Social Phobia Medication
- Author: Bettina E Bernstein, DO; Chief Editor: Eduardo Dunayevich, MD more...
Medication Summary
The goal of pharmacotherapy is to reduce morbidity.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Class Summary
This class of agents is emerging as the DOC for social phobia because of their clinical efficacy, ease of use, and excellent safety profile with relatively few adverse effects. Benzodiazepines are effective but require caution because of their lower safety margin and addiction potential. Benzodiazepines can be administered during the 4-6 weeks before SSRIs become effective. Buspirone is clinically efficacious, and studies indicate that gabapentin is also effective.
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
SSRI and S -enantiomer of citalopram. Used for the treatment of depression. Mechanism of action is thought to be potentiation of serotonergic CNS activity due to inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin. Onset of depression relief may occur after 1-2 wk, which is sooner than conferred by other antidepressants.
Sertraline (Zoloft)
FDA approved for social phobia in adults and for OCD in children >12 y. Enhances serotonin activity because of selective reuptake inhibition at the neuronal membrane.
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Enhances serotonin activity because of selective reuptake inhibition at the neuronal membrane. Available in susp.
Citalopram (Celexa)
Enhances serotonin activity because of selective reuptake inhibition at the neuronal membrane. Although SSRIs have not been compared with one another, based on metabolism and adverse effects, citalopram is considered SSRI of choice in patients with head injury.
SSRIs are antidepressants of choice because of their minimal anticholinergic effects compared with older typical antidepressants, which tend to be more likely to cause mania or behavioral activation. The specific choice of subtype of SSRI or SNRI depends to a large degree on adverse effects and drug interactions.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Enhances serotonin activity because of selective reuptake inhibition at neuronal membrane.
Paroxetine (Paxil)
FDA approved for social phobia. Enhances serotonin activity because of selective reuptake inhibition at the neuronal membrane. Shorter half-life predisposes to SSRI withdrawal syndrome if abruptly discontinued; therefore, it is recommended to dose this medication twice a day.
Serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Class Summary
These agents inhibit neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)
Indicated for social anxiety disorder, which is also known as social phobia. Patients have a 40-50% lifetime prevalence of coexisting major depressive disorder. Inhibits neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. In addition, causes beta-receptor down-regulation.
Benzodiazepines
Class Summary
By binding to specific receptor sites, benzodiazepines appear to potentiate effects of GABA and facilitate inhibitory GABA neurotransmission and other inhibitory transmitters. It is best to avoid the use of these medications in children unless no other medications can be used. Benzodiazepine therapy in children younger than 10 years increases the risk of paradoxical excitation. Children older than 10 years old seem to be at higher risk than adults of drug-induced cognitive deficits, including decreased attention/concentration, slurred speech, and newly onset suicidal ideation and attempts, especially in the presence of comorbid depression.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
May have quicker onset of action than SSRIs but has greater addiction potential and narrower therapeutic window.
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Extremely short half-life. Fastest onset of action and also may have most addiction potential.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Sedative hypnotic with short onset of effects and relatively long half-life.
Diazepam (Valium)
Depresses all levels of CNS (eg, limbic and reticular formation), possibly by increasing activity of GABA.
Individualize dosage and increase cautiously to avoid adverse effects. Relatively long half-life.
Antianxiety agents
Class Summary
These agents reduce anxiety levels.
Buspirone (BuSpar)
A 5-HT1 agonist with serotonergic neurotransmission and some dopaminergic effects in CNS. Has anxiolytic effect but may take as long as 2-3 wk for full efficacy. Low adverse effect profile. Efficacy not well established.
Anticonvulsants
Class Summary
Are used if known to have anxiolytic properties.
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Anticonvulsant with apparent anxiolytic properties.
Antibiotic, Miscellaneous
Class Summary
D-cycloserine is an emerging medication in the treatment of anxiety that may be effective but may cause adverse effects such as somnolence or cognitive slowing.
D-cycloserine (Seromycin)
A partial agonist at the glycine recognition site of the NMDA receptor in the amygdala. Inhibits cell-wall synthesis in susceptible strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Monoamine Inhibitor
Class Summary
These agents are usually reserved for patients who do not tolerate other types of antidepressants.
Phenelzine (Nardil)
MAOI most commonly used for anxiety disorders. Usually reserved for patients who do not tolerate or whose conditions do not respond to TCA or SSRI antidepressants.
Moclobemide (Moclamine)
Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A. Because of selectivity and reversibility, dietary restrictions are not required while taking this medication; hypertensive crises are rare. Not available in the United States.
Selegiline transdermal (Eldepryl, Zelapar)
Irreversible MAOI. Has greater affinity for MAO-B than for MAO-A; however, at antidepressant doses, inhibits both isoenzymes. MAO-A and MAO-B catabolize neurotransmitter amines in CNS (eg, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin). Indicated for treating major depressive disorder. At lowest strength (ie, 6 mg delivered over 24 h), may be used without the dietary restrictions required for oral MAOIs used to treat depression.
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