Based on scientific research, we answer the following questions:
How does Zoloft work for social anxiety
How does Prozac work for social anxiety
Does Concerta help with social anxiety?
Does Vyvanse help with social anxiety?
Does Indica help with social anxiety?
Prozac & Zoloft for social anxiety
There are a lot of advertisements on television currently promoting drugs that treat anxiety. After some time has passed, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of all of them. Which one is the one that is successful?
Two drugs that are frequently recommended to treat anxiety are Zoloft and Prozac. They are both beneficial, but there are some subtle distinctions between them in terms of the conditions they treat, the adverse effects they cause, and the prices they demand. These will be discussed further below.
How do Zoloft and Prozac work?
Both Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) belong to a group of antidepressants that are referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is produced in your body and is associated with a variety of processes, including appetite and sleep, in addition to mood.
Because SSRIs prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed by neurons, this results in an increased amount of serotonin being accessible in the brain. It is thought that elevating the levels of serotonin produced in the brain can help ameliorate the symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
How long does it take them to work?
It is possible that you will experience a reduction in your anxiety during the first two weeks of taking SSRIs; however, it may take as long as six weeks for these medications to have their full effect. On the other hand, because everyone reacts differently to medication, you might see changes more quickly. Make an effort to be patient!
If after six weeks you still feel anxious, you should discuss the matter with your healthcare professional. It's possible that they'll suggest upping the dosage or switching to a different medicine.
Do both medications cure the same conditions?
Zoloft and Prozac have been granted approval by the FDA for the treatment of panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, despite their initial approval for the treatment of depression (OCD).
Prozac, on the other hand, has not been authorized for use in the treatment of social anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but Zoloft has.
Which one is more effective, and why?
There aren't many studies that directly compare Zoloft and Prozac as anxiety treatments. However, studies that involve depression show that they both appear to be similarly beneficial in terms of reducing anxiety.
In a trial that evaluated the two medications for the treatment of severe depression, researchers discovered that both of the medicines reduced patients' symptoms, including anxiety.
Another study that evaluated the efficacy of Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil (paroxetine) in the treatment of major depression with high anxiety revealed that there were no significant differences between the three medications in terms of their effectiveness and that all of them reduced symptoms.
Which one of these should I choose, then?
Prozac and Zoloft are both effective medications for treating panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, if you suffer from a social anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, your doctor may prescribe Zoloft rather than Prozac because Prozac is not authorized to treat these conditions.
Both have quite minor adverse effects. However, Zoloft is associated with an increased risk of both diarrhea and sexual issues, and Prozac is associated with an increased risk of headaches.
Prozac in its generic form is available at a lower cost than Zoloft in its generic form; however, the price of Zoloft in its brand-name form is lower than the price of Prozac in its brand-name form. The cost of each of these medications can be significantly reduced by switching to the generic versions.
Does Concerta help with social anxiety?
Methylphenidate, the psychoactive component included in Concerta, is the medication of choice for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.
Methylphenidate has miraculous effects. Numerous research has been done on this, and most of the time it works in adults and teenagers (given there are no negative side effects).
Does Vyvanse help with social anxiety?
The medication does not work as a treatment for anxiety. The equilibrium of chemicals in the brain is restored as a result of its effects. Dopamine and norepinephrine are both produced in greater quantities, leading to an improvement in concentration.
The ability to focus for longer periods of time and rein in impulses are two additional benefits. It is a medicine that has the potential to make one sleepy. Although it is an effective method for reducing anxiety, it is not a cure for the condition.
Additional adverse effects may be brought on by this medication. It has the potential to become addictive and the potential to culminate in a condition that is life-threatening. It is not a treatment for either social anxiety or depression.
Does Indica help with social anxiety?
In general, Indica strains are more usually linked with providing an experience that is relaxing and reduces social anxiety.
Cannabis strains known as Indicas are particularly well-liked because of their ability to promote feelings of sedation and profound relaxation. When used for the reduction of anxiety, Indica can make you more relaxed and peaceful, helping to stop the racing thoughts you may have been experiencing before. It's possible that these calming effects will assist lessen overall stress and anxiety.
Customers seek out Indica strains because of the powerful calming effects that they produce (usually as a result of the high CBD content of these strains), which can help ease social anxiety.
When consumed in high enough dosages, the Indica strain of marijuana is the most effective for putting users to sleep. This is because the sedative properties of this strain can promote tiredness and the desire to go to bed.
Your total anxiety levels can benefit tremendously from having the ability to experience less discomfort, have an easier time falling or staying asleep, and have fewer worrisome thoughts.
References
Boyle, R., & Koyuncu, A. (2020, March 25). Methylphenidate improved both social anxiety and ADHD symptoms in adults, study found. MDLinx. https://www.mdlinx.com/article/methylphenidate-improved-both-social-anxiety-and-adhd-symptoms-in-adults-study-found/lfc-1260
Medical Marijuana and Stress: Indica or Sativa Strains? (n.d.). Elevate Holistics. https://elevate-holistics.com/blog/medical-marijuana-and-stress-indica-or-sativa-strains/
Pham, D. A., & Palmer, C. (2019, October 25). Zoloft vs. Prozac for Anxiety. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/zoloft-vs-prozac-anxiety
Tardner, P. (2022, March 16). Does Vyvanse help with anxiety? • IJEST. IJEST. https://www.ijest.org/nootropics/does-vyvanse-help-with-anxiety/
