I have always felt nauseous and very anxious around women or on dates. I would get so nervous that I would vomit. I have had this problem since I was high school. I eventually overcame this problem with more and more bad dates and experiences. Finally I am at the pinnacle of my phobia because I am now getting married. But I fear that I may have an episode of extreme nausea and vomiting on my wedding day because of my social phobia and also seeing my future wife dressed so beautifully. It is a bit overwhelming for me to the point that I am not looking forward to that day! I have been prescribed Xanax and Inderal (Propranolol) for those days and I have been on Paxil for a few months for an anxiety disorder. Will these medications keep my phobia away on my special day? Has anyone ever used these medications before? How effective will they be for my phobia?

[This message has been edited by Hanns (edited 02-27-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Hanns (edited 02-27-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Hanns (edited 02-27-2002).]

Hi all! Just wanted to give you an update. I am still having feelings of fear regarding the wedding. I get so nervous and scared that I fear I will not be able to walk out on to the alter. Any suggestions of what I can do? Medications I have been told can help are kava kava, propranolol, and xanax. I am already on paxil. Any suggestions or experiences? PLease help. I am desparate! Thanks in advance.

White Sneakers,

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. It makes me feel better.

i am a phobic..but take no medication..to me with all the side effects so many of these drugs have the fix can be as bad as the ailment...read the literature carefully and make sure the possible side effects are something you are willing to risk...

Hey,
social anxiety has my life almost at a complete stop. I can't tell you how much I've missed from being too scared. It's so not worth it. I tried paxil a year ago, and it worked for about 4 months. But after a while, I felt like I was getting major withdrawals (ever heard of the zaps?) So Paxil was good, but not worth the side effects I felt when I missed a pill.
Xanax is nice. Because I've always had social anxiety, I drank. And nobody ever agrees with me but drinking made me a completely different guy. (not depressed one bit) I could pick up every girl I met at a party with a good buzz. I even use to take paxil and drink at the same time. SOMETHING REALLY not recommended. Well, because alcohol isn't good for your body, I tried to just take xanax, but a half hour later I was knocked out, ready for the nearest bed. IT made me so sleepy..
Basically to make a long story short I'm trying new meds.. But I hope you realize you can get through your wedding without a problem with the right medication. (and maybe talking to yourself in your head) Plus I'm sure looking at your beautiful new wife is going to be the best feeling. Good luck.

Thanks for your encouragement.

I think I am just dreading the nervous feelings I will get. I tried to increase my dose of Xanax this weekend to test. There was not too much change. I took .5 instead of .25. I thought Xanax made you much more relaxed. Maybe I need a stronger prescription. blahblahblah, how much did you take?

So Paxil was good, but not worth the side effects I felt when I missed a pill.
Xanax is nice. Because I've always had social anxiety, I drank. And nobody ever agrees with me but drinking made me a completely different guy. (not depressed one bit).

I'm exactly the same way and I used to drink a lot. Sometimes I still do, just to take some of the stress off when I'm around a group of people. Paxil doesn't seem to be helping the social anxiety but it does help my depression.