Posted by myco on March 6, 2009, at 10:05:59
In reply to Treat Social Anxiety w/ Muscle Relaxers instead?, posted by becksFLA on March 6, 2009, at 9:47:47
Hey,
Social anxiety is alot more than just GABA receptors which is why klon will only help to a certain extent. The muscle relaxer idea could be a good option, I would probably combine it though with the benzo. I've found Orphenadrine (Norflex as we call it in Canada) is a pretty good muscle relaxant but you dont want to take it everyday as it would become uncomfy after prolonged use. Muscle tension in the face is interesting...have you considered, I know it sounds silly, facial massage in combo with klon? or just massage in general with the benzo? Tolerence is an issue with muscle relaxants as well as benzo. You may be better taking an AD that is good for anxiety...for instance nardil (a maoi) that has the "function" of a benzo "built in", so to speak...it hits GABA receptors nicely making the med a good choice for many with anxiety...myself included. You could minimize or quit klon if you took nardil.
> For a long time I have been treated for severe social anxiety with benzos. After trying them all, Klonopin seems to work the best. However, still only puts me at about 70 percent. (If that!) I was doing some reading, and the more I think about it, it's not so much that I'm incredibly anxious, no panic attacks, etc...but I simply APPEAR anxious because the muscles in my face honestly feel tight and I am unable to appear relaxed in social situations. That's why I would consider asking my doc about this...however I'd rather not get into it with him if it's something that's never been done. I'm just not sure. I'd take a muscle relaxer with no benzo and I think it would do the trick, based on how I currently feel.
>
> Thanks.
poster:myco
thread:884056
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090304/msgs/884062.html