Get anxiety medication and treatment online today

It's common to feel stressed, anxious, or any combination occasionally. All the same, you’re the best person to recognize what’s typical for you. If you start to experience new uncomfortable feelings, negative thoughts, changes in your energy and motivation, poor concentration, or any other unusual severe symptoms, it never hurts to connect with a mental health professional for more guidance.

You might wonder whether an online self-test for anxiety could offer more insight into your mental health conditions. Some people do find these a helpful place to start - but a more personalized route might involve asking yourself a few questions:

• Do I often feel excessively worried or fearful about various aspects of my life?

• Do I find it challenging to control my worrying thoughts, even when I know they are irrational?

• Do I frequently feel restless or on edge?

• Have I experienced physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling when faced with stressful situations?

• Do I have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to racing thoughts or worries?

• Do I avoid certain situations or activities because they make me anxious or uncomfortable?

• Do I often feel fatigued or have low energy, even without apparent reason?

• Do I experience muscle tension, headaches, or other physical symptoms related to stress or anxiety?

• Do I feel easily irritated, agitated, or have a short temper?

• Have I noticed changes in my eating habits, either overeating or loss of appetite, due to anxiety?

• Do I frequently experience intrusive or unwanted thoughts that are difficult to control?

• Have I had panic attacks or sudden episodes of intense fear or dread?

• Do I struggle to concentrate or stay focused on tasks because of anxiety?

• Have I withdrawn from social activities or hobbies I once enjoyed because of anxiety?

• Do I feel constant unease or impending doom, even without a specific reason?

• Have these symptoms persisted for an extended period, typically at least six months?

If you answered “yes” to most of the questions above, it may be time to reach out to our online health care clinicians.

It’s always a good idea to get professional mental health services for symptoms that:

• Last longer than a week or so

• Create problems in your everyday activities or personal relationships

• Begin to affect your physical health and well being

No single test can diagnose anxiety. Instead, our online medical team will generally start by asking questions about your symptoms, including how long you’ve had them and how they affect your daily life, to get more insight into what you’re experiencing.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and based on the criteria in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5),” diagnosis requires: you experience excessive, uncontrollable worry and 3 additional anxiety symptoms most days for at least 6 months.

The three most common anti-anxiety medications are SSRIs, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines. They come in three forms:

• Liquid form

• Tablet/pill form

• Capsule form

It's always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

A few side effects caused by anxiety medications include blurry vision, weight gain, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, sweating, sexual problems, and headaches.

These are just a few common side effects of certain medications for anxiety attacks.

Each anti-anxiety medication has its list of potential side effects, and even then, each individual may experience none of them, some of them, or all. This is why it is important to discuss anti-anxiety medications with your doctor or pharmacist, understand the risks, and be open to trying a new medication if the first one you try doesn’t work out.

Some other medications that might interact with anxiety medication and should be avoided:

• 5-hydroxytryptophan: If it is taken with other SSRI medications, it may result in serotonin syndrome. 

• Ashwagandha: This Ayurvedic supplement reduces anxiety and stress. It may, however, exacerbate benzodiazepines sedative impacts.

• Rhodiola rosea: This herbal supplement may help with minor anxiety. While using Rhodiola rosea alongside anti-depressants, cases of serotonin syndrome and other adverse effects have been recorded.

• Alcohol: Be careful and do not combine benzodiazepines with alcohol. Alcohol can function as a central nervous system depressant and impact normal breathing.

Talking to your doctor about anxiety medication can be intimidating. The best approach is to be direct, explain your anxiety symptoms, what triggers your anxiety disorder and why you think a medication prescription may help reduce symptoms. Remember the doctor is there to help you:

• Be direct and specific; ask your doctor to do the same

• Don’t waste time being vague about what you’re seeking help for. Be direct and specific about what symptoms you’ve been struggling with and for how long. Also be sure to mention whether you’ve spoken to a therapist. Ask your doctor to be direct and specific in return.

• Ask why they recommend a specific medication and if other options are available

• Some doctors may have a specific medication they start most of their anxiety patients on because they feel it has the highest effectiveness with the fewest side effects.

• Other doctors may take a variety of factors into consideration before recommending a specific medication.

• Always ask your doctor why they recommend the medication they did and if other options might be more appropriate for you.

• How long will you need to take this medication? A few weeks? A few months? A few years? As needed? Forever? The answer will vary depending on your symptoms, health history, and the medication prescribed.