Posted by SLS on May 24, 2000, at 7:52:53
In reply to Social Phobia: Nardil or Paxil ????or what??, posted by Lynne on May 23, 2000, at 17:34:54
> Has anyone found anything to help with social phobia. Is Paxil any better than the other SSRI's.What are the side effects? Is Nardil any better? I have heard it causes alot of weight gain.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks to all who contribute to this board.
Do you ever experience panic-attacks?Paxil is the only SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressant that is currently indicated for social phobia in the U.S. It seems to work. Does it work better than all of the other SSRIs? I don't know. However, the others have the potential to help as well.
MAOIs (MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors) have also shown to be effective for social phobia. Nardil seems to be the best of them, and has been extensively studied for this indication. It is a powerful and effective drug. The major drawback to using Nardil is that you must follow to a special diet that avoids foods containing a substance called tyramine. Although the diet is not as restrictive as is often described, it must be strictly adhered to. To eat a meal high in tyramine can result in a dangerous increase in blood pressure. In addition, there are many drugs which cannot be used while you are taking an MAOI.
I have been taking MAO inhibitors since 1982, and have never had a problem. It really isn't so bad. I had absolutely no problems with sex after a few months had passed (with the possible exception of wanting more of it).
Moclobemide (Manerix, Aurorix) is a special type of MAOI that for which the danger of a reaction to tyramine-rich foods is reduced. It has been studied for use in social phobia. Most of these studies claim that it is effective. I think that it probably is. Moclobemide is not sold in the U.S. I tried it once to treat my depression. I was able to get it from a pharmacy in Canada. If you eventually decide to try it, just post a question here to ask how to go about it.
There are an awful lot more drugs and strategies available for treating anxiety disorders. You might as well consider social-phobia to be sort of a different type of depression, treatable by the same medications. Statistically, some drugs are just more likely to be effective.
There is some logic in choosing Paxil or one of the other SSRIs first. Take it one step at a time. Like I said, there are quite a few things available to try first. You always have Nardil waiting in the background, available to use as the ultimate weapon should you decide it is time to deploy it.
Don't forget the possibility that some sort of psychological approach may be helpful.
Good luck. Please ask more questions as you progress through treatment and let us know what's going on.
See ya'
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:34436
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34486.html