social interactions | ADHD Information

Hello,

I am 32 year old male and have been diagnosed for about 15 years. I have taken this and that over the years with varying degrees of success. My biggest difficulty has always been social interactions, specifically DATING and things like dancing!.......always wanted to....I think? Lots of anxiety! This is the area that I seem to have the most difficulty with. Any ideas or comments would be welcome.

Also, I have tried many different meds over the years and although I haven't taken any for a few years, I have a lot of info about certain meds such as paxil, prozac, adderal, and ritalin.

Try Lexapro..it addresses social anxiety

Welcome mattylwn! I also have problems with social interactions. I try to avoid them anyway I can. Adderall works for concentration and found that to be the best for that. And I can say that it helps me feel more sociable, but still I avoid them b/c I'm afraid of saying something inapropriate.

Creativecrazy, I'm now on Lexapro. This is my second week. Are you taking it? If so, how long before you noticed a difference? It was given to me for depression. I know they don't act right away and it varies person to person. Any input would be helpful. Thanks

[QUOTE=Latina-ADD]

Hi Latina-ADD,

I am on Lexapro and it took about 30 days to work..it made me tired though...which most people it keeps them from sleeping...the Doctor told me that it helps with anxiety and depression and some of the impulsivness of ADHD...and me blowing up at the drop of a hat. I have taken it for about two years now and take 20mg which i don't know if that is alot or not...my daughter is also on it along with adderall (like me) and it took about 30 days for her as well and also it makes her tired....Hope this helps!

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it only works if low levels of serotonin are responsible for your social anxiety (there can be many causes, and it is often self-prepetuating).

However, if your serotonin levels are normal, you run the risk of serotonin sickness by taking it, as it will increase them too much. You can certainly have too little or too much serotonin.

I've heard some bad things about the drug that sounded like serotonin sickness, so while it can help people with low serotonin levels, it won't work for everyone.

You might want to check this board out:

http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/index.php

I've just been lurking so far, but so much of it rings true of my life. Social anxiety is a real problem and a lot of people have issues with it.
Soooo, dancing...what kind? Have you looked into lessons? If you can find a class where you dont already have a partner to attend, maybe that would also be a good way to meet someone. Just a thought!Mattylwn, try some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which works wonders when the therapist knows what s/he is doing. Alternatively, join some group where you can feel safe to interact without feeling embarrassed or anxious. I have the same problem and recently joined a women’s group very open minded and encouraging and has helped me build up my self-esteem.
a.I have social anxiety.. ..but I stopped taking meds for it cuz I didnt like the sideeffects all that much. Makes ya really tired but they seemed to really help me a lot. I took.. Paxil then Zoloft. I liked the Zoloft better.

I don't take anything for my anxiety now.. I am just trying to deal with it on my own and with the help of my friends..

its hard..
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Thanks Creativecrazy, maybe that explaines why I sleep better and I feel a little calmer. My doc mentioned something about it may help anxiety. Even in my second week, I feel something different. I'm still depressed b/c I'm still unemployed, but I think the difference is I'm putting more effort into finding work. Also not crying as often. I just LOVE your screen name! I'm very creative to and I wish I could make a living all yr. long doing all my original crafts that only sell on holidays. Folks love them(to many to name) and they sell. Thats when I feel more "in rhythem" with the world. Pple saying "I wish I could make that" and "your very talented" Makes me feel so happy, but than I return to "our world" THANKS AGAIN!

RandomUser, thanks for the info. Unfortantly my computer has been acting up latley, and I can't access that site now. I'll keep trying though. Again, thanks for your reply.

PAXIL is recommended for social anxiety disorder. I am using it for chronic depression also. I've had very little side-effects from it and it keeps me from completely bumming out and becoming suicidal again. Ask your doctor about it to see if it might be right for U.