How Can I Get Prescription Drugs for Anxiety?

Highlights

• SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and buspirone are among the medications used to treat anxiety.
• To obtain a prescription for medication, speak with a licensed healthcare professional in person or online.
• To determine whether you have an anxiety disorder, your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms in-depth. Depending on your specific circumstances, you might or might not be prescribed medication following a diagnosis.
• Always adhere to your doctor’s recommendations for dosage, usage, and other matters.

Approximately 19.1% ⁽¹⁾  of adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, one of the most prevalent mental health issues, on an annual basis. In cases where talk therapy and self-help methods don’t seem to be working, medical professionals could recommend medication ⁽²⁾ to help control symptoms. Continue reading to find out who might benefit from pharmaceutical treatment and how to have a prescription filled online.

How Can You Tell If You Need Medicine for Anxiety?

Determining if you require anxiety medication is a complex task. The first step is to see if you have symptoms and how they affect you. Typical signs that point to the need for expert assistance include the following:

• Overly concerned
• Aversion to individuals, situations, or objects that make one anxious or afraid
• difficulty falling asleep
• Intolerance
• Anxiety
• Attacks of panic
• Heart palpitations
• Uncertainty about what lies ahead
• Unable to focus
• Tension in the muscles
• Weary

See a mental health specialist straightaway if you believe that any of the anxiety symptoms listed above are having a substantial negative influence on your day-to-day activities. It is only a medical professional who can determine whether your anxiety is a normal response to stress or if you are suffering from a mental illness.

How Can I Get Prescription Drugs for Anxiety?

You must speak with a doctor in person or virtually from the comfort of your home to receive a prescription for anxiety medication. Online anxiety consultations with skilled, certified medical professionals are available around the clock at Lillie’s Friends.

The actions consist of

• Make an account: To register, enter your basic information on the Lillie’s Friends portal.
• Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment for a virtual consultation with a medical professional whenever it is most convenient for you.
• Online consultation: Talk about your medical history, symptoms, and any previous treatment options you’ve tried during an online consultation.
• Diagnosis: After a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, your clinician will provide a diagnosis if the criteria are satisfied.
• Customized treatment plan: You will be given a treatment plan based on your diagnosis and the intensity of your symptoms. In addition to psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications, your doctor will prescribe medication if they determine it is necessary.
• Prescription filling: You can request that your online prescription be sent to a pharmacy of your choosing, where it will be filled. To fill some prescriptions, a special authorization request might be necessary.
• Follow-up appointments: Attend your follow-up appointments regularly so your health can be monitored and any necessary adjustments to your regimen can be made.

Kinds of Medications for Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder ⁽³⁾ (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and particular phobias are among the several types of anxiety disorders. Therefore, doctors may recommend a variety of drug types for one or more of the aforementioned diseases. Every class employs a unique strategy to alleviate symptoms of anxiety:

• SSRIs are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. When treating anxiety disorders, SSRIs are typically used as the first line of treatment. They function by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed, which raises serotonin levels in the brain. As a result, they reduce anxiety and improve mood. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac).
• These substances are known as inhibitors of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake (SNRIs). SNRIs work by raising serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which regulates mood and improves symptoms of depression and anxiety. Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are two examples.
• Benzodiazepines. These cause the neurotransmitter GABA to be stimulated, which calms the body during panic attacks. Although they provide immediate relief, benzodiazepines should only be used temporarily due to the risk of addiction and dependence. Three examples are clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and alprazolam (Xanax).
• Beta-blockers ⁽⁴⁾ . Their main purpose is as cardiovascular drugs. But because they block the adrenaline hormone, they aid in reducing the body’s reaction to worry, including trembling, sweating, fast heartbeat, hyperventilation, and panic episodes. They receive off-label medication for a brief period. Examples are atenolol (Tenormin) and propranolol ⁽⁵⁾  (Inderal).
• Tricyclic antidepressants: what are they? Only when SSRIs and SNRIs prove ineffective due to their more hazardous side effect profile do clinicians typically turn to TCAs ⁽⁶⁾ . They affect the brain’s levels of certain neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and serotonin, which are mostly helpful in treating anxiety disorders. Imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil) are two examples.
• Buspirone. It’s an anxiolytic drug that works by changing the brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels to assist in treating persistent anxiety. Nevertheless, it can take a few weeks before Buspirone ⁽⁷⁾  performs at its best. It is less likely to cause negative side effects and habits.

What You Need to Know Before Taking Anxiety Medicine?

When using an anxiety medication, some considerations to make are as follows:

• Verify that your healthcare provider has addressed all of your inquiries, and don’t be afraid to ask for more details.
• Adhere to the doctor’s advice.
• The full effect of anxiety drugs may not be felt for many weeks, so continue taking them even if you don’t experience any noticeable changes straight away.
• Some possible adverse effects of these medications include headaches, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Most of them go away with time, but talk to your doctor if any of them worsen or continue.
• To make sure there are no drug interactions, always let your doctor know about all of the medications you are currently taking.
• Schedule follow-up visits with your doctor on a regular basis to discuss any changes to your medication regimen and to assess your progress.
• As stopping your medication suddenly without first seeing a doctor could result in withdrawal symptoms, do not do so.

Is It Challenging to Obtain Medicine for Anxiety?

Getting anxiety medication is simple if you have a diagnosis and evidence that you need the treatment. Consult a certified and registered healthcare professional; if medication is required, they will write a prescription for you. The decision could be influenced by

• Type of medication
• How bad your symptoms are
• Where are you?
• The presence of a licensed healthcare provider

It should be noted that although consultation is welcomed, a healthcare professional should select the best drug.

Who Can Write a Prescription for Anxiety Medication?

The laws and guidelines pertaining to prescription drugs may differ depending on the state in which you live. The primary idea is that in order to prescribe medicine, a healthcare professional needs to hold a license issued by your state.

The most prevalent categories of healthcare providers with the power to recommend anti-anxiety drugs are as follows:

• GPs in general
• PCPs, or primary care physicians
• Physicians
• Psychiatrists
• Medical Assistants (PA)
• Practitioners of Psychiatric Nursing

Is it Possible to Get an Anxiety Medication Prescription Without Visiting a Doctor?

Legal use of anxiety medications requires a prescription; therefore, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional is essential. You can make an online appointment if you would rather not see a doctor in person. After reviewing and evaluating your medical history and symptoms, the practitioner will, if necessary, write a prescription.

How Can I Ask a Doctor to Give Me Anxiety Medicine?

Since talking about your mental health can be awkward, speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing anxiety and believe you might benefit from medication to help you cope. Keep in mind the following:

• Tell someone you trust about the symptoms you are having, how serious they are, and how they are affecting your day-to-day activities.
• Give the essential information about your current drugs, family history of mental health issues, medical history, and other relevant factors.
• Talk about your alternatives for treatment and select the one that works best for you.
• Get thorough instructions and feel free to voice any questions or concerns you may have about taking drugs.

The Price of Anti-Anxiety Drugs

Anti-anxiety drug prices can differ greatly. Each kind of drug has a range of costs that might also vary depending on the recommended dosage. While brand-name versions range in price from $100 to $400, generic versions typically cost between $4 and $50. Insurance coverage can help reduce expenses and make things more reasonably priced. Talk to your doctor about any worries you may have as well; they might be able to assist you in locating an affordable solution for your issues.

How Can I Obtain Medicine for Anxiety Without Insurance?

Purchasing anxiety medicine without insurance may be costly due to the increase in inflation. Nevertheless, there are a few choices that could assist you in cutting expenditures, such as:

• Some pharmacies and community health clinics provide coupons and discount schemes.
• It’s possible that generic versions are less costly than brand ones.
• Since online visits typically cost less than in-person consultations, you could choose to use telehealth platforms.

In summary

Seeking a prescription for anxiety medication requires speaking with a medical expert who will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms. A clinician will develop a customized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, which may involve medication if needed.