What is the best SSRI for social anxiety?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat social anxiety disorder. The only SSRIs that are currently FDA-approved for this condition are sertraline (Zoloft) and immediate- and extended-release paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR).

What antidepressant is best for social anxiety?

First choices in medications

Though several types of medications are available, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first type of drug tried for persistent symptoms of social anxiety. Your health care provider may prescribe paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft).

Is SSRI good for social anxiety?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first choice of medication for treating social anxiety disorder (SAD). SSRIs affect your brain chemistry by slowing re-absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical that we think helps to regulate mood and anxiety.

Do antidepressants work for social anxiety?

Studies have found that antidepressants -- particularly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac -- help relieve social phobia. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (a form of psychotherapy) people learn to change negative thoughts and behaviors that feed the phobia, and they learn social skills.

Which SSRI helps best with anxiety?

These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), fluvoxamine (aka Luvox), citalopram (aka Celexa), and escitalopram (aka Lexapro). They tend to be the first line choice for multiple anxiety disorders and depression.

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Is Zoloft or Lexapro better for anxiety?

While both medications are similarly effective in treating both MDD and anxiety, one study found that slightly more people stopped using Zoloft because of side effects compared to Lexapro (4% compared to 2%).

Does Lexapro help social anxiety?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), other SSRIs — such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), and extended-release fluvoxamine (Luvox CR) — may also be effective in treating social anxiety disorder.

Is Zoloft good for social anxiety?

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication typically used to treat depression. However, the FDA has also approved it for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, a mental health condition marked by an irrational fear of being watched or judged, or of embarrassing or humiliating oneself.

Can SSRIs make social anxiety worse?

More than 100 million people worldwide take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft, to treat depression, anxiety and related conditions, but these drugs have a common and mysterious side effect: they can worsen anxiety in the first few weeks of use, which leads many patients to stop ...

What is prescribed for social anxiety?

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are a class of antidepressants used in anxiety treatment that act on the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Options include: Effexor XR (venlafaxine) Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Is Lexapro or Celexa better for anxiety?

Even though both medications have been found to effectively treat anxiety symptoms compared to a placebo, Lexapro was found to be more effective overall, according to a study published in Depression and Anxiety.

Is Lexapro the Best SSRI for anxiety?

Is Lexapro or Zoloft more effective? Lexapro was shown in clinical studies to be significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

What is better Zoloft or Paxil?

Is Paxil or Zoloft more effective? In a randomized, double-blind study comparing the two drugs for the treatment of panic disorder, Paxil and Zoloft were found to be equally effective; however, Zoloft was slightly better tolerated, and patients did better when discontinuing the drug.

Is Wellbutrin good for social anxiety?

You may also see it referred to by its generic name, bupropion. Medications can affect people in different ways. As such, Wellbutrin has been linked to anxiety in some cases. But while it can cause anxiety in some people, it is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders in others.

Is Zoloft or Prozac better?

In a double-blind, clinical trial, both Zoloft and Prozac improved depression based on different scores for depression and anxiety as well as sleep. While both SSRIs were found to be effective, Zoloft was found to have lower severity of side effects.

Is Zoloft better than Wellbutrin?

Is Wellbutrin or Zoloft better? Multiple studies have shown Wellbutrin and Zoloft to be relatively comparable in achieving remission of depression symptoms. Wellbutrin may be favored over Zoloft due to the fact that its side effect profile is less severe.

Does low serotonin cause social anxiety?

The more serotonin they produce, the more anxious they are in social situations. Previous studies have led researchers to believe that individuals with social anxiety disorder/ social phobia have too low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Is Celexa better than Zoloft?

A double-blind, randomized trial for a six-week period found both drugs to be effective at treating depression. They also were both tolerated well. However, Celexa showed earlier signs of symptom improvement, providing relief of depressive symptoms more quickly than Zoloft.

Which is better Lexapro or Cymbalta?

Which is better for depression, Cymbalta or Lexapro? Studies show that duloxetine (Cymbalta) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are equally effective at treating major depressive disorder long term. However, a randomized controlled trial reported that escitalopram was better tolerated.

How long does Zoloft take for social anxiety?

Zoloft doesn't work immediately, so don't stop taking Zoloft if your symptoms don't improve right away. It takes two to six weeks to start reducing anxiety symptoms. Some people may feel a reduction in their anxiety symptoms within the first week of taking Zoloft, but this shouldn't be expected for everyone.

How much sertraline should I take for social anxiety?

Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and paediatric patients aged 6-17 years. Social anxiety disorder. Sertraline treatment should be started at a dose of 50 mg/day.

What is the root cause of social anxiety?

Past Experiences and Environments That Cause Social Anxiety

Excessive social isolation, including studying alone in academic environments. A childhood with parents or guardians who are overprotective, controlling, restrictive or anxious. Traumatic bullying. Emotional, physical, sexual or verbal abuse.

How much Lexapro should I take for social anxiety?

Conclusion: In this first 52-week clinical study of social anxiety disorder, escitalopram 10–20 mg/day was safe, well tolerated, and effective in Japanese patients.

Is Prozac better than Lexapro?

When considering Prozac vs Lexapro, both medications are approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). A 2014 study found that Lexapro was more effective than Prozac in treating severe periods of depression.

Is Paxil good for social anxiety?

Paxil is a prescription medication used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other serious mental health problems. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil was the first medication approved for the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). Paxil CR is the longer-acting, controlled-release version of Paxil.