How many medicines should I be taking for my symptoms of social anxiety?
There are no easy answers to this and it is a very individual choice. Generally one medicine should always be the aim but combinations (often called “polypharmacy”) sometimes help. It is rarely of any use to combine drugs with similar ways of working. Below are some of the combinations that are used with the reasons. This is not a complete list but you might want to talk to your prescriber about any combinations not on this list you may be prescribed.
Usually one regular medicine should be the main treatment e.g. an SSRI. Sometimes if you know a stressful situation is going to happen, or suddenly happens, taking a benzodiazepine or beta-blocker can be useful when you need help.
| Main medicine | Second medicine | Reason |
|
A serotonin or noradrenaline booster (e.g. citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, moclobemide, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) |
Benzodiazepine |
For special occasions when extra help is needed |
|
A serotonin or noradrenaline booster (e.g. citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, moclobemide, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) |
Beta-blockers |
For special occasions when extra help is needed or to help specific symptoms e.g. racing heart |
|
A serotonin or noradrenaline booster (e.g. citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, moclobemide, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) |
Benzodiazepine and a beta-blockers |
For special occasions when really extra help is needed |
Updated 8.11