Get anxiety treatment and medication online today

The APA describes a person with an anxiety disorder as “having recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns.” For anxiety to be considered disordered, it must interfere with daily life and disrupt or prevent your usual flow of activities.

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.

The most commonly prescribed medication for social anxiety is SSRI. Some examples are paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRIs can help relieve some of the symptoms of social anxiety. Another option includes serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

The best anxiety treatment is typically a combination of talk therapy, medication and other mindfulness techniques and lifestyle changes that can help you live anxiety free. That said, anxiety treatment will be different for everyone and depends on the severity of your condition, medical history, and any other medications you may be taking.

Initiating a conversation with 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 medication 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.

Yes, our doctors can diagnose and treat anxiety online. During your video consultation with a doctor, you will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any current medications you take. Together, you and the doctor will create a comprehensive treatment plan, including necessary prescriptions not classified as controlled substances. Our top online therapists can also help treat anxiety online via virtual therapy sessions.

Online doctors at PlushCare cannot write prescriptions for controlled substances such as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan and lorazepam. Please note this is not a complete list of anxiety medications that cannot be prescribed online.

No. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription after consultation and evaluation with a doctor. Book an appointment with a PlushCare doctor for evaluation and diagnosis and to discuss a treatment plan for your anxiety. If our doctors think you may benefit from a prescription after an online medical evaluation, they will electronically send one to the pharmacy of your choice. They can also assist with referrals for psychotherapy.

Some anti-anxiety medications begin to work within 30 to 60 mins of administration. They can provide quick anxiety relief during panic attacks. Antidepressants may take a few weeks (2 to 6 weeks) to start working.