuddy]

I'm 25, about to turn 26, and just joined a job training program that is mainly 21 and 22 year olds... I HATE being around them!!! Not sure if it's just the number (250 total) or the fact that I just feel not as good as them because I'm older and basically at the same point as them... I need friends, but I hate going out, I feel pressured to drink (which I'm not great at) and just feel awkward, shy and deprived of anything interesting to say or do... GOD I wish I was over this by now, but it's worse than when I was at college!!! What the hell do I do?!?!?

Cloudspitter, are you still in the job training program? I always feel like this when i'm in any group and feel am not as good as them regardless of their age. It is even more upsetting that I understand I have no reason to feel this way and rationall thinking would suggest that they would not feel superior. I just can't help feeling like that.

Where you able to complete the program and did you find a way to cope?

[chryz87]

JustCallMeBuddy,

Thanks for that..yeah lukily the Zoloft hasnt given me much nausea, maybe only the first day or two but I think I have a pretty strong stomach so my body ajusted ok to it.
Its just over two weeks I have been on Zoloft now and I really feel up and down, like I get panicky and depressed one day and then the next I feel high and not anxious about anything. I think this is just the starting up phase..and besides 2 weeks is still not enough time..it can take up to 8 weeks to feel the full benefit or even longer sometimes. So im going to give it a good go and re-assess it later down the track.
If Zoloft does not help with my Social Phobia/Anxiety..I will speak to my doctor about Paxil. I know it has some weight gain issues but I have heard it is quite effective for Social Phobia in particular.
As a last resort I would switch to a MAOI but for now im going to give Zoloft a good go because its FDA Approved for Social Phobia which means it has a good chance! Ive just gotta give it time..

If anyone has any comments about Zoloft in regards to treating Social Phobia, please tell me your experiences and how it benefited you. Or any medication which has been helpful for you in this disorder.

Thanks
Chryz

[debiski]

I don't think my pdoc has officially dx'd me with Social Phobia because up until our last visit I never told him about it. I originally went to him for depression treatment and was subsequently dx'd with Bipolar II.

My 25th class reunion was last weekend. I was on the committee for my 10th reunion so they contacted me again to do the 25th. I agreed, but knew right away that I shouldn't have. I lied about having a back injury so I wouldn't have to drive (I'm deathly afraid of driving on the freeway) to the monthly meetings and be with these virtual strangers. I kept my help limited to what I could do at home until there came a point where they started asking me to do more. I immediately made up an excuse and dropped off the committee.

When the invitation eventually came in the mail, I filled out the "profile" (feeling totally stupid and inadequate) and wrote the check out for the reunion. I knew I wasn't going, I just couldn't make myself TELL them I wasn't going because they would question why.

The day of the reunion (last Saturday) I lied and said one of my kids was sick and I couldn't attend. Lost my money and my dignity. I've felt like crap since then. I just can't be around people I'm not familiar with. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I feel like everyone is talking about me/judging me/thinking I'm crazy. I've been like this since I was a teenager, but it has gotten progressively worse over the years.

Maybe I will be more forward about it with my pdoc and see if he can suggest anything. I am to the point now where I would qualify as an agoraphobic and it's not fun. I wish I didn't feel like this!

[Deeply Sad Loafer]

Wow. I don't know if this is what I have but it sure sounds like it. About a month and a half ago, someone caught me doing something moderately embarassing. Now I think everyone everywhere I go knows about it and is talking about me. My heart races and I go home and bawl. I have a hard time even going to the grocery store. This has extended to desperately panicking around people who I know aren't my biggest fans. I think they are all sitting around and chatting about me. It has been worsened by the fact that I live in a cul-de-sac and everyone likes to go out and chat. At work I am well liked by both my coworkers and clients. In my home town I look at every person like they are going to laugh at me and tell terrible things about me.

On a logical level, I know that nothing I've done is that big of a deal. But in mind I'm worse than a serial killer (even though I really know I'm not) and keep thinking all I've done is unforgiveable and that my life is over. It's way out of proportion. My husband is at a loss why I am so embarrassed that I think I don't deserve kindness. I keep telling myself that people like Mark Spitzer go on - why can't I?

I keep checking for video cameras in my house and turning off lights so my neighbors can't see in.

It's getting old - I want to be happy again.

I can totally relate. You basically just described my current problem, exactly; though, it's not that I got caught doing anything embarrassing, per se; it's more a case of what people (ex-friends) know about me that is potentially embarrassing. (E.g., stuff I said/did during crazy nights out, etc.) I see a psychologist, who is beginning to convince me that AT LEAST HALF of the problem is in MY head. That is, there probably is/was some degree of gossip, but that I catastrophize the extent and details of it in my head when I ruminate.

I've actually been through this before, to a slightly lesser degree, and gotten over it with therapy but without medication. I can tell you that it gets better. That's what helping me get through it this time around. Time doesn't really fix anything. But it can heal emotional wounds. At least per experience.

Another thing, which is obviously more clearly said than done, is ask yourself: Do you really care as much as you feel you do?

Just to give you an idea, the source of my current problem are three (main) people who used to be REALLY close friends of mine. At some point, they decided that they didn't like me anymore. Unfortunately, I was the last one to find out about it. Gossip, snickers, sneers, eye-rolling, and rumors ensued. As did cruel, mean-spirited threads & postings on social networking websites. However, I'm starting to realize, that all three of these people are around the age of thirty, unemployed; live with their parents (who don't want them there); have horrible credit; didn't finish high school; no marketable job skills; no work history, etc. One has attempted suicide before. Another has a long, criminal history.

Now, I've described an extreme case, but it shows the kind of people who talk behind people's backs, make life difficult, and exacerbate the social shortcomings of others. It's people who have serious problems of their own. People who participate in crap like this do it to relieve the shame, depression, and anxiety caused by their own serious problems and insecurities. (The thing I'm having a hard time dealing with is the fact that for ten years or so, these people were my friends.)

Anyway, it does get better. It just takes work and time.

[Davevanza]

For social phobia Has anyone ever try a low dose combination of Carbamazepine, clonazepam, mirtazapine and Seroquel?

They work very good compared to just one type of SSRI or SNRI...

[Used To Be Me]

I love how long this thread is and to see so many making amends, and sorry to see those who cannot control it. Sorry if any of this sounds old hat, but i am someone who has morals, and in touch with my feelings, not to say i have never acted inappropriately, i do get confused when i am surrounded by people who will not let you be yourself, well not let, more not appreciate. People seem to look for mirrors of themselves and to even find a band or movie that you do not see eye to eye on does not mean you can discuss where you saw the differences, but there is instantly a wall built between you. I look for people now more like me, i like my country walks, seeing ruins and strange architecture, and used to have no anxiety as i was a movie head, and played computer games, which meant socially blending was more than easy. To say the least judgemental people who judge me, means i am judgemental now of them, and to some thats okay, but it has resulted in a fear of me not wanting to meet people, and i have been a very social person, so i can't just settle into being a loner. When i was young people shared feelings, and were much more open to seeing similarities and laughing at the differences, and its probably just my experiences in places i moved to that has made me feel that these people are now hard to find. I am scared to reveal my passions, or my interests as they might be mocked or belittled, and i couldn't care less what someone loves to do, just as long as they have passions which make them happy. I keep meeting people who judge you on clothes, weight, whatever, and this built up a humour to deflect, these judgements, or i get defensive with excuses. I became able to joke on everything, even my own conditions, and others. Which tore my soul in two quicker than telesales. I am becoming moral again, and this has led to larger social phobia, at least with dark humour i was getting on with people that were not really heart-felt, but i had friends. I think these people hide away. Hmm i just need to go join some clubs to meet those kinds of people, maybe art, or pretend to be a buddhist. Either way i am not sure if people share my view, so erm, just throwing it out there :)

[DecoraAi]

I still get a very anxiety shaky feeling all over me when at school. When I first was diagnosed for Anxiety it wouldn't eat anything really. And I had bad chills and everything. Everyone just yelled at me for being so stressful to deal with but that was back at the beginning of middle school.

It wasn't as bad as it was back then for me but I still am always tensed and shaky all over.


Also I didn't know that Zoloft was used as an anxiety medications : S .

[TeenMommy]

i deff have social anxiety. its like when im around a lot of ppl i get ticks, and cant really talk straight.

[peskypesky]

I have suffered from depression and social phobia for 27 years (Im 42 now). I began to take Zoloft when I was 25 and it did a fantastic job of getting rid of my depression. I switched to Paxil about 10 years ago because I hoped it would help with the social phobia, but I didn't notice much improvement, although like Zoloft, it alleviated depression.

I switched to Wellbutrin about 6 years ago because I began a relationship and Paxil was suppressing my libido too much. Wellbutrin alleviated the depression but did not depress my libido like the SSRI's (Zoloft and Paxil).

A few months ago I felt that my depression was coming back, so I decided to take Prozac in addition to Wellbutrin. Well, to my great and happy surprise, the Prozac/Wellbutrin combination seems to have done a wonderful job of lessening my social phobia! I have notice a HUGE improvement in the past week and a half. It did take about a month for the effect to occur, but now that it has, I absolutely feel reborn...I feel like a new person...I feel NORMAL at last...I am social now, I find myself laughing a LOT more, I don't feel anxiety in public. It's been awesome.

So, maybe others should talk to their psychiatrists about this combo. So far, I'm loving it.

[Sparky]

My social phobia was really bad as a teen and in my early 20's. To the point where I couldnt ask for help from a shop assistant without crying. I wouldnt eat infront of anyone other than my family or close friends and I would deferr to whoever was with me to answer any questions that people may have asked.

It wasnt until after I had my daughter that it eased off somewhat, not a lot though. WHen my daughter was 2 I ewas diagnoised with depression and put on Zoloft which I found has also helped my Social phobia.
I worked in retail after that and was doing well until I went off meds and had a set back a few weeks ago. Now I am unemployed and having trouble getting back into the swing of things and trying to find another job. I also know that the longer I stay isolated the worse this is going to get but its just so D*** hard to leave the house somedays.

[Stuarachel]

I suffer from the same phobia. I hate the depersonalisation feeling. Recently I've been able to cope with family gatherings and being able to get out but every time i feel feelings of anxiety. People reading these forums i hope you manage to get over these problems. It's such a great feeling of achievment when you get over your first hurdle.

[Just_wanna be_good]

Hey guys....Right now I am taking a deep breath...All of your situations are so similar to mine...I don't know how most of you continue to function out there...It's seems to mee like I just can't...I don't know what to do...I want to be out there like I used to, Im just soooooooo terrified of all the things that could happen...Even though I know It's ridiculous my brain gets the better of me and I will talk myself out of doing stuff that I actually really want to do...I keep having uncomfortable physical symptoms, chest pain...Irregular heart beats...Dizziness...You know ...All of the wonderful things that come along with this condition...The worst is when people say..."You look normal...Just stop thinking like that"...blah blah blah...Im like...Just walk one hour in my shoes buddy...GEESH...I don't know...Maybe I should give meds another try...I've been to see a pdoc at least three times for a year each time...And here I am still crazy old me...Almost seems like things are getting worse...Very frusterating to say the least...I was speaking once with a nurse as she was hooking me up to a holter moniter...(the most recent scary thing...ireegular heart beats...) who said she suffered as we do...She said she was taking cipralex and wellbutrin and she was feeling great again...HAs anyone here tried this combo and how did it work for you??????PLEASE HELP...I NEED IT, TRUST ME....

[lagmonster]

Just_wanna be_good,

I had had trouble with the meds and decided to not go that route, might not be the best decision but I did keep one prescription. I don't want to be pushing anything but when I know an hour in advance that I am am going to be put in a position/place/event that I am uncomfortable with it helps a lot. When I'm in that type of situation my heart starts racing, I start sweating, shaking (tremors), can hardly make any conversation, and urge to flight becomes so overwhelming that I can't focus on the conversation occurring in front of me. I take the generic version of Xanax for this and it helps me a ton. Its my failsafe but not a solution at all. I will plagiarize someone else that posted on this forum but cannot remember the post to give them credit for it. They basically said that were all screwed up people in our own minds, its just that some are better at hiding it than others. That's about I'll I got and I definitely know how you feel and will leave you with this one request. Every morning now matter how hard it is do your best to get up and face the world go outside and find one thing. One thing no matter how small or insignificant it may seam, anything that you can truly say to yourself that it is neat, good, nice, cool, or interesting. As long as its positive and try to build from there. Not that I think there is anything wrong with "mental health days" try to keep those days limited and infrequent. And what I mean by that is calling in sick because your unwilling to go out and face the world. Take care.

lag

[JhonSmith]

Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation — such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others — or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

[PRT]

Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation — such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others — or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

Oh my god. This is totally what I have. I was trying to explain it as agoraphobia but with people. Is it just treated like normal anxiety?

[anglcsprt]

Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation — such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others — or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

Thank you for your explanation of Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder. I go through periods where I cannot be in crowds by myself. I am NOT comfortable eating in front of others, even if I know them. If I have a safe person with me, I can tolerate these more. I was doing well trying to over come my panic attacks or anxiety attacks when in a public place. I had silly "games" I would play, such as if I could not get a parking space within a certain distance from the store, it meant that the store was too busy and I would drive away. As long as I had my back to others, I can eat in a public place with a safe person. I have now reverted back and then some. I find it hard to leave the safety of my home. I can go out sometimes with a safe person, but the need to go home gets very strong and sometimes results in an anxiety attack. I find myself leaving things to the last minute if it means having to go out alone, especially to somewhere I am not familiar with. Right now I just do not have the energy to push myself into trying. I am hoping that once I get a handle on my depression, I will be able to start working on this more aggressively again. (soft smile)
Hugs ~ Angel

[Blue Crescent Moon]

I developed severe social phobia when I was very, very little, but by the time I made it to the seventh grade, I was almost completely over it. Unfortunately, however, it's coming back again, which is why I'm here.

I've never had any healthy relationships, and being slightly anti-social hasn't help my lack of experience. I spent most of my childhood alone and was a very sensitive child. It always seemed to me that whenever I let someone close, I got hurt, just like my relationship with my parents, as well as my friends who abandoned me when I started hurting myself and thinking about suicide in 4th grade because they thought I was a freak. I stutter sometimes, I shake and twitch a lot when people are nearby, I absolutely cannot speak about my feelings, and I've developed a wall to seperate myself from the world. I speak to myself most of the time, and I speak to people who aren't really there. I can't take a compliment, and I'm constantly punishing myself for not being good enough in anything that I do.

That's me in a nutshell.

[Tropical24]

I've been struggling immensely for a few years now. I'm in my last year of high school. I feel very anxious going anywhere people are. School is particularly awful. It's so bad in class that I can't move my body because I'm so paralyzed with fear. My palms sweat, heart races, and all I can think about is how nervous I am. Whenever someone opens the door or a noise is heard, I jump/twitch. Because I tend to twitch when the door opens, ALL I can focus on is someone coming back through the door when a student leaves to go to their locker or wherever. When I read in class, I'm very scared just to turn a page. My neck hurts badly from staying in one position so long but I'm always too afraid to move. It seems ridiculous to be so scared of nothing but I can't help it. No coping methods (deep breathing, etc.) have worked in this state of mind. Being so anxious all day drains all my energy. I just wish I could sit in a class and relax or go shopping and not worry about people. Everytime I talk about this to a counselor I cry because it hurts me so deeply. And everytime they just stare at me blankly. I'm so alone.

[SinkingD]

Is Xanax/Valium good for this?

[polarbunny]

I know where all you guys are coming from~I always tell my husband not to leave me alone if we go to some kind of get together or party!
I'll often agree to go somewhere with friends and back out at the last minute. I'm terrified to be "alone" with people at times.
Like at church one week my husband said he was going to pick up our daughter from the Sunday school class and walked away, I was left standing there looking like an *****(I know it's only in your head, right) so I turned right around and quickly caught up to him.

I stumble with my words, I can't get anything out without sounding like a complete *****. I feel like everyone is looking down on me and judging me. I get very anxious and just start anticipating how things are going to turn out, then wind up not going.
I have trouble looking people in the eyes. I especially have trouble with male authority figures(haven't been physically abused, just very neglected
and my dad had a very bad temper, always yelling and in a bad mood).

Sometimes I hate myself-my husband doesn't understand, he makes me feel bad when I agree to do something then back out of it. I also have trouble with family gathering. I didn't visit with my side of the family or my husband's side this past Christmas.

But as far as xanax is concerned; it does help with anxiety but is not meant for long term use(of course this is for your doc to decide). Valium is also used
but I don't think as widely as it use to be.

[PRT]

I think that's a very familiar feeling Polarbunny. I dislike being left alone too, anywhere where I feel people may be watching me - as paranoid as that sounds! I find it often happens at work events. I find that talking rationally to myself (silently of course, lol!) sometimes helps a little.

PRT xx

[Science]

I'm 26 years old.

I am only 2 days into my Lexapro treatment for GAD and SAD of which i've had since childhood and has only increased with time.

I always felt that I was just shy, then overly shy then maybe my personality was just flawed and this was how I was regardless.
I had extreme Mathematics anxieties as a child (prob. due to my natural learning method not being conducive to my schools teaching method) - which seems wierd but was and still is debilitating at times.

In highscool I was so withdrawn from everyone (apart from 2-3 close friends) that I was voted "most likely to speak and scare herself".
It felt like no-one really understood the extent of the anxiety and I felt stupid talking about it.

The problem I face now is that I am a 3rd year Psychology student. Even though it shouldn't matter I feel stupid again having GAD and SAD and using Lexapro while I am studying to by a Psychologist. I guess my studies have given me greater insite into my condition and has allowed me to realise that what I experience is treatable and that others have similar feelings and experiences as well.

It's just i've never had to take meds before, I hate the idea that i'm playing with my brain's chemicals with drugs that aren't as precise as i'd like them to be.

I've had splitting headaches, dry mouth and jaw clenching after taking the pills. I may also just be psyc-ing myself into it but I felt SO paranoid after taking the first dose, I think it may have been panic related/induced, not sure I just hope it's not a re-occuring side-effect.

I just keep thinking/hoping that this experience will better help me treat others like me - being able to see it from both points of view - but also I fear I may be looked down on by fellow peers who don't have a mental issue, as not being worthy enough to be in the proffesion.

Blerg! thanks for letting me rant...I think I just needed to vent.

I wish everyone the best of luck in their journeys towards contentness.

[PRT]

Hi Science,

I have a degree in psychology too. I didn't go any further into the field - I'm now a teacher. I used to sit in lectures thinking "God that's totally me, I must have that!" and diagnose myself with everything.

I think it's great that even with quite marked social anxiety - you've still managed to go to college/uni. I understand your feelings about your work colleagues thinking bad of you but if people in your profession look down on you then what chance do the rest of us have?! You would hope that they would have more understanding about such things. You can have anxiety/depression in any field. I was watching something the other day that was talking about the high levels of alcoholism in doctors. Stressful jobs bring about problems like these.

The Lexapro will take a while to settle down. Maybe you could check out the Lexapro forum here as it will have a lot of helpful advice and let you know what to expect.

Nice to have you on the boards.

PRT xx

[Jerrica]

So this weekend has been absolutely terrible for me :( I feel like balling my eyes out right now. In fact I might go do that....

I don't know why my anxieties are getting worse! I've felt anxious and nervous all weekend and have barely eaten a thing, except for a spurt last night where I felt calm. I went to the grocery store today and totally freaked out, felt light headed, uneasy, nauseous, tense muscles, dry mouth. I made it through, but it was hell.

Other than work I haven't really left my house for a week, I think keeping yourself housebound makes things worse. two weeks ago I had no problems at all going shopping, now I do all of a sudden.

I feel terrible I keep ditching my friends!

I used to be SO happy, always on the go, never had any problems. Now my mind has taken over my life in the matter of a few weeks. I hope it's not forever.

Maybe i should up my dose? I'm only on 20mg of Celexa (been 3 weeks) and I'm running out of Lorazepam :( so I need more of that too...is it possible that anxieties sometimes get worse on this drug before they get better? I really just want my life back....maybe I need to expose myself more to the outside world instead of hiding in my house in my PJ's all the time just waiting to get better...

[Trace]

So this weekend has been absolutely terrible for me :( I feel like balling my eyes out right now. In fact I might go do that....

I don't know why my anxieties are getting worse! I've felt anxious and nervous all weekend and have barely eaten a thing, except for a spurt last night where I felt calm. I went to the grocery store today and totally freaked out, felt light headed, uneasy, nauseous, tense muscles, dry mouth. I made it through, but it was hell.

Other than work I haven't really left my house for a week, I think keeping yourself housebound makes things worse. two weeks ago I had no problems at all going shopping, now I do all of a sudden.

I feel terrible I keep ditching my friends!

I used to be SO happy, always on the go, never had any problems. Now my mind has taken over my life in the matter of a few weeks. I hope it's not forever.

Maybe i should up my dose? I'm only on 20mg of Celexa (been 3 weeks) and I'm running out of Lorazepam :( so I need more of that too...is it possible that anxieties sometimes get worse on this drug before they get better? I really just want my life back....maybe I need to expose myself more to the outside world instead of hiding in my house in my PJ's all the time just waiting to get better...

Hi Jerrica

I am sorry that you are strugling right now. Yes there are start up side effects to the meds, they can take up to 8 weeks to work into your system properly. So how you are feeling may pass. If you are really concerned, you can go back to your doc. Have a look in the Celexa Room here for others start up experiences.

Trace

[Jerrica]

So this weekend has been absolutely terrible for me :( I feel like balling my eyes out right now. In fact I might go do that....

I don't know why my anxieties are getting worse! I've felt anxious and nervous all weekend and have barely eaten a thing, except for a spurt last night where I felt calm. I went to the grocery store today and totally freaked out, felt light headed, uneasy, nauseous, tense muscles, dry mouth. I made it through, but it was hell.

Other than work I haven't really left my house for a week, I think keeping yourself housebound makes things worse. two weeks ago I had no problems at all going shopping, now I do all of a sudden.

I feel terrible I keep ditching my friends!

I used to be SO happy, always on the go, never had any problems. Now my mind has taken over my life in the matter of a few weeks. I hope it's not forever.

Maybe i should up my dose? I'm only on 20mg of Celexa (been 3 weeks) and I'm running out of Lorazepam :( so I need more of that too...is it possible that anxieties sometimes get worse on this drug before they get better? I really just want my life back....maybe I need to expose myself more to the outside world instead of hiding in my house in my PJ's all the time just waiting to get better...

Hi Jerrica

I am sorry that you are strugling right now. Yes there are start up side effects to the meds, they can take up to 8 weeks to work into your system properly. So how you are feeling may pass. If you are really concerned, you can go back to your doc. Have a look in the Celexa Room here for others start up experiences.

Trace

Thanks, I saw my doc today. She wouldn't up my dose yet...she says I have to give it more time. She did give me more Lorazepam to take as needed. I think I know why I'm freaking out so bad now though. My major support person, whom is my best friend and has been getting me through this, god bless him, is going on vacation for a week on wednesday and I don't know what I'm going to do for a whole week without him :( and I think it's causing all sorts of anxieties and anticipation as to how I will cope when he's gone.

I've been living at his place lately, because I feel safe there. Home is not a good place for me (my mom is very unsupportive, brother disrespectful, they just don't understand and make it 10x worse). He did say he would leave me a key to stay there while he's gone but I'm uneasy about being alone right now....

It really sucks when you hate being home and feel like you have nowhere else to go :( BUT it's only a week.....I can do it!

[Trace]

Jerrica

Yes, it is only a week and you can do it. You also have us too. I hope the week goes fast for you.

Trace

[Masquerette]

I'm 19 and have had problems socializing with people ever since I was little. I can't even stand being around my family for more than 5 minutes, they don't even bother looking at me as I leave the room anymore during a movie or TV show. When I was in school I always got bad grades and constantly stuttered having panic attacks just simply reading something aloud. I didn't get help until about 3 years ago but nothing has helped until recently when i started taking Effexor EX along with Deplin, so far I've noticed improvement but I still can't stand being with people for to long.

[PRT]

Hi Masquerette,

What a difficult position to be in. What thoughts go through your head when you're with people?

xx