Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 126453

Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

social phobia...sigh:(

Posted by jonh kimble on November 4, 2002, at 20:44:37

I know Ive asked many times about what others have used for sp, and have gotten some great responses and thanks so much. But the problem is its still here. Oooooh yes. Yesterday when I heard my best friend was going to be stopping by and I immediatly ran to the liquor cabinet. it finally hit me that this is really hellish. I cant freakin talk to anyone!!!! I have a girl Ive loved for eight years and Ive probably said as much to her as most people say to their gas station attendant that they went to once. I feel suicidal ideation creeping and its really scaring me. I really dont want to die, but the pain of such lonliness and frustration adds up. If anyone could say anything to cheer me up I would love that.

About the meds, ive tried most all with of course no relief. Dexedrine put me in the perfect place for a day or two, and then nothing. I dont want to give up though. Is there anything people have found effective out there, perhaps off the beaten path. I have comorbid add, feeling exhausted alot, and the smallest little upset can send me into serious depression. (really hypersensitive) i need hope to live, and its hard to find. im going to try neurontin next, but i feel like i know it will be my next sugar pill. arghhh... in spite of all this, i wont give up. just the thought of one day laughing with a friend is such a happy thought. thanks for your time and thought everyone. TOM

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:(

Posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 5, 2002, at 9:14:54

In reply to social phobia...sigh:(, posted by jonh kimble on November 4, 2002, at 20:44:37

>I cant freakin talk to anyone!!!! I have a girl Ive loved for eight years and Ive probably said as much to her as most people say to their gas station attendant that they went to once. I feel suicidal ideation creeping and its really scaring me. I really dont want to die, but the pain of such lonliness and frustration adds up.
--------------------------

You express yourself well in this forum, so you know you have the ability. Is there any pattern to the people you feel uncomfortable around? I found that while I was unable to talk to any of my peers, I could converse easily with people whose judgement didn't matter to me (old people I didn't know, mentally retarded people). From this, I slowly worked towards the kind of people that intimidated me more. I'm sure that you've already heard a lot of advice about it, but that's just what I tried. After asking out a girl in a drenching sweat, and then hyperventilating when she left, I knew things had to change.
I'm not sure what drug regimen is endorsed for this right now. It sounds like you need an activating anxiolytic. I've been on several drugs, and imipramine has so far been the best for not sedating me. Effexor wasn't bad either. Serzone zonked me out. If stimulants aren't working to keep you active, you might try provigil. I used it for a while, then imipramine negated the need for it.
Beyond any specific advice I could give you, I'll just say that it can be done, and you sound just as capable and intelligent as any of the other people I come across daily who aren't apprehensive about how they appear to me. You're not inferior.

 

Parnate? Piracetam?

Posted by Marathon Man on November 5, 2002, at 9:44:53

In reply to Re: social phobia...sigh:(, posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 5, 2002, at 9:14:54

My SP is "cured" with Parnate. Unfortunatly it quits working after three months. I'm currently trying Piracetam and it is helpfull, but it has only been a few days. I have been interested in trying Dexedrine. Its discouraging to hear dex only helped you for a couple days. Good luck with the battle.

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:( » jonh kimble

Posted by NikkiT2 on November 5, 2002, at 10:02:47

In reply to social phobia...sigh:(, posted by jonh kimble on November 4, 2002, at 20:44:37

I haven't found any med any help with sp at all.. but 10 weeks ago i started CBT (Cognitive behaviour Therapy) and it is really starting to help... it just give sme coping mechanisms, and teaches me how to deal with the problems..

Just my experience!

Nikki x

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:(

Posted by cosis on November 5, 2002, at 11:54:48

In reply to social phobia...sigh:(, posted by jonh kimble on November 4, 2002, at 20:44:37

Nardil helped me out a lot, it also helped me feel and act overall better.. I would take it while doing CBT.. I plan on attending a group soon...

 

Re: Parnate? Piracetam? » Marathon Man

Posted by Franz on November 6, 2002, at 2:00:00

In reply to Parnate? Piracetam?, posted by Marathon Man on November 5, 2002, at 9:44:53

Piracetam for social phobia?
How is that?
Does it function like a stimulant for you?
Could you explain the reason for the use of piracatem?. I am interested, piracetam is much safer than the other drugs.
Thanks


> My SP is "cured" with Parnate. Unfortunatly it quits working after three months. I'm currently trying Piracetam and it is helpfull, but it has only been a few days. I have been interested in trying Dexedrine. Its discouraging to hear dex only helped you for a couple days. Good luck with the battle.

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:( TOM )

Posted by Tepiaca on November 6, 2002, at 12:03:09

In reply to social phobia...sigh:(, posted by jonh kimble on November 4, 2002, at 20:44:37


Hi Tom , Ive just read your message , and I have realize that all the things that it is happening to you it is happening to me now.Ive been figthing
with this problem since I was 16 , now Im 22 , and
I can find a medicine that help me . Im always alone , I dont have friends , I dont have girlfriend , Its a completely hell . When I am with a person , I simply just cant talk to him , Im so distracted thinking in others things , and I cant concentrate to entablish a normal conversation. I have suffer alot most of my life . I have found that the medicines that I take , only help me just one day after I taking them ,or when I increase my dose , but later everything goes down again.
Maybe we can keep in touch , by writing here ,because I dont think we cant talk to each other.
Can you explain me exactly , what happen when you are with people? what are your thougths ?
I assure you, if I found a medicine that help me
I will inmediately tell you what is the name of the medicine , and I hope you do the same thing
God bless us

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:( » jonh kimble

Posted by JonW on November 6, 2002, at 16:19:03

In reply to social phobia...sigh:(, posted by jonh kimble on November 4, 2002, at 20:44:37

Hi Tom,

I think I've written to you before, but I'm not sure. Anyhow, when I read your post I felt I was reading about myself. The unfortunate reality is that, with the exception of perhaps Nardil for some, medication seems to offer response rather than remission for people with social phobia. If it were possible to sustain the initial high from dexedrine its use could be justified, but as it seems to be for you it's just that -- getting high, and perhaps an unrealistic expectation of what happiness should be.

I would urge you to work with both the best psychopharmacologist and therapist you can afford. I'd go so far as to say CBT is crucial to beating this horrible illness. It works, and CBT + medication is extremely effective. Many of the clinical trials currently going on are based on this idea. It's very important that you are working with the right people, though. Even if you have to travel some, it's worth it. If you are anywhere near NYC, I highly recommend Dr. Michael R. Liebowitz (pdoc) and Carla Daichman (therapist). They are both part of the same group, and work together to provide me with the best care available. I was initially very skeptical about getting involved with a therapist because I was so focused on medication. I had a bias and had seen some real wack jobs in the past. Besides the CBT, the other benefits I get from working with a therapist is the emotional support and she asks me about medication and makes observations that can help Dr. Liebowitz make decisions about medication. I really think you should take advantage of this type of a situation. A good pdoc and CBT can make all the difference in the world. Doing CBT on your own or with an average therapist is worlds apart from CBT under the guidance of an expert therapist who's been trained in treating people with social phobia. I don't want to sound like I'm trying to tell you want to do, but I thought I'd let you know that I was in the same situation as you not too long ago and the decision to get better care has made a huge difference in my life. I had been on practically every psych. medication known to man (except for most of the TCAs) and several combinations and drugs from overseas and had read a lot about CBT and had done CBT with a therapist for some time. I had failed on all of the big meds for social phobia -- Nardil, Klonopin, Paxil, etc. In spite of all of this (and needless to say, a lack of hope) seeing Dr. Liebowitz in NYC has changed my life. I'd also recommend the Adult Anxiety Clinic at Temple run by Dr. Richard Heimberg or The Anxiety Clinic at the university of Penn, both in Philly. If you don't live near NYC or Philly, I'm sure there is something comparable not too far from you. Well, think about it... Social Phobia is the loneliest illness in the world and I really empathize with you. It's such a silly thing, but causes such serious problems. Hang in there!

Jon

p.s. I really admire how you haven't given up hope! If you ever do lose hope, remind yourself that it's part of the illness.

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:( » jonh kimble

Posted by Brandymac26 on November 6, 2002, at 19:59:13

In reply to social phobia...sigh:(, posted by jonh kimble on November 4, 2002, at 20:44:37

> I know Ive asked many times about what others have used for sp, and have gotten some great responses and thanks so much. But the problem is its still here. Oooooh yes. Yesterday when I heard my best friend was going to be stopping by and I immediatly ran to the liquor cabinet. it finally hit me that this is really hellish. I cant freakin talk to anyone!!!! I have a girl Ive loved for eight years and Ive probably said as much to her as most people say to their gas station attendant that they went to once. I feel suicidal ideation creeping and its really scaring me. I really dont want to die, but the pain of such lonliness and frustration adds up. If anyone could say anything to cheer me up I would love that.
>
> About the meds, ive tried most all with of course no relief. Dexedrine put me in the perfect place for a day or two, and then nothing. I dont want to give up though. Is there anything people have found effective out there, perhaps off the beaten path. I have comorbid add, feeling exhausted alot, and the smallest little upset can send me into serious depression. (really hypersensitive) i need hope to live, and its hard to find. im going to try neurontin next, but i feel like i know it will be my next sugar pill. arghhh... in spite of all this, i wont give up. just the thought of one day laughing with a friend is such a happy thought. thanks for your time and thought everyone. TOM

I know exactly how you feel. everytime anyone comes over to my house (even if it's my mom) i get totally freaked out. The lexapro has actually really been working for me as far as this is concerned. I also have panic disorder, and went through a spell where i didnt leave my house for months b/c i was afraid of having panic attacks. I know exactly how you feel. I'm 26, and should be enjoying life, yet im stuck in the house day in and day out. But, the lexapro has started working, and i'm actually leaving my house now! I'm still a little scared and nervous, but I deal with it, where as before I would freak out at the thought of leaving my house. By the way, what is comorbid add? Is it ADD or something else? I also suffer from depression, so bad that sometimes i am so tired i dont want to get out of bed and do anything, and thank GOD, the lexapro is helping with that too!
Dont give up hope, just keep fighting, like were all doing. Were all here for you. I hit rock bottom, and decided that I wasnt gonna let this take over, and you shouldnt either! You have to keep fighting, and one day, all the fighting will pay off. Just hang in there! Good luck, and God bless!
Brandy

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:(

Posted by teri on November 7, 2002, at 12:28:02

In reply to Re: social phobia...sigh:( » jonh kimble, posted by Brandymac26 on November 6, 2002, at 19:59:13

Hi. My son has had social phobia since he was in grade school. It was really painful to see him miss out on so much. He had a few friends that really liked him but he couldn't hold up his end so they just drifted on. He finally got some help in his senior year in high school and the doctor put him on Paxil. It's been approved by the FDA for SP and it helped him alot. He went on his senior trip to Mexico and finally connected with kids he'd been in school with all those years. He's living in his own apt at school and that's helped,too. He started a trend and would go off his medicine and hole himself up in his dorm room. He saw a doctor at school and got on the meds again and it gave him that boost he needed to get on with his life. He also has depression, but I think the medicine and life changes, both helped him. I don't think he's on anything now but seems to be doing better than he used to without meds. I have it also, depending on the situation. I've learned that some of mine was being with people who weren't good for me and I felt bad about myself with. I'm making those changes with the help of Celexa and Klonopin. I've read several times on this board that Klonopin has helped with sp and it helps me. Good luck. Don't give up. Teri

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:(

Posted by jonh kimble on November 7, 2002, at 18:01:04

In reply to Re: social phobia...sigh:(, posted by teri on November 7, 2002, at 12:28:02

Thanks everyone! It really helps me when I hear that there are others like me. Currently I am seeing a psychiatrist but it is only once every three weeks, and he really doesnt know much about sp. He has me taking 40 mgs of propanol (beta blocker) a day which of course is another sugar pill. Since I live in Canada I kinda get what Im given as far as p docs and therapists go. I dont know of any good specialists here in Calgary, Alberta. How would I find out about cbt programs? And what about trying lamatical? Bi polar is really high in my family and since Ive had no response to anything else, I wonder. I appreciate the help and Ill answer any questions anybody has if I can. Thanks TOM

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:( TOM )

Posted by jonh kimble on November 7, 2002, at 18:13:29

In reply to Re: social phobia...sigh:( TOM ), posted by Tepiaca on November 6, 2002, at 12:03:09

Hey! We sound so much alike! For example, when im with someone, whether I like them or not, I just say "OH ya, huh, cool" Basically thats as much as I can say because I have NOTHING on my mind! I really think theres a biological element in my problem, for a number of reasons but primarily sp is extremely high in my family, and when I take a stimulant or alcohol the problem disapears, I am so chatty, I just constantly have things to say and I dont worry about what the other person is thinking of me. But, cocaine and booze arent the answer, needless to say. I think I might seek out some sort of therapy (if I can) and I am just going to go full force with the meds. Try one after the other till something does something. For example, Im going to try lamatical, mirapex, nardil(max dose, 8 weeks), non generic klonopin, etc. I will absolutly tell you and anybody else about anything that helps. If you want to exchange emails or something that would be great. TOM


> Hi Tom , Ive just read your message , and I have realize that all the things that it is happening to you it is happening to me now.Ive been figthing
> with this problem since I was 16 , now Im 22 , and
> I can find a medicine that help me . Im always alone , I dont have friends , I dont have girlfriend , Its a completely hell . When I am with a person , I simply just cant talk to him , Im so distracted thinking in others things , and I cant concentrate to entablish a normal conversation. I have suffer alot most of my life . I have found that the medicines that I take , only help me just one day after I taking them ,or when I increase my dose , but later everything goes down again.
> Maybe we can keep in touch , by writing here ,because I dont think we cant talk to each other.
> Can you explain me exactly , what happen when you are with people? what are your thougths ?
> I assure you, if I found a medicine that help me
> I will inmediately tell you what is the name of the medicine , and I hope you do the same thing
> God bless us

 

Alberta pdocs

Posted by JonW on November 7, 2002, at 20:22:48

In reply to Re: social phobia...sigh:(, posted by jonh kimble on November 7, 2002, at 18:01:04

Tom,

Here's a link that lists some pdocs that specialize in anxiety disorders in Alberta:

http://www.macanxiety.com/alberta.htm

You might be able to tell better than me which of the pdocs listed has the most impressive credentials or find out who has the best reputation, but viewing this site from the US I would probably contact Nicholas J. Coupland or Robin T. Reesal. Dr. Coupland's listing says he refers people for CBT, and that might be better than picking a therapist on your own because he might know who's good and who's not.

Good Luck,
Jon

 

Re: Thank you!!!!

Posted by jonh kimble on November 7, 2002, at 21:42:03

In reply to Alberta pdocs, posted by JonW on November 7, 2002, at 20:22:48

Thats incredible! I didnt even know you could choose your own pdoc (self referal) and thanks for putting in that effort! Who knows, maybe this will put me a step closer to feeling better. Tom

 

Re: social phobia...sigh:( TOM )

Posted by Tepiaca on November 8, 2002, at 11:55:57

In reply to Re: social phobia...sigh:( TOM ), posted by jonh kimble on November 7, 2002, at 18:13:29


Hi , How you doing? . Again all the things that
you say to me ,are happening to me. When I Drink
alcohol , I can do whatever i want , I can talk
with anyone I want , I cant talk with girls , I
dont care If I say or do anything wrong. Of course this is not the exit to this problem. I
believe that there is one drug than can adjust
my chemical sustances in my brain . My pdoc
told me that the benzos help you with social phobia , when you take them , you feel as If you
had drunk five beers ,so I tried some of them.
For the first time,I took one pill , all the
fear had dissapeared , It was amazing , I started to talk to anyone , to walk in my school without care If somebody were watching me . So finally I thought I had found the magic pill , but
i didnt ,all the fear came back on the next day , and also a high depression. I dont know what happen in my brain , why the medicines only help me when I took them for the first time.Its very rare. Anyway , I have to keep seeking that magic
pill that could return my life.
Can you tell me , what medicines have you been on?
Wich are the one that has help you most?

I think we must keep in touch , because now we have more probabilities to find a medicine ,now that there are two brains looking for help.
Good luck
Tepiaca


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