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Is SSRI The Right Medication For Social Anxiety?

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Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2015
Question: Hi, I have been taking SSRI 's for social anxiety, 150mg/day for about 8 weeks now. I would say I feel about 60% better now. But I still feel little anxiety
sometimes. Can u please tell me if I still continue taking the medication, will my situation improve anymore or that's it?. please help
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Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Continue taking it

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing through HCM.

I have read your query and understood your concerns.

Usually the SSRI works after 15 days and maximum benefit will be achieved within 6 to 8 weeks. If you are already on this drug for more than 8 weeks than I suggest considering the dose titration upwards. It means increasing the dosage to 1.5 times of current dose your are on.

For social anxiety you need to take the drugs for more than 6 to 8 months.

Psychotherapy and counselling will help. To lose fear of something, we shall expose our self to it repeatedly. Meditation also helps. That is how anxiety can be handled.

Discuss this suggestion with your psychiatrist and follow his advice.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query than I shall be happy to help.

Wish you good health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ravi Soni

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 538 Questions

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Is SSRI The Right Medication For Social Anxiety?

Brief Answer: Continue taking it Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for writing through HCM. I have read your query and understood your concerns. Usually the SSRI works after 15 days and maximum benefit will be achieved within 6 to 8 weeks. If you are already on this drug for more than 8 weeks than I suggest considering the dose titration upwards. It means increasing the dosage to 1.5 times of current dose your are on. For social anxiety you need to take the drugs for more than 6 to 8 months. Psychotherapy and counselling will help. To lose fear of something, we shall expose our self to it repeatedly. Meditation also helps. That is how anxiety can be handled. Discuss this suggestion with your psychiatrist and follow his advice. Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query than I shall be happy to help. Wish you good health.