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How to Get Prescribed Anxiety Medication?

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Schedule an online appointment with a medical professional and obtain your online prescription for anti-anxiety medication if deemed necessary.
Written by:
Dr. Linda May
DO
Reviewer:
Dr. Bradley Noon
MD
Medical Disclaimer
The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not guarantee that they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. This list is not exhaustive, and healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more

Highlights

  • Medications for anxiety treatment include SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and buspirone. 
  • Consult with a licensed healthcare provider online or in person to obtain a medication prescription. 
  • Your healthcare provider will thoroughly assess your symptoms to identify if you have an anxiety disorder. After diagnosis, you may or may not be prescribed medication depending on individual factors.
  • Always follow instructions provided by your doctor regarding dosage, usage, and other guidelines. 

Every year, almost 19.1% [1*] of U.S. adults struggle with one of the most common mental health conditions—anxiety disorders. When self-help techniques and talk therapy appear ineffective, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. Read on to learn who may need pharmacological treatment and how to receive a prescription online.

Anxiety can be managed. Contact MEDvidi experts to get a personalized treatment plan.

How to Determine If You Need Anxiety Medication?

Figuring out whether you need anxiety medication or not is an elaborate process. The first and foremost step is identifying if you are experiencing any symptoms and how they affect your functioning. Some of the common symptoms that indicate the need for professional help are:

  • Excessive worrying
  • Aversion to people, places, or things that cause worrying or fear
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Panic episodes
  • Palpitations
  • Apprehension about upcoming events
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Muscle tension
  • Fatigue

If you feel that any of the above-mentioned anxiety symptoms significantly impact your daily life, consult with a mental health professional right away. Only a healthcare provider can define whether your anxiety is a healthy reaction to stress or if you have a mental health condition.

Types of Anxiety Medications

Types of anxiety disorders [2*] include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. So, there are also several types of medications that may be prescribed for one specific or several of the above-mentioned conditions. Each of the classes works in a distinct mechanism to relieve anxious symptoms:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are mostly prescribed as the first line for anxiety disorder treatment. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, therefore increasing its levels in the brain. This leads to improvement in mood and alleviation of anxiety. Examples: fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs act by increasing the concentration of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, regulating mood and leading to improved anxiety and depressive symptoms. Examples: duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
  • Benzodiazepines. These stimulate the neurotransmitter GABA, inducing feelings of calmness during panic episodes. Despite a relatively quick relief, benzodiazepines are only used short-term because they have the potential for dependence and addiction. Examples: alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan) 
  • Beta-blockers [3*] . They are primarily used as cardiovascular medication. However, since they inhibit the hormone adrenaline, they help overcome the physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, hyperventilation, and panic attacks. They are prescribed off-label for the short term. Examples: propranolol [4*] (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). TCAs [5*] have a risky side effect profile as compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, so they’re mostly used only when SSRIs and SNRIs prove to be ineffective. They influence levels of various neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine, which primarily help in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Examples: imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil)
  • Buspirone. It is an anxiolytic medication that helps to manage chronic anxiety by affecting serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. However, it may take several weeks till Buspirone [6*] shows optimal effectiveness. It has a lower risk of habit forming and adverse effects.
Consult a healthcare professional to avail a mental health treatment plan best suited for you.

What You Should Know When Starting an Anxiety Medication?

Some of the things you should keep in mind when you start an anxiety medication include:

  • Make sure your medical provider has answered all your questions and don’t hesitate to ask them about any additional information.
  • Follow the doctor’s instructions.
  • Anxiety medications may take up to a few weeks to develop full effectiveness, don’t stop taking them even if you don’t see significant effects right away.
  • These medicines have some potential side effects such as dizziness, insomnia, nausea, headache, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Mostly, they go away with time, but if any of them persist or become severe, discuss that with your doctor. 
  • Always tell your doctor about all the medicines you’re currently taking to ensure there are no drug interactions.
  • Regularly go to your doctor for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and see if the medication regimen needs adjustment.
  • Don’t stop taking your medicine abruptly without consulting with a doctor beforehand since it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

How to Get Prescribed Anxiety Medication?

In order to get prescribed anxiety medication you need to consult with a medical practitioner either in-person or online, from the comfort of your home. MEDvidi offers online consultations with experienced and licensed healthcare providers 24/7.

The steps include:

  1. Create an account: Provide basic information at MEDvidi’s portal to register.
  2. Book an appointment: Schedule a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider at any time that suits you best. 
  3. Online consultation: During an online appointment, discuss your symptoms, any prior treatment options you’ve tried, and your medical history.
  4. Diagnosis: After a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, your clinician will provide you with a diagnosis if the criteria are fulfilled.
  5. Individualized treatment regimen: Depending on your diagnosis and severity of symptoms, you will receive a treatment plan. If your medical practitioner deems medication necessary, they will prescribe it along with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
  6. Filling a prescription: You can have your online prescription forwarded to a pharmacy of your choice and then get it filled there. Some medications may require a special authorization request in order to be filled. 
  7. Follow-up appointments: Check in regularly at your follow-up appointments, as they help to monitor your health dynamics and make any changes to the regimen if needed.
Consult with our healthcare experts online to get a personalized treatment plan.

Is It Difficult to Obtain Anxiety Medication?

Obtaining medications for anxiety is a straightforward process if you have a diagnosis and proven need for such treatment. You need to consult with a qualified and licensed healthcare practitioner, and, if there is a need for medication, they will prescribe it to you. The choice may depend on:

  • Medication type
  • The severity of your symptoms
  • Your location
  • Availability of a qualified healthcare professional

Note that while discussion is encouraged, it is for a healthcare provider to choose the most suitable medication.

Who Has the Authority to Prescribe Anxiety Medication?

Prescribing rules and regulations may vary depending on the state you are located in. The main point is that a healthcare provider should be licensed in your state in order to prescribe medication.

The following are the most common types of medical professionals who have the authority to prescribe anti-anxiety medication:

  • General Practitioners
  • Primary Care Physicians (PCP)
  • Medical Doctors
  • Psychiatrists
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Can You Obtain a Prescription for Anxiety Medication Without Seeing a Doctor?

Medications for anxiety require a prescription to be used legally, so it’s important to consult with a licensed healthcare provider. If you don’t want to visit a doctor in person, you can book an online appointment. A practitioner will review and assess your symptoms and medical history and then write a prescription if deemed appropriate.

Get personalized support from medical providers specialized in treating mental health conditions.

How to Ask a Doctor for Anxiety Medication?

It may feel uncomfortable to open up about your mental health, so MEDvidi offers a supportive and stigma-free space where you can discuss your symptoms and get the help you need. If you are feeling anxious and think you may need medication to cope better, talk to a healthcare provider keeping in mind the following:

  • Be open and honest about the symptoms you are experiencing, their severity, and their effects on daily life.
  • Share the details regarding your medical history, family history of mental health conditions, medications you are currently taking, and other necessary information.
  • Discuss available treatment options to choose the one most suitable for you.
  • Ask any questions and discuss your concerns regarding medications and get detailed instructions.

Cost of Anxiety Medications

Costs of anti-anxiety medications may vary hugely. Every medication class has a certain price range that may also depend on the dosage prescribed. Generic versions often cost from $4 to $50 whereas brand name versions range from $100 to $400. Insurance coverage can help with cutting down costs to make it more affordable. Also, discuss any concerns with your doctor, as they may be able to help you find a cost-effective option for your symptoms.

How to Get Anxiety Medication Without Insurance?

With the rise in inflation, getting anxiety medication without insurance may be expensive. However, there are some options that may help you lower the costs, including:

  • Discount programs and vouchers offered by community health clinics and some pharmacies.
  • Generic versions may be less expensive than brand ones.
  • You may opt for telehealth platforms as online appointments usually cost less than in-person consultations.

Conclusion

Obtaining a prescription for anxiety medication involves consulting with a healthcare professional who will assess your symptoms in detail. Depending on your diagnosis, a clinician will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medicine if necessary.

At MEDvidi, our medical team is dedicated to helping you through each step of treatment, including medication management, making sure you receive the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

To refill or renew your prescription, consult with a healthcare provider. They will evaluate your symptoms and accordingly decide if you need a refill. Remember to never stop taking your medication, change its dosage, or switch to another medicine without seeing your doctor first.
In addition to taking medication, you can try the following:
  • Incorporate healthy lifestyle tips, such as regularly exercising, getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy balanced diet.
  • Practice meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga to reduce worrying and stress.
  • Join support groups as they can offer a sense of shared experience.
  • Try pinpointing and avoiding situations that may be triggering.

It’s best to choose the most suitable self-help tips together with your clinician who is aware of your particular situation.

Yes, some healthcare professionals may recommend medication as a single treatment option without psychotherapy depending on your symptoms.
Your doctor may not prescribe them due to several reasons. For example, it may be suitable for you at the moment to try non-medication treatment options such as lifestyle changes, or psychotherapy, before starting medication. Some anxiety medicines are known to have the potential for addiction, side effects, and other contraindications so your doctor may be reluctant to prescribe them depending on your health history.
No, over-the-counter (OTC) anxiety medications are not available for standard treatment, they require a prescription. However, there are some OTC supplements available including chamomile, valerian root, magnesium, and kava to help with anxiety disorder symptoms to some extent. It’s to be noted that the safety and effectiveness of these supplements aren’t backed by enough research. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using anything OTC to treat anxiety disorders.

Sources

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6 sources
  1. Anxiety Disorders - Facts & Statistics
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  2. Anxiety Disorders: A Review
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  3. Current status of beta-blocking drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders
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  4. Propranolol: A 50-Year Historical Perspective
    Source link
  5. Anxiety disorders: a review of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
    Source link
  6. Buspirone
    Source link
Written by:
Dr. Linda May
DO
Reviewer:
Dr. Bradley Noon
MD
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Written by:
Dr. Linda May
DO
Reviewer:
Dr. Bradley Noon
MD

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