Use Benzodiazepines Sparingly When Treating Social Anxiety Disorder

People who suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder certainly know the raw fear and physical sides effects that come along with the disease. A racing heart, excessive sweating and extreme anticipatory anxiety often accompanies an upcoming social event, speaking engagement or job interview. For those who suffer from the disorder, these physical effects often keep them from interacting with people on a regular basis.

The good news is that Social Anxiety Disorder can be easily treated. One of the most common medication classes prescribed for the disorder is SSRI's or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Zoloft and Paxil. These drugs help manage the symptoms of social anxiety disorder in the long term. Sometimes, however, SSRI's are not enough to completely treat the symptoms.

Social anxiety disorder sufferers who are on SSRI's often find they need more help from time to time to "take the edge off", especially before an anxiety-producing social event. One of the best short term drug classes for social anxiety disorder sufferers is benzodiazepine. This class of drugs works almost instantly giving relief from excessive sweating, racing heart and even racing thoughts. Benzodiazepines, often referred to as "benzos" include drugs like Ativan, Xanax and Klonopin.

"Benzos" are usually effective for almost everyone who takes them. However, there's a catch. They can also be addictive. People who take them regularly can easily build a tolerance to "benzos" and feel they need to take more and more of the drug to get the same effect from previous smaller doses. Thus, the best way to take "benzos" is sparingly and irregularly to avoid addiction.

It is best to manage the intake of "benzos" by only allowing yourself to take them before certain events such as a public speaking engagements, parties or particularly high stress work days. Also always remember that alcohol enhances the effects of "benzos" and thus you should be careful to avoid it when you are on the drug.

In summary, "benzos" are a great supplemental medication for social anxiety sufferers as long as they are used cautiously and sparingly.

Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder info and helpful tips on how to deal with the disease.