Anxiety treatment available online today

Seek professional mental health services to explore the different treatment approaches and find the right one that helps you deal with depression and anxiety. Typically an effective treatment plan is a combination of talk therapy, medication with lifestyle adjustments (such as regular exercise). Therapy sessions can be in the form of talk therapy, family therapy, group therapy or problem solving therapy.

Anxiety and depression are different mental disorders. Anxiety can be triggered by different kinds of stressors from work to relationships or finances. However, if you continue to experience anxiety for a prolong period of time, an anxiety disorder may be to blame.

Depression can be brought about by stressful and upsetting life events, such as death of a love one, divorce, illness, etc. Substance abuse can also cause depression and anxiety.

In many cases, anxiety and depression can be caused by genetics and family history.

Aside from prescription medication, therapy and lifestyle changes can help with anxiety and depression. During therapy sessions you will learn techniques on how to reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression. Family interventions and support can also help reduce stress. In daily life, practice self compassion and focus on what you can control so it does not feel overwhelming.

Talk to your doctor to see which anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication is right for you. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to be effective in treating depression. Some common medications are listed here:

• Zoloft (sertraline)

• Prozac (fluoxetine)

• Lexapro (escitalopram)

• Strattera (atomoxetine)

• Effexor (venlafaxine)

• Cymbalta (duloxetine)

• Paxil (paroxetine)

• Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Anxiety and depression are two separate mental health conditions. On one end, anxiety causes one to feel overwhelming sense of worry or dread. On the other hand, depression causes one to feel sad, negative and hopeless. However, both mental health conditions can occur together.

See a doctor and seek professional mental health treatment for anxiety and depression if:

• The symptoms are affecting your daily life and sleep

• You are suffering from major depression

• Difficulty concentrating

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes a person with an anxiety disorder as “having recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns.” In order for anxiety to be considered disordered it must interfere with daily life and disrupt or prevent your usual flow of activities.

Common symptoms of anxiety are irritability, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, overwhelming feelings of worry, feeling like you are “on edge,” increased blood pressure and heart rate. All symptoms of anxiety are treatable when addressed by a medical or mental health professional.

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.

Yes, anxiety can be diagnosed and treated online by our top doctors. 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 that are not classified as a controlled substance. Our top online therapists can also help treat anxiety online via virtual therapy sessions.

Yes, an online doctor can prescribe anxiety medication that is not classified as a controlled substance. Your PlushCare doctor will work with you to determine which anxiety medication is best for your treatment plan and will closely monitor your progress.

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.

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, you can request anxiety medication online following a virtual medical consultation with a licensed doctor. Your physician will review your symptoms, medical history, and current medications in order to determine the right course of treatment for you.

The term anxiety attack refers to overwhelming symptoms of anxiety. According to the DSM-5, anxiety is defined as excessive worry occurring more days than not, for at least 6 months. Anxiety attack medications can ease symptoms of a sudden anxiety attack.

There are several anxiety attack medications, talk to your doctor to see which one works best for you.

Benzodiazepines are a fast acting class of controlled substances that may help to quickly ease symptoms of an anxiety attack. However, they will not prevent them in the future. Our doctors are unable to write prescriptions for benzodiazepines as they are classified as a controlled substances. Benzodiazepines have potential for addiction and abuse and can lead to overdose.

SSRIs are also considered top medications for anxiety attacks and are commonly prescribed. With long term use, they have the potential to prevent panic and anxiety attacks, and come with less risks for addiction and abuse than benzodiazepines. The top SSRI medications for anxiety attacks are:

• Prozac

• Zoloft 

• Paxil

• Luvox

• Lexapro

• Celexa

Online doctors are able to prescribe all SSRIs during a virtual video appointment, assuming prescription medication is necessary for treatment. Book an appointment with one of our doctors to see which is best for you.

A few side effects caused by anxiety medications include:

• Blurry vision

• Weight gain

• Drowsiness

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth

• Sweating

• Sexual Problems

• Headaches

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

Each different anti-anxiety medication has its own list of potential side effects, and even then, each individual may experience none of them, some of them, or all of them. This is why it is so 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.

Sleep anxiety, also called Somniphobia, is when a person develops feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear around sleep. One specific type of therapy and counseling, called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is especially effective at dealing with anxiety and sleep anxiety in particular. CBT works to change both thinking patterns and behaviors to help manage symptoms of anxiety.

Note about anxiety medication and prescriptions

Medications are prescribed at the sole discretion of a PlushCare physician. Prescriptions for non-controlled substances can only be written after a medical evaluation. Scheduling an appointment does not guarantee that a medication can or will be prescribed.