[Biscuit]

I've been on Effexor for 2 months; one on 75 mg, one on 150 mg. It helped for depression and eased the general feelings of anxiety i have a TINY bit when I switched to 150 mg, as in, the thoughts are a bit easier to control. Also, I've had a couple of sessions with a counselor that have helped me to sort out my thinking process and have helped a bit.

However, the main problem that i have always had with anxiety, the thing that forced me to get help rather than trying to suffer through it, is the panic attacks. I got them when i tried to work, I get them when shopping, i get them when I am not with someone at all times when out in public. I get them when i think about something stressful, even if it is months off. I don't just have anxious thoughts or feelings, I have panic attacks. I am avoidant so fear of them keeps me from doing things also.

Anyways, I like the Effexor because it's been helping me want to try and the side affects have been almost nonexistant. But the panic attacks are messing me up and Effexor has done NOTHING. What are the chances of my doc prescribing me Xanax? I am 18, "clean cut", you know, adults tend to think of me as very trustworthy. This sounds stupid, but I know that docs tend to go off personal biases too. Also, she has no problem with upping my Effexor (upped after only 3 weeks) while my friend, different doc on same med, has been on it for 4 months with no positive affects and yet no uppage. My doc is kind of med-happy.

 

[ellektra]

I am on effexor and xanax, it works great for me. If your doctor is med-happy I don't see why it would be a problem for you to get it (other than your age possibly). Good luck to you! It's really the only combo that has genuinely helped my depression and some of my SA.

 

[ShootingStars]

I want to get on xanax too, or seroquel. I only take 50mg zoloft and i stop quite oftem because I feel it does nothing. My Dr had prescriped me Clonezapem but only for a month "til the Zoloft kicked in" The reason being was that she said I have severe anxiety. I told her about the time when I went to the ER because my HR was at 165 and dropped to 24 within seconds...and all I get is one month of relief!?:no

 

[soaringfalcon11]

I would suggest seeing a general physician and complaining of panic attacks. But yeah, if you are just hoping to get Xanax for social anxiety, you're chances are very slim. You must give the doctor a by-the-book reason to give you Xanax.

The first step would be to put you on an SSRI...check

He/she might then try a beta blocker...call a week later and say it hasn't done anything but make you dizzy

Get a script for Xanax...WIN!!!

^ That's what worked for me. My doc has no problem giving me refills at my request. He's a great, great man!

 

[ShootingStars]

what do beta blockers do? D:

 

[itsamystery]

beta blockers

Beta blockers (Propranolol or Inderal) have been used for about 20 years for the physical symptoms of social anxiety. I have been using them for that long (10-20 mg very small dose a day). these take away any shaking, voice problems, blushing, in short, any physical symptoms that stop you from going to events, giving presentations, playing a musical instrument in public, etc.
Xanax is used for the fear and anxiety part, but I'd be careful. I use these only when I've got something particularly scary. If you use them every day, you'll build up a tolerance and need to take more and more, and from what I hear, withdrawl from them is horrible.

Beta blockers are not physically addictive, have the added benefit of keeping your blood pressure down--if they make you dizzy, then you're taking too much. Doctors are usually very willing to give them to you for social anxiety. It takes a very low dose to keep your adrennaline down and manageable.

 

[db0255]

beta blockers block the physical symptoms of anxiety in the body, but don't do anything for the mental/cognitive component. so, for example, they're used for performance anxiety.

they work well. i took one once for a solo in high school, and all of sudden i could play it with ease, like it wasn't me, and i wasn't shaking or anything. great for performances when you don't wanna shake, sweat, etc.