Which SSRI is best 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 is the best medication 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).

Does SSRI help 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.

How long do SSRIs take to work for social anxiety?

If your first treatment was an SSRI and you don't feel better after 10 to 12 weeks, you should be offered CBT in addition to the SSRI. If you have had unpleasant side effects or have decided not to have CBT, you should be offered a different SSRI (either fluvoxamine or paroxetine) or venlafaxine.

Which is better for social anxiety Zoloft or Lexapro?

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%).

What is the best medication for social phobia?

Which is better for OCD Lexapro or Zoloft?

A 2014 study published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology suggested that Lexapro may be more effective and better tolerated than Zoloft or Paxil. Lexapro has different binding site interactions which may lead to better efficacy and tolerability.

Does Lexapro help with 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 sertraline 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.

Is citalopram good for social anxiety?

Citalopram was generally well-tolerated, and seven patients achieved responder status. This series of patients improved significantly on all measures. Results suggest that citalopram may be a safe and effective treatment for social anxiety disorder.

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 fluoxetine good for social anxiety?

Responders to fluoxetine were more likely to have been older at onset of the social phobic symptoms and had a shorter duration of illness. Conclusion: These findings suggest that fluoxetine may be effective in the treatment of social phobia.

Is Prozac used to treat social anxiety?

Currently, Prozac is only FDA-approved to treat two specific anxiety disorders: obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Prozac also works to help patients with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) when prescribed “off-label,” but scientific research is still inconclusive.

Is Paxil or Zoloft better for social anxiety?

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 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.

Which SSRI is best for anxiety and depression?

Prozac (fluoxetine)

Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it treats depression and other mood disorders by boosting serotonin levels in the brain.

What is the first drug of choice for anxiety?

Recap. SSRIs are considered the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders and often have fewer adverse effects than other medications.

Which is better for anxiety Lexapro or Effexor?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It is less likely to cause side effects than and has fewer drug interactions. However, it might not be a good choice if you have liver or heart problems. Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Which is better Celexa or 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.

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.

Why do SSRIs increase anxiety at first?

Abnormally low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression. SSRIs are thought to improve mood by boosting serotonin activity in the brain. But serotonin is not always a bed of roses. In the early days of treatment, it can increase levels of fear and anxiety and even suicidal thinking in some younger people.

Is Wellbutrin better than Lexapro?

Wellbutrin vs Lexapro: Which is better? There is no clear-cut answer in choosing between Lexapro and Wellbutrin. That is because each person is different, with potentially different responses and sensitivities to a medication. Both drugs have been effective in depressed patients.

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 Wellbutrin better than Zoloft?

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.