search results for alprazolam

Are there any prescription treatments for social phobia?

Drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant and benzodiazepine class are also effective. Imipramine (>Tofranil) and clomipramine (>Anafranil) are tricyclic antidepressants that are sometimes used for social phobia. But, they are not as effective as the SSRIs.

Alprazolam (>Xanax) and clonazepam (>Klonopin) are two benzodiazepines that reduce the symptoms of social phobias. You take these drugs on a regular basis or as needed one-half to one hour before an event that may cause you to feel anxious. To avoid physical dependence, your doctor should supervise your care closely if you take one of these drugs.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like tranylcypromine (>Parnate) or phenelzine (>Nardil) are another treatment option. These drugs have many interactions with foods and other medicines, which makes them harder to use than other drugs. You take these drugs on a regular basis.

Beta-blockers, including propranolol (>Inderal) and atenolol (>Tenormin), can reduce the physical symptoms of performance anxiety, such as blushing or shaking. You take these drugs only as needed one-half to one hour before an event that may cause anxiety.

Sources:
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Swartzberg, J.E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus Inc., 1998.
The American Psychiatric Press Textbook of Psychopharmacology. American Psychiatric Press Inc., 1998.Psychiatry, W. B. Saunders Company, 1997.
Conn's Current Therapy. W. B. Saunders Company, 1999.

This answer prepared 5/17/00.

You searched for "Alprazolam"

Here's what we found

---

Please click a question below for your pharmacist's response.