Valium helped but it was very addictive and when you don't have it you go through bad withdrawals like alcohol withdrawals. Xanax, ativan also helped but they are both benzodiazpams which are highly addictive and controlled prescriptions. Now buspar is supposed to help but it didn't me at all actually had a allergic reaction to it, my throat started closing up. I am finally off all anxiety meds. I usually stretch my legs breath deep and make myself do things despite the anxiety. Once you start making yourself do things, you will start to get used to them and the anxiety will become less and less. It's all about mind control, keeping positive thoughts during the anxious time and staying confident. everybody has anxious thoughts some more than others it's jus part of being human.

I have found Klonopin to be pretty effective at the proper dosage.

Thank you for your answers. I had never heard of Klonopin, I'll look into it. Amanda, I do all this, force myself to go out everyday, breathing techniques, etc, and of course it helps but just not enough for me to feel satisfied with life. I need a little extra because my life is passing beside me.

I take Klonopin, as well, when I have to do something stressful involving people. The bad thing is that you build up a tolerance to it, and it becomes less effective. Still, it's the only thing I've found so far that helps even a little bit.

I am on Clonazepam and Sertaline. These are the generics for Zoloft and Klonopin. They have helped me so much. I am still working on getting better but the meds help a whole lot. I hope you find the right combo for you. Now I did have to go through a lot of pills to find the right ones but it was so worth it. I wish you the very best.

Thank you candalousBeauty. I'll speak of these with my doc. Good luck to you too!

I feel like I really need to comment here. I recently went through one of the worst times in my life. Became agoraphobic again, and my psychiatrist (new one that didn't even take time to evaluate me) put me on a deadly drug call Cymbalta. In a way it worked, as I was able to leave home and find a job after a couple of months on the drug. It had made changes in my personality...a dulling of the social anxiety, but still I lost that job as I couldn't cope. I became suicidal, lost almost 10 years of sobriety without even a clue that I was about to fall! The withdrawal from the drug was so bad! Don't take this drug! My itty bit of lorazepam is all I get now twice a day for PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks. I am agoraphobic, and just stay in the house. Still life is so precious. And I do hope you find ways to cope and enjoy life. I rely on my faith. That's how I cope. Thinking about trying the suggested Klonopin too. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Best wishes.

I've tried most of the modern antidepressants out there, some of which are thought to be better than others for anxiety, but none helped much. Tried only one antianxiety med (can't recall the name), and found it put me into an incredible, uncharacteristic for me rage, and never tried again. Then I discovered Kava Kava supplements about 12-15 years ago, and it helps. Sort of like a mild, almost unnoticeable Valium. Makes the world feel kind of warmer, softer. Just a little. Not like you're high or drugged. Anyway, Kava Kava has been known to cause liver failure, apparently, but I've never been able to find any details about that - was it in people whose livers were already struggling? Did they take a ton every day? Did they combine it with alcohol? I only take one pill just before I have to go do something especially anxiety inducing, like go to a school meeting, or dinner with acquaintances, or drive somewhere complicated (I have driving anxiety too). I suppose if I were ever brave enough to get a job, I'd feel the need to take it every day, though.

I also try to reframe my anxiety as something that energizes me (which it does!) because I'm normally very low energy. It actually helps me a lot to look at my anxiety that way.

@ LorenRobertson, so sorry about your story. That's why I don't take medications now I guess, I'm scared of them, I feel like they mess with my brain, which is what they are meant to do I guess. At the same time, I'm not fulfilled with my life now so I must try something.

@ fotog, I have never heard of this Kava thing, if I understand, this is a supplement so I wouldn't need a prescription? Can I ask what brand you use as my experience with supplements is that quality varies greatly from a brand to another. And you mentioned having very low energy, I do too. I wonder if there is a correlation between the social anxiety and this.

Hi Eucalyptus,

Everyone here has had some great input and I'd just like to add my two cents if you don't mind. I have also dealt with social anxiety throughout my teens and now into my twenties. I have tried a few medications and am currently taking Zoloft. Zoloft is the third SSRI I have tried and so far, the best one (the other two had intolerable side effects for me). I do feel the Zoloft helps keep my anxiety down in social situations so that I do not become as easily overwhelmed in social situations. I believe Zoloft is one of the SSRI's that is actually indicated for social anxiety, though many others are used off label. I would suggest, if you haven't already, trying an SSRI. I, too, was scared to try medication and I really do not like the idea of taking one. But it sounds like you aren't satisfied with how you are living your life currently, and a medication could be just the little extra push you need to start moving towards living the life you want to live. You could always try medication and if you don't like it, quit taking them. But I'd say it's at least worth a try, especially if what you have tried so far hasn't worked too well.

I have also tried Klonopin and Xanax, as others have mentioned. However, for me personally, both these drugs made me far too drowsy to be useful during the day, and I was taking very tiny doses.

That being said, everyone metabolizes these drugs differently. If you do end up seeing a doctor for medication, I would highly suggest seeing a psychiatrist (though it can sometimes take weeks to get an appointment, so if you're thinking about it, you might want to call now - you can always cancel later). But if you see a psychiatrist, see if they do genetic testing for medications. This test can determine how you metabolize drugs and suggest which drugs might work best with your body chemistry. It's great they have this option because one of the most frustrating things about trying medication is the trial and error that is involved many times.

One last thing - I am wondering if you have ever been in therapy. Therapy plus medication is oftentimes the best treatment, however, the improvements made from therapy are much longer lasting. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. Also, more depth oriented therapy can be helpful as well. I know it has helped me to realize some of the roots of my social anxiety. If you can, I would highly recommend therapy, whether or not you decide to try medication.

I apologize that was so long. It's just that I really feel for you and I can see how badly you want to live your life, but you feel your social anxiety is in the way. I promise, there is hope. I still have plenty of social anxiety, believe me. But over the past few years, with treatment, I feel I have made significant progress. I just want you to know that you can, too. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do. I really want to support you.