Has anyone had a successful outcome using phenelzine to treat Social Anxiety, having already tried or been on other antidepressants such as paroxetine?
Having researched this medication online over the years, it is often referred to as the gold standard medication for social anxiety.
I am particularly interested in the aspect of fear of, or generalized and persistent anxiety around perceived/ expected negative evaluation in social situations.
I am curious as to whether it is the case that, if and when successful, phenelzine can work by merely dampening down this symptom or whether it can turn things around such that you feel like actively engaging socially now, as opposed to avoiding social situations as might previously have been the case?
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
3 Answers
JU
julvanv
25 July 2023
I have been on phenelzine for 36 years and it has been a lifesaver. After trying many different medications that didn’t help my Psychiatrist put me on phenelzine. Within 6 weeks the drug significantly lessened the crippling depression and social anxiety I’d been suffering from. Phenelzine is still as effective as it was when I first started taking it. Of course, it won’t cure your anxiety but it will give you a good baseline to work on other coping mechanisms. I would definitely give this drug a try. I hope it helps you.
Votes: +1
BO
Bob95
26 July 2023
Many thanks julvanv!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Glad to hear you have had such a good outcome from it.
Any issues encountered along the way with side effects and the well known risks involved due to food and medication interactions?
I believe this is something that varies quite widely between individuals.
Many thanks Bob
WI
WildcatVet
23 July 2023
Phenelzine (Nardil) is an MAOI class antidepressant/anxiolytic which helps anxiety by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain not by causing sedation to mask the symptoms. You should acquaint yourself thoroughly with this medication before you start it especially because there are dietary restrictions that you should be aware of. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/phenelzine.html "By some, Nardil is considered the “gold standard” for social anxiety that includes acute self-consciousness, public speaking anxiety, severe shyness and fear in socially interactive situations." "The drawbacks of phenelzine therapy may be more than outweighed by its potential utility in relieving social anxiety disorder. Phenelzine appears to be effective in treating social phobia that has been unresponsive to other treatments."
"It can take at least a month before you feel the effects of phenelzine (Nardil). Let your provider know if you've been taking the medication for two months and don't notice a change in your depression/anxiety symptoms because your dose might need to be adjusted or your medication might need to be changed."
Votes: +1
BO
Bob95
24 July 2023
Many thanks for your informative reply regarding Nardil.
You are quite right. From what I understand ‘if’ it works my understanding is that it can work extremely well where other treatments may have had a limited impact.
But as you say it is not to be taken lightly. And it is important to understand the biological potential risks. Especially in terms of interactions with other foods and medications.
TE
Teen11
22 July 2023
I have anxiety so bad I have been unable to drive for the last two years. I have always had anxiety the sudden death of my husband made mine worse.I have been been on several antidepressant none helped. The only thing that helps me is Xanax.If I take 1mg 30 minutes before driving I can drive just fine. My doctor only gave 1 month prescription 30 pills.He Will not refill. Due to them being so addictive. Even tho I took them only when driving. The state I live the doctors are very strict on giving prescription drugs. I am retired I drive very little but knowing I can't drive me crazy. Anxiety is terrible I have had it all my life.
