A phobia is an "irrational fear", it might take you years to overcome it. You need to get to the root of the problem. If you’re serious Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and patience (and perserverance) is the only thing that is going to help you. Medication is just a band-aid solution until you realize that, unfortunately it’s only real for you. There is a risk in everything we do, but that doesn’t stop of from getting out of bed in the morning (which cannot be your case, because you at least made it to the computer to type your question!)

I’ve seen the majority of phobias lay in people who have a set pattern of thinking in a certain way; many are religious (Christians) which compacts the problem (as in my friend’s case and several other acquaintances). That’s why CBT is really the only way to change your behavior and pattern of thinking. It might take you awhile to find someone you like and trust – that’s normal.

I wish you luck. Yes, a phobia can keep you from living life to the fullest. It is truly a monkey on your back….

SSRI antidepressants are often used.

Benzodiazapines also (sedatives) such as ativan (lorazepam), xanax (alprazolam), etc.

Unfortunately (as I see you are on anti-anxiety meds)…a phobia is an anxiety disorder. So anxiety medications are the only ones that would work to treat it.

How long did you try CBT for? It doesn’t work for everyone, but it does work for the vast majority. I would give it another try, if I were you. It can’t hurt, and it just MIGHT help. And even a little bit of help is better than nothing right?