For
many people, social anxiety is a major
problem. It can isolate a person so much
that they have trouble in both their
personal and professional worlds. Thus,
the condition is serious and can lead to
intense isolation and even depression.
However, thanks to growing concern and
increased research, there is a way to
help social anxiety. The following are
some of the different types of social
anxiety medication used to battle this
condition.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSIRs)
Since so much of social anxiety is made up
of stress and anxious feelings, this is one of the first
kinds of social anxiety medication given to a person. The
medicine does exactly what it sounds like: it keeps
serotonin from being taken into the presynaptic
cell.Thus, there is more serotonin left to bind
with the postsynaptic receptor, and this in turn can reduce
feelings of anxiety as well as
depression.
Benzodiazepines
Another social anxiety medication that is
given to reduce the effects of social anxiety is
benzodiazepines. These are psychoactive drugs: They slow
down the central nervous system. The drug is also used to
treat alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, and
seizures.
Beta
Blockers
Beta blockers are often used as a social
anxiety medication, especially for those who exhibit
physical symptoms. Beta blocks have been known to decrease a
person's tremors, sweating, and rapid heart rate.. Many
people are embarrassed by the physical effects of their
anxiety, so relieving a person from these effects, can lower
the amount of depression and anxiety they experience. Thus,
they can help remove physical effects of anxiety and help a
person deal with social situations
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
(MAOIs)
This social anxiety medication is taken to
reduce the symptoms of the condition. The medication works
by balancing many of the brain's neurotransmitters (i.e. the
brain's chemicals). Thus, once these neurotransmitters have
been balanced, a person will not only stop shaking and
experiencing a high pulse rate but will also feel all-around
calmer. To balance the neurotransmitters, the social anxiety
medication lowers the amount of monoamine
oxidase.
How to
Choose
Though you should know all of your social
anxiety medication options available, you should consult
with a doctor before deciding on any one. Often, the doctor
will know which is best for you. Not everyone needs
medication for their social anxiety.
However, if you do take social anxiety
medication, you need to be consistent with it. Medicine will
only work if people follow the instructions and keep up with
it. Thus, if you are considering medication, always ask
about its side effects. Some of the above medications can
not be taken along with certain foods or with other
medication.
For more information on Anxiety Drugs and
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