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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Shrink-Wrapped on April 19, 2010, at 13:36:01
I started taking Lexapro to deal with public speaking issues and anxiety in social situations. The Lexapro has helped to calm me down when not in social situations (I am able to sleep during the nights leading up to a dreaded event), but I find that I still need, or at least think I need to drink (lots) to be comfortable when socializing. This tells me that the Lexapro probably is not doing what it is intended to do.
Has anyone else had debilitating social phobias and suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)? Any recommendations for a medication or treatment that might help so I can quit using alcohol as a crutch?
Posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2010, at 14:09:08
In reply to Lexapro AND Alcohol for Social Phobia?, posted by Shrink-Wrapped on April 19, 2010, at 13:36:01
They say beta blockers work for a speech or something short. As for the alchohol I did better when drinking beer. That's me but not until time for bed Phillipa
Posted by manic666 on April 19, 2010, at 14:11:32
In reply to Lexapro AND Alcohol for Social Phobia?, posted by Shrink-Wrapped on April 19, 2010, at 13:36:01
you taking lexapro an drinking loads ///i dont think you will get many consructive answer,s from this thread
Posted by Deneb on April 19, 2010, at 14:21:54
In reply to Lexapro AND Alcohol for Social Phobia?, posted by Shrink-Wrapped on April 19, 2010, at 13:36:01
Hello Shrink-Wrapped!
Welcome to Psycho-Babble! I have social anxiety disorder and it used to be very bad. I've gotten much better over the years. I don't have a problem with alcohol though.
For me I think SSRI's did help me a lot, but I would still be very anxious sometimes. Because my anxiety symptoms are mostly physical, like racing heart and tremors, my pdoc prescribed propranolol, a beta-adrengeric blocker for me. I really like it! I take it before job interviews, social events and other anxiety provoking situations. The propranolol keeps my body calm. I don't get the usual racing heart, shaking or nausea that I get when anxious. Feeling calm physically has helped me be more outgoing and social.
When I get over stimulated and experience physical symptoms of anxiety I just take 40 mg propranolol and I will feel calm within 30 mins to an hour. When I am also very upset, I take a bit of Risperdal with the propranolol and that usually helps a lot.
Deneb
Posted by Shrink-Wrapped on April 19, 2010, at 14:34:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro AND Alcohol for Social Phobia? » Shrink-Wrapped, posted by Deneb on April 19, 2010, at 14:21:54
> Hello Shrink-Wrapped!
>
> Welcome to Psycho-Babble! I have social anxiety disorder and it used to be very bad. I've gotten much better over the years. I don't have a problem with alcohol though.
>
> For me I think SSRI's did help me a lot, but I would still be very anxious sometimes. Because my anxiety symptoms are mostly physical, like racing heart and tremors, my pdoc prescribed propranolol, a beta-adrengeric blocker for me. I really like it! I take it before job interviews, social events and other anxiety provoking situations. The propranolol keeps my body calm. I don't get the usual racing heart, shaking or nausea that I get when anxious. Feeling calm physically has helped me be more outgoing and social.
>
> When I get over stimulated and experience physical symptoms of anxiety I just take 40 mg propranolol and I will feel calm within 30 mins to an hour. When I am also very upset, I take a bit of Risperdal with the propranolol and that usually helps a lot.
>
> DenebThe doc and I have talked about propranolol. I opted for the Lexapro to help me relax in the days leading up to the event. Do you use the risperdal to help you sleep the night before? How do you stop from worrying up until the hour before the event for which you take the propranolol?
Thanks so much for your advice.
Posted by desolationrower on April 23, 2010, at 17:12:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro AND Alcohol for Social Phobia? » Shrink-Wrapped, posted by Deneb on April 19, 2010, at 14:21:54
well the classic treatment would be benzos, though you haveh to be carful about combining them with alcohol or you will end up playing rockstar
-d/r
This is the end of the thread.
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