Adderall for Social Anxiety

[iknow_iunderstand]

I had a follow-up appointment with my psychiatrist two days ago. I was discussing with him an article I read on treating social anxiety with Adderall, which is a medication typically used in the treatment of ADHD. My social anxiety can be debilitating and very distressing. After taking my first dose, I was amazed. I made several phone calls without feelings of impending doom and even socialized at a small gathering of unfamiliar peers. It was actually pretty amazing!

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That sound amazing hope it keeps working well and you go from strength to strength, keeps us all informed on how you are going, have a great day

[dore13]

be careful with that med, it is used as a ADHD med as well, As you probably know, your body chemistry can change and there could be some side effects that are problematic. You can get very easily agitated, get angry very quick, be more impulsive. I took it, and at frst it worked great for my ADHD, but then I had side effects started but after like 4 years. It was so messed up! Since we all are different, no one can this will happen on that. It is just something to watch for. I hope it keeps working for you because interacting with people is so important! I wish you luck!

[iknow_iunderstand in reply to dore13]

Thank you for your response and your experience on Adderall. I know that it has with it risks that I might not tolerate. I am on the lowest dose and my doctor and I have discussed that I will not take a higher dose. I am also only taking it temporarily & will most definitely report adverse reaction I may have. If I can leave my house, walk to my mailbox, make phone calls, answer phone calls, gather the courage & Have The Desire to talk to a friend, I call that success, lol!!! But, I appreciate your concern and that you shared your journey. You have just given me a much needed reminder to remain cautious!!

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to iknow_iunderstand]

Sounds like the benefits of the adderall outweigh the the risks. Good luck and be well.

[iknow_iunderstand in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Yes, I am not in the least trying to trigger anyone or promote using controlled substances!! But, Adderall is definitely allowing me to function socially at a higher level. It is assisting me in reaching simple goals that I was avoiding that are improving my self-esteem and supporting my independence!

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to iknow_iunderstand]

I was not implying that you were promoting this med, only stating that it seems like good med for you. Wishing continued success with the adderall. Does it effect you sleep at all?

[iknow_iunderstand in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

I absolutely appreciate your comment, ChicagoGirl1961! My friend, I have not felt so encouraged in years because of accomplishments I have made in the last 2 days. My psychiatrist and I decided on a low dose of 5mg in the morning. I have not have any problems falling asleep. My plan is to take it 3 or 4 days per week. I will keep everyone updated on my progress.

One monumental achievement for me is that I have scheduled a day to perform volunteer work tomorrow at a center in my city that gives shelter and meals to the homeless. Ordinarily, that would have been a resounding, "HELL NO"!!!! It makes me feel so good! Again, thank you!!

[Rbolty in reply to iknow_iunderstand]

Thanks for sharing as I suffer from social anxiety as well. This may be something for me to look into as well

[iknow_iunderstand in reply to Rbolty]

Hi Rbolty. It took me 2 years to finally approach my psychiatrist about the possibility of trying Adderall for my social phobias. I have to say that they were debilitating. To the point of my becoming suicidal. I must say my clinician is very progressive and forward thinking. I explained to him that if I binged on caffeinated coffee or tea before a task I was extremely anxious, many times the boost of the caffeine allowed me to go forward and complete a phone call, open my mail, walk out the front door! I brought up the studies being done regarding Adderall as a treatment for social phobias, panic attacks, extreme anxiety. He was very encouraged about the possibility of my getting a measure of relief. Because my insurance plan would probably have denied the use of Adderall for the treatment of anxiety disorder, my doctor added the diagnoses of ADHD. In fact, I was in a state of panic while in his office. I could sit still. I could not quit stuttering. Trouble breathing. Heart pounding. Yes, I was on the verge of a panic attack. Fortunately, my health plan did end up covering Adderall. We decided on a low dose. 10mg in the am. And, of course, we continued my meds: Zoloft, Trileptal, Trazadone. I took my first dose the next morning, and within, 20 minutes, I was making a phone call (a task that might takes 7-10 days ordinarily). I also agreed to meet a group of women out for supper later - BECAUSE I WANTED To -- unheard of. And I struck up a conversation with a lady I met that night & we exchanged numbers to talk later! I definitely call that success. I"m keeping a diary of daily activities to support the efficacy of Adderall on my anxiety. I'm truly encouraged, but on the other hand, wanting to avoid the pitfalls of Adderall dependance. In my opinion, trying Adderall to treat my debilitating phobias and anxieties an appropriate therapeutic approach after close to 40 years of placing bandaids on gaping wounds!

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to iknow_iunderstand]

That is great, I'm very happy for you! I will discuss adderall with my doctor to consider for myself as well.

[dogsmakemehappy]

I agree, be careful. I’m happy it’s working for you but stimulants can actually make you more anxious. I’m in healthcare and things like caffeine and adderall can make anxiety worse. We’re told to advise against them if patient has anxiety. But at the dose and frequency you are taking, it shouldn’t be a problem. I wouldn’t go above 10mg a day though

[iknow_iunderstand]

Thank you, dogsmakemehappy! I truly understand your concern. I am a retired Bachelor Science in Nursing. I was awarded total disability in 2009 because of generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, PTSD and the debilitation I incurred over 20 years in the nursing field (a career I loved and grieve to this day). I am an intelligent woman (I know you didn't mean that I was not!). Recently, I ready a study in a medical journal about a psychiatrist in Lafayette, Louisiana, who was successfully treating patients with social anxiety with Adderall, with success. It peaked my interest. The journal was a professional medical journal, but, I have not been able to go back and find the article. I am a shell of the woman I was 10 years ago. I know that 2 days is a short time to say "Success!!" But, yesterday and today, I call Adderall a success in allowing me to break through barriers of anxiety that I have been trapped behind AND ACCOMPLISH GOALS!!! I feel like a good person today. I want to live, I see hope. I see myself growing! But, I am cautious of the addictive properties of Adderall. My physician and I will continue to monitor my journey closely. I made a friend last night at a gathering of friends. We talked and laughed. We exchanged phone numbers. We have plans to meet again! I haven't had a friend in over 20 years. That's an achievement!!

[mshienie]

oh i didnt know that people with adhd have social anxiety. i am not afraid to speak at all. it is the quite opposite with me.

[iknow_iunderstand in reply to mshienie]

Hi. Sorry for the late reply! I'm not diagnosed with ADHD. I'm taking Adderall for Social Anxiety. It's a bit controversial, but, I am blessed with a therapist who agreed to try this treatment with me. It makes my world a different place! I just worry about addiction. I will never increase my starting dose. It's been a few months & it has made my life a lot more liveable🌞