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.
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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
- 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. They 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.
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:
- Create an account: Provide basic information at MEDvidi’s portal to register.
- Book an appointment: Schedule a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider at any time that suits you best.
- Online consultation: During an online appointment, discuss your symptoms, any prior treatment options you’ve tried, and your medical history.
- Diagnosis: After a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, your clinician will provide you with a diagnosis if the criteria are fulfilled.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
How to get a refill for anxiety meds?
What can you do in addition to taking medication for anxiety?
- 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.
