I suffer from severe social anxiety and am planning on going to my doctor to get something like Xanax or whatever type of drug he recommends. I still like rolling maybe 4 times a year and want to make sure I don't take any kind of prescription drug that would make me enjoy the roll less. Obviously I know I probably would have to stop the drug before rolling but was wondering if there is any kind of drugs for depression or social anxiety that I should avoid? or maybe are there any that would even improve the roll? Basically I just want one that can co- exist with my love for occasional MDMA use.
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Social anxiety drugs and MDMA
- Thread starter devorzon
- Start date
futura2012
Bluelighter
Hello Dvorzon
I suffer from social anxiety and turned to MDMA. Just to let you know the anxiety that MDMA can trigger in later life can be really painful I speak from bitter experience. If you are an anxiety sufferer you could be at great risk in later life.
If you have a severe condition I would be very carful with MDMA. I know this isnt your question I just wanted to warn you. I am 39 now so can speak after long experience of taking E since I was 20.
Personally if you can I would hit your anxiety head on and try and avoid antidepressants etc. There is no 'cure' the antidepressants, anti psychotics etc only provide a mask. This mask very often comes at a cost. Reduced sex drive, numb of emotions, appathy to name a few.
Defeating social anxiety is in the mind. The mind is 100x more powerful than any drug.
I cannot think of any anxiety drug that I would recommend to co-administer with MDMA. MDMA is a P450 enzyme inhibitor so for this reason it is never great to take with other drugs. Also the psychological aspects can play havoc with any type of antidepressant.
My advice would be > Try and defeat your anxiety using health, fitness, yoga, meditation and attempts to socialise more and defeat your mind at its own game. You could also try cognotive therapy that can be very affective for some.
This way you can experiment with the MDMA in sensible doses 2 or 3 times a year without drug>drug synergie worries.
Other members might make suggstion about recommended drug mixes but those are my thoughts.
I hope this is of some help to you my friend.
I suffer from social anxiety and turned to MDMA. Just to let you know the anxiety that MDMA can trigger in later life can be really painful I speak from bitter experience. If you are an anxiety sufferer you could be at great risk in later life.
If you have a severe condition I would be very carful with MDMA. I know this isnt your question I just wanted to warn you. I am 39 now so can speak after long experience of taking E since I was 20.
Personally if you can I would hit your anxiety head on and try and avoid antidepressants etc. There is no 'cure' the antidepressants, anti psychotics etc only provide a mask. This mask very often comes at a cost. Reduced sex drive, numb of emotions, appathy to name a few.
Defeating social anxiety is in the mind. The mind is 100x more powerful than any drug.
I cannot think of any anxiety drug that I would recommend to co-administer with MDMA. MDMA is a P450 enzyme inhibitor so for this reason it is never great to take with other drugs. Also the psychological aspects can play havoc with any type of antidepressant.
My advice would be > Try and defeat your anxiety using health, fitness, yoga, meditation and attempts to socialise more and defeat your mind at its own game. You could also try cognotive therapy that can be very affective for some.
This way you can experiment with the MDMA in sensible doses 2 or 3 times a year without drug>drug synergie worries.
Other members might make suggstion about recommended drug mixes but those are my thoughts.
I hope this is of some help to you my friend.
Jesusgreen
Bluelight Crew
SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, such as Sertraline or Seroxat, are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression.
If you take MDMA or other similar serotonergic drugs while on them you will get drastically reduced effects from the MDMA, or sometimes even none at all. You're also likely to get severely reduced effects for a long time after you quit using them if you start taking them and then stop, as they cause your serotonin receptors to down-regulate in a similar manner to excess MDMA use, and so the drug will produce lessened effects until your receptor function returns to normal.
The other type of drug commonly prescribed for people with anxiety and depression are benzodiazepines, like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, etc. These drugs interact with GABA in a similar manner to other drugs like Alcohol, GHB, and GBL. Similarly to these drugs they reduce anxiety and make you feel much more calm and confident, along with boosting your mood, however this comes at a price and they are incredibly addictive, with some of the worst withdrawal symptoms of any class of drug. Withdrawal can induce seizures which in rare cases in severe addiction can even be fatal.
As someone who suffered with varying degrees of social anxiety through most of my life, the worst peak being the two years prior to 2012 - I've now overcome it, and I can whole-heartedly say I really recommend really pushing the therapy route before you even consider medication. The medication for anxiety is lacklustre at best and with a whole host of side-effects, along with being very addictive - I've yet to meet a single person who has successfully used the medication to beat their anxiety, only a whole host of people who it either doesn't help - or it simply helps them cope a little better, at the cost of a painful addiction.
I'd definitely recommend trying to see a therapist, go through a bunch until you find one you get on with, who seems to be helping you, and spend the next few months, or even years if necessary, getting to the root of your anxiety and finding a way to deal with it
Alongside therapy a healthy lifestyle really helps. Incorporating a low-protein high-carbohydrate diet can reduce the number of amino acids that would break down L-Tryptophan before it is used by the brain in the manufacture of Serotonin, allowing you to increase your serotonin levels naturally without the help of drugs (which in turn, should improve your rolls!). Exercising regularly and staying fit will also improve how you feel from day to day, and having a good body image can help with your confidence and reduce some of that anxiety. Sleep is also key, avoid erratic sleep patterns and skipping sleep and you'll notice a huge difference in mood and anxiety levels. Finally, although it's harder than it sounds on paper - reduce stress, as high cortisol (stress hormone) levels can massively contribute to your anxiety.
Other things you can do to help defeat your anxiety: Avoid or reduce consumption of stimulants (including caffeine and cigarettes!) - this is a big one that I highly recommend. Avoid or reduce consumption of Cannabis, especially stronger paranoid strains. Force yourself to go out each day even if it's just a 2 minute walk to the end of the street - part of your anxiety is a lack of practice, so by getting out more and more and getting in practice, it becomes less daunting
If you tackle all this and you're still noticing no signs of improvement, and your therapist and you agree that medication is the way forward for you, take a long time to decide with your therapist which medication is right - and please DO NOT base your decision on what will allow you to enjoy MDMA, as MDMA itself is known to worsen anxiety and as such it should not be one of your priorities until you have dealt with your recovery.
Hope this helps 
If you take MDMA or other similar serotonergic drugs while on them you will get drastically reduced effects from the MDMA, or sometimes even none at all. You're also likely to get severely reduced effects for a long time after you quit using them if you start taking them and then stop, as they cause your serotonin receptors to down-regulate in a similar manner to excess MDMA use, and so the drug will produce lessened effects until your receptor function returns to normal.
The other type of drug commonly prescribed for people with anxiety and depression are benzodiazepines, like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, etc. These drugs interact with GABA in a similar manner to other drugs like Alcohol, GHB, and GBL. Similarly to these drugs they reduce anxiety and make you feel much more calm and confident, along with boosting your mood, however this comes at a price and they are incredibly addictive, with some of the worst withdrawal symptoms of any class of drug. Withdrawal can induce seizures which in rare cases in severe addiction can even be fatal.
As someone who suffered with varying degrees of social anxiety through most of my life, the worst peak being the two years prior to 2012 - I've now overcome it, and I can whole-heartedly say I really recommend really pushing the therapy route before you even consider medication. The medication for anxiety is lacklustre at best and with a whole host of side-effects, along with being very addictive - I've yet to meet a single person who has successfully used the medication to beat their anxiety, only a whole host of people who it either doesn't help - or it simply helps them cope a little better, at the cost of a painful addiction.
I'd definitely recommend trying to see a therapist, go through a bunch until you find one you get on with, who seems to be helping you, and spend the next few months, or even years if necessary, getting to the root of your anxiety and finding a way to deal with it
Alongside therapy a healthy lifestyle really helps. Incorporating a low-protein high-carbohydrate diet can reduce the number of amino acids that would break down L-Tryptophan before it is used by the brain in the manufacture of Serotonin, allowing you to increase your serotonin levels naturally without the help of drugs (which in turn, should improve your rolls!). Exercising regularly and staying fit will also improve how you feel from day to day, and having a good body image can help with your confidence and reduce some of that anxiety. Sleep is also key, avoid erratic sleep patterns and skipping sleep and you'll notice a huge difference in mood and anxiety levels. Finally, although it's harder than it sounds on paper - reduce stress, as high cortisol (stress hormone) levels can massively contribute to your anxiety.
Other things you can do to help defeat your anxiety: Avoid or reduce consumption of stimulants (including caffeine and cigarettes!) - this is a big one that I highly recommend. Avoid or reduce consumption of Cannabis, especially stronger paranoid strains. Force yourself to go out each day even if it's just a 2 minute walk to the end of the street - part of your anxiety is a lack of practice, so by getting out more and more and getting in practice, it becomes less daunting
If you tackle all this and you're still noticing no signs of improvement, and your therapist and you agree that medication is the way forward for you, take a long time to decide with your therapist which medication is right - and please DO NOT base your decision on what will allow you to enjoy MDMA, as MDMA itself is known to worsen anxiety and as such it should not be one of your priorities until you have dealt with your recovery.
Hope this helps
futura2012
Bluelighter
^^ Great advice by the way.
Just one thought. Reading Jesusgreens post the only drug I can think of that might not have such severe side effects with MDMA use is a Cortisol Reduction Drug.
You may have excessive Cortisol in your system.
I am in agrement with Jesusgreen no meds is the way forward but just for your refernce:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/410469-cortisol-reducing-medications/
I am suffering from Anxiety myself at the moment due to a run in with BZP mixed with MDMA last year.
Insomnia being a big problem. One suggestion has been excessive Cortisol is a cause of this.
Just one thought. Reading Jesusgreens post the only drug I can think of that might not have such severe side effects with MDMA use is a Cortisol Reduction Drug.
You may have excessive Cortisol in your system.
I am in agrement with Jesusgreen no meds is the way forward but just for your refernce:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/410469-cortisol-reducing-medications/
I am suffering from Anxiety myself at the moment due to a run in with BZP mixed with MDMA last year.
Insomnia being a big problem. One suggestion has been excessive Cortisol is a cause of this.
MazDan
Bluelight Crew
OK there are a number of problems with your ideas my friend.
1. MDMA can and very possibly will only make things worse, certainly short term and possibly long term.
2. Drugs to help with anxiety are not like choosing your favourite chocolate...............It may even take numerous short term trials of different ones for the doctor to determine which is going to be the one that suits your individual situation best. You cant choose based on your wanting to use mdma.
3. Many anxiety drugs are extremely dangerous (read DEADLY) to mix with mdma such as Moclobemide and similar.
Think very seriously about this before acting. What is more important in your life..............the rest of your life or a few short experiences with mdma.
1. MDMA can and very possibly will only make things worse, certainly short term and possibly long term.
2. Drugs to help with anxiety are not like choosing your favourite chocolate...............It may even take numerous short term trials of different ones for the doctor to determine which is going to be the one that suits your individual situation best. You cant choose based on your wanting to use mdma.
3. Many anxiety drugs are extremely dangerous (read DEADLY) to mix with mdma such as Moclobemide and similar.
Think very seriously about this before acting. What is more important in your life..............the rest of your life or a few short experiences with mdma.
mistereman
Greenlighter
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2010
- Messages
- 38
Wonderful reply - some sound advice right here.
Hm, mdma has helped tons in firstly making me (well, that and shrooms maybe) socially anxious (i was avoidant before that...it feels better but its actually worse lol) and after that helping me in overcoming social anxiety.
Yes good health,exercise,CBT and a path towards spiritualism (meditation,yoga,whatever works for you) does help....but mdma now and then can help tons in showing you how NORMAL you are and getting rid of your fears/inhibitions etc and basically putting you on the right path.
I've done a lot of reading on mdma and SA and tbh while i do appreciate futura2012's input a lot on every post regarding mdma's danger, i think he must mention in every post too that he did kind of abuse mdma to get where he is now. I'd say mdma is even more safe/valuable for people taking mdma mostly to improve as persons rather than to have a good time. I know futura2012 is making that point too (suggesting 2-3 times a year), im just reinforcing it
Yes good health,exercise,CBT and a path towards spiritualism (meditation,yoga,whatever works for you) does help....but mdma now and then can help tons in showing you how NORMAL you are and getting rid of your fears/inhibitions etc and basically putting you on the right path.
I've done a lot of reading on mdma and SA and tbh while i do appreciate futura2012's input a lot on every post regarding mdma's danger, i think he must mention in every post too that he did kind of abuse mdma to get where he is now. I'd say mdma is even more safe/valuable for people taking mdma mostly to improve as persons rather than to have a good time. I know futura2012 is making that point too (suggesting 2-3 times a year), im just reinforcing it
futura2012
Bluelighter
Hello panos
Yes I see your point and clearly MDMA has worked out for you which is positive. However, it doesnt mean it will work out for everyone.
MDMA in the context of therapy is a valid argument and if dosed and monitored correctly I think it has potential. But.. its not a definite cert. Hence why it is not approved or legal for therapy yet.
Yes you might be right my opinion is affected by my history of MDMA abuse. As a result my advice always airs on the side of caution. I dont think this is a negative thing.
Just like yourself I only express an opinion and whatever deverzon decides is up to him. The big decision he needs to make is if he feels Social Anxiety and MDMA is a good plan for the future.
Seems our advice agrees this time
i have a degree of SAD that varies alot, I scored moderate-severe on the scale. Can't remember its name but its easily accesible online.
MDMA makes the confident, outgoing, social person I can be. For those few hours its beautiful. But it has hasn't helped any long-term issues and also hasn't caused any as I moderate usage by 3 months. I do feel MDMA has the potential to give me a 'break-through' experience that will help after i've comedown. But it also has the potential to fuck up your anxieties and make them alot worse. Keep usage responsible: 100-150mg dose, 3months + moderation, antioxidants (Vit C), exercise, healthy diet etc.
Have fun!
MDMA makes the confident, outgoing, social person I can be. For those few hours its beautiful. But it has hasn't helped any long-term issues and also hasn't caused any as I moderate usage by 3 months. I do feel MDMA has the potential to give me a 'break-through' experience that will help after i've comedown. But it also has the potential to fuck up your anxieties and make them alot worse. Keep usage responsible: 100-150mg dose, 3months + moderation, antioxidants (Vit C), exercise, healthy diet etc.
Have fun!
Just for reference, my break through experience came when my SAD was at its peak,rolling alone at home.I liked a girl a lot (for the first time in years) and was like "i'll never be normal to have a girl", i also had/have some ocd eye contact thing, fearing i'll lose my friends cause of that etc.I was almost scared when i rolled.
Well i felt so normal in that roll,all my fears about girls resolved themselves...and even though after that there were lots of ups and downs...7 months and 2 more rolls later i've gone a loooooong way.
Some audio-series-cbt-therapy and self help books and lots of effort from my side sure helped a lot.MDMA is no magic button....but if you feel super normal for 1hour....well that feeling can accompany you for a long time as a reminder of who you really are.
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