Who Can Prescribe Anxiety Medication

What Is Anxiousness What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety

Anxiety is an all-natural reaction to stress that can be triggered by a range of things such as concern, tension, as well as fear. Anxiety can be both physical and psychological. Online Therapy That Can Prescribe Medication

Signs of stress and anxiety:

• Breathing becomes fast or superficial
• Feeling strained as well as out of control
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Really feeling cranky or agitated
• Feeling like you are going bananas

Other Ways To Relieve Anxiety

Although medication can make a huge difference if you have an anxiety disorder, you may also be able to relieve anxiety by making certain changes to your habits and lifestyle.

There are also some natural products that may provide relief from anxiety symptoms.

If you believe that you have an anxiety disorder, your first priority should be to talk to a licensed psychiatry provider about proven, science-backed medications and therapy.

In addition to using medication and psychotherapy , you can try the following habits and lifestyle changes:

Other techniques, such as meditation, can also help you to relax and overcome anxiety when it flares up.

Read more about this and other techniques for dealing with the symptoms of anxiety disorders in our full guide to coping with anxiety.

Finding Help In A Crisis

Behavioral health crises can be serious but most do not require an evaluation at a hospital emergency department. Using other specialized crisis services, listed in the directory below, may help connect you more quickly to ongoing resources to support your recovery and avoid a lengthy emergency department visit.

North Carolinas publicly funded crisis serviceswhich may be used by anyone regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, can be found by using the NC Department of Health and Human Services directory, searchable by county.

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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant, doctors commonly prescribe them to people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder .

According to one article, doctors consider SSRIs to be the first-line drug treatment for anxiety.

SSRIs work by stopping nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a vital role in mood regulation.

Examples of SSRIs for anxiety include:

, but they do not work for everyone.

People usually take SSRIs for up to to treat anxiety, then gradually reduce the dosage. These drugs are not habit-forming, meaning that they do not usually lead to dependence.

People should consult their doctor or physician before they start reducing or stopping their medication.

Benzodiazepine Side Effects And Safety

Although benzodiazepines are generally safe when used over the short term, long-term use of most benzodiazepines is generally discouraged by experts due to the risk of abuse.

As we mentioned above, benzodiazepines can become less effective as your body develops a tolerance.

This means that you may need to constantly increase your dose over time to get the same effects from the medication.

Because of this, its surprisingly easy for people to go from using benzodiazepines responsibly, carefully and exactly as prescribed to abusing their medication as they develop a tolerance.

Benzodiazepines also have several other safety risks. While theyre usually effective at treating anxiety, they can also cause a range of side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness

• Fatigue

• Lethargy

At higher doses, such as those that may be used by people with dependence, benzodiazepines can also cause:

• Impaired motor coordination

• Hostile or erratic behavior in some people

• Euphoria

These side effects may interfere with regular life, potentially causing danger if you need to drive, work with machinery or spend time in other potentially hazardous situations.

People who use benzodiazepines frequently may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop.

These can include worsened anxiety, insomnia, depression and other physical symptoms, such as sweating, a pounding heartbeat, shaking and stomach pain.

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Side Effects Of Ssris And Snris

Many teens dont experience side effects when taking SSRIs or SNRIs. Those that do may find the side effects are often mild and usually go away within the first few weeks of treatment.

The most common side effects include:

• Dizziness

• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness

Parents and physicians should discuss side effects with teens so they know what to expect and can report on any they are experiencing. If one medication isnt working or its causing serious side effects, your teen may need to change medications.

Speaking With A Doctor About Mental Health Concerns

Its important to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about your mental health. Many people dont realize just how treatable depression is. While medication is not always a part of treatment, it is an effective option.

Its important to remember that antidepressants are not a cure for depression but rather one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.

A barrier for many when seeking help is the belief they need to see an expensive psychiatrist or therapist for treatment.These are valuable resources, but many times they have longer waiting lists, and may too expensive.

A good starting point is an appointment with a primary care physician. In most cases they are fully qualified to access your mental health and recommend treatment, including antidepressant prescriptions, or they can refer you to a specialist.

If you are suffering, know that depression is treatable, and the sooner you speak with your doctor about your concerns, the better.

Another important thing to note is that if you have any symptoms of depression or anxiety, your doctor will also want to rule out any other potential underlying causes that may mimic depression.

The American Psychiatric Association states that certain medical conditions like thyroid health conditions and vitamin deficiencies should be ruled out when there are symptoms of depression.

A primary care physician can run tests to make sure that there isnt an underlying issue.

By John Todd, APRN, FNP

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How Can I Get Anxiety Medication

In order to take anxiety medication, you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Depending on the medication, you may be able to meet with a provider through telehealth. Some medications can be safely prescribed this way.

Because benzodiazepines are a controlled substance, they must be prescribed during an in-person visit.5,6 There are some exceptions to this, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can ask your provider what meeting formats, either telehealth or in-person, are available.

What Other Treatments Can Help Manage Anxiety

Medications for anxiety are safe and effective and are good options for many people. But some people want to avoid medication, and some want to combine medication with other treatments. You can try:

• Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a first-line treatment for anxiety, and phobias can respond to biofeedback and exposure therapy.
• Stress management techniques. You can learn breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety.
• Lifestyle modifications. Getting enough quality sleep, exercising, and avoiding alcohol, illicit drugs and excessive caffeine can help reduce anxiety.
• Support groups. Connecting with people who share your experiences can be valuable.

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Ways To Quit Anxiousness From Ruining Your Life

Stress and anxiety is an all-natural reaction to tension and worry. It can be caused by lots of things, including:

Anxiety can create numerous issues in life, such as depression, insomnia, and drug abuse. There are ways to curb anxiousness as well as lead a healthy and balanced life.

• Learn to state no

Managing An Anxiety Disorder

• Need More Information?

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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Trial And Error May Be Reduced When Prescribing

• Working with Your Provider

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the nation. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 40 million adults in the United States have some form of anxiety disorder1. While many different psychiatric medications have been developed to help patients with anxiety, it can be challenging to find an effective medication regimen that minimizes adverse effects and maximizes therapeutic benefits. Finding an optimal treatment plan often requires a lot of trial and error with various medication formulations and dosages, adding to patient frustration and distrust of medications.

One way that providers can reduce the amount of trial and error when prescribing medications and improve medication compliance is by utilizing pharmacogenetic testing. PGx testing is the practice of examining a particular patients DNA to determine how they would respond to certain medication. While there is growing evidence that PGx testing can predict medication efficacy2, new research also shows that PGx testing can help clinicians determine proper medication dosages by eliminating medications that could lead to unpleasant side effects based on an individuals genetic makeup3.

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.

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Is It Even A Prescription

No. The biggest reason is that marijuana is still an illegal substance on the federal level and isnt technically even allowed for use in medical studies. Its classified by the DEA as a Schedule I drug.

The DEA maintains that Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Instead of a prescription like other types of medicine, for medical marijuana, doctors write recommendations to the state asserting that a patient will benefit from cannabis.

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Can A Therapist Prescribe Medication

A therapist can only prescribe medication if they have one of the credentials mentioned above. According to Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas, a professional like a mental health counselor or social worker cannot prescribe medication, nor can they suggest it.

If a therapist or other mental health worker does think that a client could benefit from prescription medication, they will need to refer that client for an evaluation with another clinician who does have the proper qualifications.

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How To Talk To Your Doctor About Anxiety Medication

To learn more about whether anxiety medication is right for you, you can start by talking to your doctor or provider about your concerns. Share what symptoms you are experiencing, for how long, and how these symptoms affect your life. It is helpful to be specific.

For example, you might explain how you have been dealing with fear of social situations for the past year, which has led you to avoid social gatherings. If there are any specific events that triggered your anxiety, or anything that makes your anxiety worse, then share these points as well. The more information that you give your provider, the better they will be able to help you. It also can be useful to know any details about the mental health and treatments that your biological relatives may have had.

Your provider will decide whether anxiety medication is right for you based on your symptoms. Your symptoms will also help them decide what medication is best. Certain anxiety medications target acute anxiety and panic or panic disorders, while others are more effective for chronic anxiety. Different medications have different recommended daily doses.3 Your provider will also take into account factors like your biological sex and weight when determining the right dose for you.

May Not Have Expertise In All Types Of Medications

Another downside is that therapists who prescribe medication may not have expertise in all types of medications. This could lead to problems if a person needs a specialized type of medication. It is also if there are any adverse effects from the medication. In these cases, it would be necessary to consult with a psychiatrist instead of a therapist.

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Can Be Expensive For Patients

Its also important to note that some insurance plans only cover certain types of therapies. So this could lead to additional costs if someone needs both therapy and medication from their therapist. Their plan doesnt pay for these services at the same time. Additionally, not all therapists who can prescribe medications will accept insurance as payment or file claims on behalf of patients. This means they have to pay out-of-pocket. It is by those using traditional health insurance coverage.

Coping Support And Resources

In addition to your prescribed treatment, you may want to join a support group. It can be very helpful to talk with other people who are experiencing symptoms similar to yours. Its good to know that you are not alone. Someone else with similar symptoms can understand what youre going through and offer support and encouragement. Being part of a group can also help you develop new social skills.

Your community will likely have several support groups, either for your specific disorder or for anxiety in general. Check with your medical professionals to learn what resources are available in your area. You might ask your:

• mental health provider
• primary doctor
• county mental health services agency

You can also participate in support groups online. This may be a good way to start if you have social anxiety disorder or feel uncomfortable in a face-to-face group setting.

Treatment of diagnosed anxiety is often multi-disciplinary. This means you may see one or all of the following medical practitioners:

• primary care physician

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