How Nardil Helps Social Phobia

While some people enjoy being in the company of others, for some, such an experience is frightening. People who are suffering from social phobia or social anxiety struggle significantly in social interactions feeling fearful and anxious. They may even have physical symptoms such as trembling, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nausea.

Severe social phobia can affect one’s study ability and professional and social development. The condition makes it difficult to meet new people, attend social events, and even create close relationships with non-family members.

Fortunately, a patient does not have to suffer from the debilitating effects of social phobia permanently. There are currently several medications that treat anxiety on top of psychotherapy. One such drug is Nardil.

Do you have symptoms similar to those of social phobia? Get those signs evaluated by our mental health professionals.

What Is Nardil?

Nardil is a drug approved by the FDA in 1961 for the treatment of social anxiety and panic disorder, among other mental health conditions. Nardil’s generic name is Phenelzine. It belongs to a class of drugs called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). This group got its name from its action and the chemical in the brain it affects.

Most mental health disorders, including social phobia, have a connection to poor cell communication in the brain, which is caused by low levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Antidepressants boost the levels of those neurotransmitters.

Nardil medication and other MAOIs also have a similar result, but it is achieved differently. They work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, a natural chemical in the body that has several functions, including removing neurotransmitters and cleaning out tyramine. This chemical helps regulate blood pressure.

Its action of removing neurotransmitters means their levels decrease in the brain affecting cell communication. However, its inhibition by Nardil causes the levels of serotonin, and other neurotransmitters will increase in the brain, which elevates a patient’s mood and fights other conditions like panic attacks and social anxiety.

The initial Nardil prescription consists of a test dose of 15 mg on the first day. From here, the dosage is steadily increased by 15 mg tablets thrice a day in the early phase of treatment. Most patients will show clinical improvement after being on a 60 mg dosage for at least four weeks. Sometimes, the dosage may have to be upped to 90 mg. After obtaining the maximum benefit, the doctor will place a patient under a maintenance dosage for as long as necessary. The doctor makes the adjustments slowly until a patient is down to one 15 mg tablet daily or every other day.

Consult with your prescriber to know the dosage that will work best for you,

Nardil: Side Effects

Side effects of Nardil are often mild or moderate, and they are varied because monoamine oxidase is found throughout the body. They also usually subside as one continues with the medication and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. Hardly does a patient have severe side effects necessitating discontinuation of the drug or use of counteracting measures.

Common side effects include:

• Nervous system side effects: dizziness, sleep disturbances, headaches, twitching, fatigue, and hyperreflexia.
• Gastrointestinal effects: dry mouth, gut disturbances, and constipation.
• Metabolic side effects: one can experience weight gain.
• Cardiovascular: edema, postural hypotension.
• Dermatologic side effects: sweating, skin rash, and pruritus.
• Genitourinary: sexual disturbances.