Does Lexapro Help with Social Anxiety?

If you have social anxiety disorder (social phobia), everyday social situations can cause extreme anxiety. Many people find relief through psychiatric medications like Lexapro, which can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Social anxiety disorder causes both physical symptoms—like blushing, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate—and emotional symptoms—like intense worry, self-consciousness, and fear of embarrassment. These symptoms often lead people to avoid potentially triggering situations.

Can You Take Lexapro for Social Anxiety Disorder?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). While it's not FDA-approved specifically for social anxiety disorder, psychiatrists may prescribe it "off-label" based on scientific evidence showing its effectiveness.

Research has found that Lexapro is beneficial for treating social anxiety while being well tolerated with minimal side effects. One study comparing Lexapro to Paxil (an FDA-approved medication for social anxiety) found that Lexapro actually outperformed Paxil.

Lexapro is officially FDA-approved for:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Dosage and Timeline

The typical starting dose is 5mg or 10mg daily. Lexapro doesn't work immediately—it can take several weeks, even up to 8 weeks of treatment, to notice a major difference. However, many people notice small improvements after about two weeks.

FDA-Approved Antidepressants for Social Anxiety

There isn't a one-size-fits-all medication for social anxiety, but three medications have FDA approval specifically for social anxiety disorder:

• Paxil (paroxetine) - SSRI
• Zoloft (sertraline) - SSRI
• Effexor (venlafaxine) - SNRI

These medications are typically first-line choices for social anxiety disorder treatment.

Other Medications That Can Help Social Anxiety

Many other medications are used off-label to treat social anxiety:

• Other SSRIs: Prozac (fluoxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) may benefit social anxiety
• Gabapentin: Originally for nerve pain and seizures, may help various anxiety disorders
• Beta-blockers: Propranolol helps reduce physical symptoms like racing heart, shaking, and sweating—typically taken before triggering situations
• Benzodiazepines: For severe social anxiety with intense panic attacks, though only prescribed short-term due to habit-forming potential

Common Side Effects of SSRIs for Social Anxiety

Potential side effects of medications like Lexapro include:

• Drowsiness
• Increased anxiety (initially)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Sexual dysfunction
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Blurred vision

These side effects are typically mild and often subside after a few weeks. If side effects persist or worsen, inform your psychiatrist—you may need to adjust your dose or switch medications.

Should You Take Lexapro for Social Anxiety?

If you struggle with social anxiety, Lexapro could help. However, a psychiatrist is your best guide in determining the right medication for your situation. They will:

• Educate you on benefits and risks
• Consider co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, OCD)
• Determine the best medication for your individual case
• Monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed

Social Anxiety Treatment at Next Step Psychiatry

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, we specialize in treating social anxiety disorder and related conditions. Our psychiatrists provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized medication management to help you feel more confident in social situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lexapro good for social anxiety?

While not FDA-approved specifically for social anxiety, research shows Lexapro can effectively help social anxiety symptoms when prescribed off-label. Individual responses vary—what works well for one person may differ for another.

Which SSRI is best for social anxiety?

There's no definitive "best" SSRI since everyone responds differently. The two SSRIs officially FDA-approved for social anxiety are Paxil and Zoloft, both with extensive clinical research supporting their use.

How can you cope with social anxiety?

Medication combined with coping strategies often provides the most effective approach. Your psychiatrist can recommend appropriate treatments and help you develop strategies to feel more comfortable in social situations.