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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5 to 29 of 29. Go back in thread:
Posted by jwpaine on August 24, 2008, at 20:27:59
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by desolationrower on August 24, 2008, at 20:21:12
Hi, thanks for replying. No to beta-blockers. As for Clonidine, I have not heard of this before, but doing a bit of research, it's anti-hypertension qualities help control control anxiety - specifically for facial blushing.
I am writing this med down, with Paxil, to bring up with my doctor tomorrow.
Thanks again,
John
Posted by desolationrower on August 24, 2008, at 20:32:03
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by desolationrower on August 24, 2008, at 20:21:12
Actually, if you are on an SRI too make sure the doc give you pindolol, it makes sris better.
-D/R
Posted by theo on August 24, 2008, at 20:40:39
In reply to Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on August 24, 2008, at 20:00:00
Paxil works best for blushing and things like reading in a crowd or participating, unfortunately, Paxil gives you horrible sexual side effects.
> Hello,
>
> for about two years now, I have faced a specific anxiety: fear of facial blushing. It's not the normal blush someone gets when they're slightly embarrassed, rather, a severe blushing onset in almost any circumstance, most often in a social context. My anxiety or /fear/ that blushing will occur holds me back from both things I'd like to be more comfortable doing, like having a conversation with someone, and is the catalyst, that is me worrying, that educes a blushing "attack".
>
> I have been to a psychiatrist and tried several different SSRIs, at various doses, and nothing seems to be helping. If at all, only a slight reduction in anxiety levels.
>
> The meds that I can list off the top of my head are: Fluvoxamine, Serequel, Prozac, Lexapro.
>
> I am currently taking 75mg/morning of Lexapro to try to treat this specific anxiety, and 25mg/night of serequel, now only to get to sleep.
>
> I have an appointment with my doctor, tomorrow afternoon, so I am writing to see what research I can do with the help of this board, to be informed of other options before sitting down.
>
> My University is starting up soon, and I would like to finally get this under control.
>
> I have not tried Paxil. For some reason I just thought of this and googled it with the keyword "blushing" - some people say this has helped. A friend of mine recommended I go up on the serequel. Any thoughts / recommendations?
>
> Thanks!
> John
Posted by djmmm on August 25, 2008, at 9:42:53
In reply to Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on August 24, 2008, at 20:00:00
> Hello,
>
> for about two years now, I have faced a specific anxiety: fear of facial blushing. It's not the normal blush someone gets when they're slightly embarrassed, rather, a severe blushing onset in almost any circumstance, most often in a social context. My anxiety or /fear/ that blushing will occur holds me back from both things I'd like to be more comfortable doing, like having a conversation with someone, and is the catalyst, that is me worrying, that educes a blushing "attack".
>
> I have been to a psychiatrist and tried several different SSRIs, at various doses, and nothing seems to be helping. If at all, only a slight reduction in anxiety levels.
>
> The meds that I can list off the top of my head are: Fluvoxamine, Serequel, Prozac, Lexapro.
>
> I am currently taking 75mg/morning of Lexapro to try to treat this specific anxiety, and 25mg/night of serequel, now only to get to sleep.
>
> I have an appointment with my doctor, tomorrow afternoon, so I am writing to see what research I can do with the help of this board, to be informed of other options before sitting down.
>
> My University is starting up soon, and I would like to finally get this under control.
>
> I have not tried Paxil. For some reason I just thought of this and googled it with the keyword "blushing" - some people say this has helped. A friend of mine recommended I go up on the serequel. Any thoughts / recommendations?
>
> Thanks!
> JohnTry Inderal (a beta blocker) miracle med for me (stopped blushing, stuttering, sweating-- during public speaking). I took between 10-40 mg
Posted by jwpaine on August 25, 2008, at 15:48:14
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by djmmm on August 25, 2008, at 9:42:53
It's hard to know what med to go on, as you need 2-4 weeks. I will keep that in mind in case Paxil doesn't work. That's what my doc and I agreed upon, today, as I showed him a list of meds that I researched (with the help of this message board) Now I am wondering if I really /should/ be on a beta-blocker and not another SSRI. Grrr...
Hopefully Paxil will work -
John
Posted by ricker on August 25, 2008, at 16:17:34
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on August 25, 2008, at 15:48:14
Keep a positive attitude. I suffer with social anxiety as well and found paxil to be the best ssri for hitting the anxiety.
I had to stop taking it due to chronic nausea.
Everyone is different so it may work great for you.Regards, Rick
Posted by bulldog2 on August 25, 2008, at 18:52:08
In reply to Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on August 24, 2008, at 20:00:00
> Hello,
>
> for about two years now, I have faced a specific anxiety: fear of facial blushing. It's not the normal blush someone gets when they're slightly embarrassed, rather, a severe blushing onset in almost any circumstance, most often in a social context. My anxiety or /fear/ that blushing will occur holds me back from both things I'd like to be more comfortable doing, like having a conversation with someone, and is the catalyst, that is me worrying, that educes a blushing "attack".
>
> I have been to a psychiatrist and tried several different SSRIs, at various doses, and nothing seems to be helping. If at all, only a slight reduction in anxiety levels.
>
> The meds that I can list off the top of my head are: Fluvoxamine, Serequel, Prozac, Lexapro.
>
> I am currently taking 75mg/morning of Lexapro to try to treat this specific anxiety, and 25mg/night of serequel, now only to get to sleep.
>
> I have an appointment with my doctor, tomorrow afternoon, so I am writing to see what research I can do with the help of this board, to be informed of other options before sitting down.
>
> My University is starting up soon, and I would like to finally get this under control.
>
> I have not tried Paxil. For some reason I just thought of this and googled it with the keyword "blushing" - some people say this has helped. A friend of mine recommended I go up on the serequel. Any thoughts / recommendations?
>
> Thanks!
> JohnHeard Nardil is very good for that kind of anxiety. Clonodine and inderal good for times when you know you will need it.
Also cbt is something that may be useful as it's the secondary anxiety (fear of blushing) that's the culprit.Many people blush but aren't concerned about it so there isn't a problem with it. What's happening is the blushing triggers a panic attack in a social situation. That's why I mention nardil as it's supposed to be good for that kind of anxiety.
I to have this phobia and it can be quite disruptive to college and later on one's professional career as you always have to avoid talking in front of groups of people. Unfortunately when I was younger I had no awareness of meds for this or there may not have even been any at that time.
Posted by Phillipa on August 28, 2008, at 23:17:46
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by bulldog2 on August 25, 2008, at 18:52:08
Not a worry anymore? Phillipa
Posted by jwpaine on August 29, 2008, at 6:33:00
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on August 28, 2008, at 23:17:46
Morning -
Still have anxiety-related blushing. This is only my second day on Paxil. I will post a follow up in 2-3 weeks.
Thanks all for the helpful suggestions!
Have a good Friday,
John
Posted by theo on September 1, 2008, at 11:40:04
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on August 29, 2008, at 6:33:00
Are you taking regular Paxil or Paxil CR? Do you take it at bedtime or morning?
> Morning -
>
> Still have anxiety-related blushing. This is only my second day on Paxil. I will post a follow up in 2-3 weeks.
>
> Thanks all for the helpful suggestions!
>
> Have a good Friday,
> John
Posted by bulldog2 on September 5, 2008, at 16:48:17
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on August 28, 2008, at 23:17:46
> Not a worry anymore? Phillipa
Still a problem. Since I no longer work for a big company just not a big issue anymore. If I would have know about nardil at a younger age in terms of social anxiety would have made the dietary sacrifices. Now just to old to start over with a big firm. Plus big firms don't hire people my age for entry level in this economy anyhow.
Posted by Phillipa on September 5, 2008, at 19:38:30
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by bulldog2 on September 5, 2008, at 16:48:17
Bulldog that is very true but you can get some work. Maybe a second job? Love Phillipa
Posted by bulldog2 on September 6, 2008, at 8:44:06
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on September 5, 2008, at 19:38:30
> Bulldog that is very true but you can get some work. Maybe a second job? Love Phillipa
Accept what you cannot change and change what you cannot accept...the words of the great mahareshi
Posted by Phillipa on September 6, 2008, at 19:44:48
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by bulldog2 on September 6, 2008, at 8:44:06
So what now to fill the time? Love Phillipa
Posted by bulldog2 on September 8, 2008, at 15:24:10
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on September 6, 2008, at 19:44:48
> So what now to fill the time? Love Phillipa
worshipping and studying the great Marareshi's wisdom
Posted by bulldog2 on September 12, 2008, at 16:16:11
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by bulldog2 on September 8, 2008, at 15:24:10
> > So what now to fill the time? Love Phillipa
>
> worshipping and studying the great Marareshi's wisdomActually purchasing a new pup that hopefully will be trained as a therapy dog and take around to nursing homes and hospitals to cheer up the elderly and sick.
Posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2008, at 19:41:58
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by bulldog2 on September 12, 2008, at 16:16:11
That sounds good. Phillipa
Posted by jwpaine on November 7, 2008, at 17:46:53
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by bulldog2 on September 8, 2008, at 15:24:10
Still struggling with this problem.... just had a mild anxiety attack while talking to my sister who I haven't seen for about 2 months. I am on Paxil 20mg - I tried propranolol but it did not help at all with the fight-or-flight reaction to the situation: face turning red, sweating...which is the catalyst for even more anxiety.
Any more thoughts?
Thank you all for your help thus far.
Posted by bulldog2 on November 9, 2008, at 18:10:27
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on November 7, 2008, at 17:46:53
> Still struggling with this problem.... just had a mild anxiety attack while talking to my sister who I haven't seen for about 2 months. I am on Paxil 20mg - I tried propranolol but it did not help at all with the fight-or-flight reaction to the situation: face turning red, sweating...which is the catalyst for even more anxiety.
>
> Any more thoughts?
> Thank you all for your help thus far.What dose inderal did you use..I think 30-40 mg is what is needed...Also clonidine is supposed to be good for that problem.
Posted by Questionmark on November 9, 2008, at 23:24:40
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on November 7, 2008, at 17:46:53
Oh the curse that is blushing! The Red Torture, as i've called it. What a curse.
I don't get it as consistently or as generally as you say you do-- only in certain types of situations, though sometimes sort of random and unexpected. But i still hate it with a furious rage of a passion. Few things can make me internally hate myself or feel worse about myself in a moment than that. But anyhow...
Especially if propranolol (Inderal) didn't help you (as they say beta-blockers are supposed to be great for specific physical symptoms of anxiety like that), I would say seriously seriously seriously consider Nardil. It is uncanny how good Nardil has been with that for me. It just doesn't happen when you're on a high enough dose (which is not that high for myself-- ~45mg, though i am on less than that now). ANYbody with this or a related problem, please-- Nardil, Nardil, Nardil. Please consider Nardil.
Yeah, I was on Paxil before i got on Nardil. Paxil helped some. But let me tell you, Paxil ain't @#$%! Paxil has only but a semblance of Nardil's power and wonder-- for social anxiety AND depression, incidentally. A benzo might be worth a short trial initially, but if that doesn't work wonders, then i would say just get on Nardil. N-A-R-D-I-L. What's that spell? Nardil!
Sorry i must have had too much coffee. Oh, and speaking of coffee, i've definitely noticed that caffeine makes the Red Torture much worse, or at least a great deal more likely to rear its ugly face, pun intended.
Good luck to you sir.
> Still struggling with this problem.... just had a mild anxiety attack while talking to my sister who I haven't seen for about 2 months. I am on Paxil 20mg - I tried propranolol but it did not help at all with the fight-or-flight reaction to the situation: face turning red, sweating...which is the catalyst for even more anxiety.
>
> Any more thoughts?
> Thank you all for your help thus far.
Posted by bulldog2 on November 10, 2008, at 10:23:07
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on November 7, 2008, at 17:46:53
> Still struggling with this problem.... just had a mild anxiety attack while talking to my sister who I haven't seen for about 2 months. I am on Paxil 20mg - I tried propranolol but it did not help at all with the fight-or-flight reaction to the situation: face turning red, sweating...which is the catalyst for even more anxiety.
>
> Any more thoughts?
> Thank you all for your help thus far.I really feel for you. This curse changed the course of my life. Couldn't speak in front of any groups of people anywhere anytime. Had to leave teaching because of the curse. Had to hold jobs where I worked alone. If I had enough time to prepare for a speaking event I would load myself with klonopin and clonidine which helped somewhat. But not a good long term solution as I could do my work zombified on massive doses of klonopin. Problem became so bad sometimes a person visiting my cube would trigger a blushing panic attack. What made things worse were comments about my beet red face. Once someone called me a coward for blushing. All those thoughtless cruel comments.
Posted by kenny7 on November 13, 2008, at 14:00:24
In reply to Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on August 24, 2008, at 20:00:00
I didn't read into yout complaint too much, my apoligies. Inderal SHOULD work for what you have. Stage fright. There are people that take daily benzos, Nardil, and/or Nardil+something. Just wish you are not them. I hate people complaining about blushing and trembling when many of us have borderling posessions. Everyone has social phobia sometimes but you are getting somewhat depressed though during your anticipation, which (if true...really look into yourself)is a cause for concern. Not really a "aw why'd I blush!" Sort of thing. Antidepressants aren't for everyone, but I'd give a different beta blocker a change. Also you do know there is an increase in anxiety typially at the initiation of AD treatment (your minor symptoms fit that) There are many drugs you probably haven't heard of good for performance anxiety. If Inderal doesn't work, try another beta blocker. The difference in them is more than the difference between some other drugs in other classes. Now why, why, WHY would you consider Paxil? Try a different beta blocker and coping stategies.
Posted by kenny7 on November 13, 2008, at 14:13:07
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by bulldog2 on August 25, 2008, at 18:52:08
Bulldizzle Nardil is a last resort. If I had shaking hands I wouldn't sacrifice it all for N. Not that it wouldn't be it, but complete remission can and WILL be acheieve with the right theraoy for John?(sorry)
Nardil....treatment resistant...not blushing. treatment resistant blushing would be rosacea of just spontaneous.
Posted by jwpaine on December 5, 2008, at 19:47:56
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by kenny7 on November 13, 2008, at 14:00:24
> I didn't read into yout complaint too much, my apoligies. Inderal SHOULD work for what you have. Stage fright. There are people that take daily benzos, Nardil, and/or Nardil+something. Just wish you are not them. I hate people complaining about blushing and trembling when many of us have borderling posessions. Everyone has social phobia sometimes but you are getting somewhat depressed though during your anticipation, which (if true...really look into yourself)is a cause for concern. Not really a "aw why'd I blush!" Sort of thing. Antidepressants aren't for everyone, but I'd give a different beta blocker a change. Also you do know there is an increase in anxiety typially at the initiation of AD treatment (your minor symptoms fit that) There are many drugs you probably haven't heard of good for performance anxiety. If Inderal doesn't work, try another beta blocker. The difference in them is more than the difference between some other drugs in other classes. Now why, why, WHY would you consider Paxil? Try a different beta blocker and coping stategies.
As I still have anxiety, I need to question a few things you say. First, I have increased propranolol to 40MG, twice daily, and it is not helping.
So, why /not/ consider Paxil? Please support your hypothesis as to why you believe this SSRI is not a good choice (I am on Paxil now, have been for quite some time).
The propranolol is not working at 40MG, twice daily (and sometimes 3x daily), so any more suggestions? I'm still getting the sweating / facial flushing.
Thanks,
JP
Posted by kenny7 on December 8, 2008, at 22:38:55
In reply to Re: Help for anxiety-related facial blushing, posted by jwpaine on December 5, 2008, at 19:47:56
Well I'd try something other than Paxil. No doubt. Is it working? Is it worth the withdrawals? Did you research it or are you or your pdoc an FDA type of person? Have a heart, blocking epinephrine just isn't working for you.
This is the end of the thread.
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