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What Kind Of Doctor Can Prescribe Anxiety Medication

Antidepressant Medications For Anxiety

Should You Take Anxiety Medication? 7 Reasons To Consider Taking Anxiety Medication

Its not at all unusual for a doctor to prescribe antidepressants for anxiety. Common types of antidepressants that may be prescribed for anxiety disorders include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors . These affect chemicals in the brain which, in turn, affect your emotions and can relieve anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs for anxiety disorders include:

Combining Medicinal Cannabis And Anti

If the idea of switching over entirely to cannabis medicine intimidates you, you might be asking yourself, Can I use marijuana with anti-anxiety medications? You likely can use medical cannabis as a supplement. Many patients use medical marijuana as part of a combined treatment plan that involves pharmaceuticals and other treatments like therapy.

But, patients who do decide to use both kinds of medicine at the same time should make sure their doctor approves. Work with a doctor with experience in marijuana medicine to determine how to balance your dosages and monitor side effects.

Since anti-anxiety medication and cannabis have some overlapping side effects, taking both can exacerbate them. For instance, folks who take citalopram with medical marijuana might experience confusion, concentration problems and drowsiness. But if you and your doctor take care when adjusting your dosages and dosage time, you can minimize or eliminate these symptoms.

Managing An Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect more than 25 million Americans. Anxiety disorders are more than normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness they involve excessive fear or anxiety. However, there are several effective treatments available that can help most people lead normal productive lives.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to avoid situations that trigger or make their symptoms worse. In general, for a person to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the fear or anxiety must be out of proportion to the situation, last longer than six months, and hinder the ability to function normally. For more information about Anxiety Disorders, see the NC Health Info page on Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and Depression.

Anxiety disorders can be treated by a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and licensed professional counselors. You may need to visit with several different providers before you find the right match. A good relationship with your mental health provider will help you get the most out of your treatment.

You can use your health insurance plans directory to find a mental health provider in your network. If you have Medicare, you can use the Physician Compare directory from Medicare.gov to find a provider that accepts it. Other directories for specific types of providers are listed below.

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Drug Interactions And Overdose

While benzodiazepines are relatively safe when taken only occasionally and in small doses, they can be dangerous and even deadly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining medications.

Dont drink on benzodiazepines. When mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines can lead to fatal overdose.

Dont mix with painkillers or sleeping pills. Taking benzodiazepines with prescription pain or sleeping pills can also lead to fatal overdose.

Antihistamines amplify their effects. Antihistaminesfound in many over-the-counter sleep, cold, and allergy medicinesare sedating on their own. Be cautious when mixing with benzodiazepines to avoid over-sedation.

Be cautious when combining with antidepressants. SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft can heighten benzodiazepine toxicity. You may need to adjust your dose accordingly.

Paradoxical effects of benzodiazepines

The benzodiazepines work because they slow down the nervous system. But sometimes, for reasons that arent well understood, they have the opposite effect. Paradoxical reactions are most common in children, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities. They include:

  • Increased anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression, and rage
  • Mania, impulsive behavior, and hallucinations

Get Your Antidepressant Prescription Online

Anxiety medication: List, types, and side effects

Whether you want to speak with a doctor about a new prescription, or you are in need of a refill, you can get your antidepressants prescribed online by a primary care physician.

PlushCare provides you with access to a network of board certified doctors who are qualified to assess your physical and mental health remotely.

If they find that you may benefit from an antidepressant prescription they will electronically send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.

To book an online appointment, click here.

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Medical Marijuana Vs Anti

When you compare medical cannabis with anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals, how does each medication help? While everyones reaction to a medication varies, they work more similarly than you think. They both work with the same chemicals in your brain.

Doctors commonly prescribe benzodiazepines for people with anxiety disorders. These medications manage the levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which balances your anxiety levels. Early studies show medical marijuana can also impact your GABA levels. So, you can get the same results from benzodiazepines and cannabis.

Medical cannabis and anti-anxiety medication have different side effects, tolerance and risks. Many patients quickly build a tolerance to their benzodiazepines, forcing them to take higher doses. In extreme cases, anti-anxiety medication can cause an overdose. Every year, thousands of people die from overdosing on benzodiazepine medication.

Meanwhile, zero people have died from a marijuana overdose. Some folks do build up a tolerance to marijuana and others may have side effects when overdosing on the herb, but taking too much of it doesnt have lethal effects.

I Need Relief And I Need It Now

So where does that leave you if youre suffering? Even when anxiety relief comes with side effects and dangers, that can still sound like a fair trade when panic and fear are ruling your life.

The bottom line is that theres a time and place for anxiety medication. If you have severe anxiety thats interfering with your ability to function, medication may be helpfulespecially as a short-term treatment. However, many people use anti-anxiety medication when therapy, exercise, or other self-help strategies would work just as well or better, minus the drawbacks.

Anxiety medications can ease symptoms, but theyre not right for everyone and theyre not the only answer. Its up to you to evaluate your options and decide whats best for you.

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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.

Can You Prescribe Antibiotics

Learn About The Signs and Dangers of Benzodiazepine (Anxiety Medication) Withdrawal!

Yes, however, any prescription of antibiotics must be accurate and professional. We understand the negative consequences that may result from over-prescribing, and thus our doctors will only write prescriptions in instances where such medication is absolutely necessary.

Antibiotics arenât always the right treatment. Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses like colds, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections. Instead, the doctor may provide a treatment plan that includes symptom relief for viral infections. Learn more on the CDC website

Learn More

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Why A Mental Health Professional Is Best

It’s very importantespecially if this is your first time seeking treatment for depressionthat you obtain a referral to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional if your general practitioner suspects depression.

Though your family doctor or general practitioner may offer to prescribe you an antidepressant, they are not always the best-qualified doctor to treat depression. They do not possess the training to offer you psychotherapy nor are they experienced in the nuances of prescribing psychotropic medications the way that a psychiatrist is.

Psychiatry is a blend of art and science. Treating depression is not quite as simple as giving someone a prescription for Zoloft or Prozac and sending them on their way. Some individuals will need several trials of different medications to find one that best relieves their symptoms with the least amount of side effects.

Some people will need more than one medication to counteract side effects or to boost positive effects. Most will likely benefit from adding psychotherapy to the mix. Discussing options with your psychiatrist will determine the best path.

Depression Discussion Guide

Besides the medication specifics, you may have a completely different mental health condition and not depression. Bipolar disorder is one such disorder that may be initially misdiagnosed as depression but requires a very different course of treatment.

Can I Get A Prescription

Teladoc does not guarantee prescriptions. It is up to the doctor to recommend the best treatment. Teladoc doctors do not issue prescriptions for substances controlled by any federal or state agency or other drugs that may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. View the current list of DEA-controlled substances.

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Things To Tell Your Doctor

This information will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

  • Make a list of your symptoms and when they began. Note when your symptoms occur, how they affect your life, and when theyre better or worse.
  • Write down any major stresses in your life, as well as any traumas youve experienced, both past and present.
  • Write down all of your health conditions: mental and physical.
  • Make a list of all medications and supplements youre taking. Include how much you take and how often.

List any other substances you use or consume, such as:

  • coffee

Your Child’s Health Care Team

List of Anxiety Drugs

If your child has ADHD symptoms, contact their doctor or pediatrician as a first step in diagnosing the condition. They should already have a strong relationship with your family and know the medical history.

Other members of your child’s care team may be:

  • Psychologists. These are specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions like ADHD. They can give expert assessments and offer therapy. But they canât prescribe medication.
  • Psychiatrists. They can also diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Theyâre medical doctors, so they can prescribe drugs.
  • Nurse practitioners or physician assistants . They work under a doctorâs supervision and can diagnose and treat ADHD. They can also write prescriptions.
  • Nurses. These are often the professionals who will answer questions about your childâs care and help you coordinate with the care team.
  • Social workers. They can assist people with ADHD and their loved ones through the entire journey, from referral through diagnosis and treatment. They offer education, support, and tips for living with it.
  • Occupational or speech therapists. These specialists help with specific areas that are affected by ADHD, such as work skills or language problems.
  • Other therapists such as counselors and family therapists. They can work with people who have ADHD, their families, and school staff members on responding to problems, improving behavior, and building life skills.

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Ii How We Chose The Best Online Doctors For Anxiety Treatment And Prescriptions

Consumers can choose from a growing number of telemedicine and telepsychiatry options that focus on treating anxiety. The best providers typically offer convenient appointments, short wait times, multiple consultation options, and individualized care. These criteria generally result in higher satisfaction ratings. Although online doctors are more affordable than their local counterparts, we included providers at various price points, including options for patients with and without insurance.

Stay In Touch With Your Doctor

Mental health medications arenât like antibiotics or some other medications, where the doctor tells you to take the medication for a certain period of time, then everything is fine and you never discuss the problem again.

You should stay in touch with your doctor and let them know how your symptoms are doing and if youre experiencing side effects.

Your doctor may want to adjust the dosage of your medication or switch you to something different based on your results and side effects.

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Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Licensed clinical social workers can diagnose mental illnesses and be involved in direct therapy with patients in private practice or they might be part of a team conducting research for a university, hospital, or private organization. They sometimes work as case managers helping people solve problems and connecting them to various resources. Most LCSW programs require thousands of hours of direct clinical experience. In North Carolina, LCSWs must be licensed by the state. Use the HelpPRO Advanced Search to find a LCSW. Choose Anxiety/Panic Disorders from the Specializes in this concern dropdown and Social Worker, Licensed Clinical under the Holds this credential, certification, or has completed training in dropdown. This directory provides a good deal of information about individual LCSWs but does not include license status. To review a LCSWs license, use the License Lookup from the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. Choose Licensed Clinical Social Worker from the Certification dropdown.

How Will The Doctor Diagnose My Anxiety

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You will discuss your symptoms with the doctor: what they are, how they interfere with your life, and how long youâve been struggling with them.

The doctor will then likely perform a psychological evaluation and compare your symptoms to criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , published by the American Psychiatric Association.

With that information, your doctor will diagnose you with a specific type of anxiety and recommend a medication to help treat your symptoms.

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Medication Management And Risks

If your teen is taking, or considering taking, medication for anxiety, it is important to speak with them consistently about their experience with the medication, especially about any side effects they may be experiencing. Report side effects to their doctor and talk to their doctor before you and your teen decide to discontinue any medication. It may take more than one try to find the right anxiety medication for your teen and some doctors may recommend genetic testing that can help them determine which class of medications may work best.

Also be sure to talk to your teen about the risks of using alcohol and other drugs while taking anxiety medication. Drinking alcohol can worsen side effects of any anxiety medication and drinking while taking benzodiazepines is extremely dangerous. Remind your teen that they should not give or sell their medication to anyone else, nor should they should take medication prescribed to anyone else. If your child is taking benzodiazepines, talk to them about the risks of habit-forming potential and monitor their use of the medication.

Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs carry warnings that they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harming behavior, particularly among young people. Although the risk is low, communicate with your teen about side effects so that you will know if they are experiencing any suicidal thoughts.

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