I am very shy and anxious around people-. what is the most effective medicine for social anxiety?

Varies individually: Start with counseling . Significant social anxiety can be dealt with by using a process called desensitization . Non addictive medications if needed after counseling has been tried ( buspirone, Hydroxyzine , Propranolol and atenolol) should be the next step. Most used are bezodiazepines like valium, xanax, (alprazolam) Ativan and Klonopin but are addictive. Best long term are serotonergic antidepressants.

Mindfulness: Reading on mindfulness will help you deal with anxiety and stress without medication.

Meds can help BUT...: ... How about behavioral options? Anxiety disorders assn of bc has educational & self-help tools (incl. A video) for managing & even overcoming social anxiety: http://bit.Ly/yudsfl effective treatment for social anxiety will involve putting yourself in feared social situations, going from ones you fear only a little to others you fear a lot. A cbt & anxiety expert can be big help!