Several antidepressants and benzodiazepines have a boxed warning, the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Certain antidepressants can cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Benzodiazepines have an increased risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. Other medications prescribed for anxiety may also have warnings and precautions. Some medications for anxiety treatment are also controlled substances, indicating their high potential for misuse or dependence. Specific federal and state laws limit the amount of such medications that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
Highlights
- Getting prescribed anxiety medications involves consulting a licensed medical provider, going through a mental health assessment, and receiving a tailored treatment plan.
- Medical doctors, psychiatrists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners may be able to prescribe anxiety medications, depending on their qualifications and specific regulations.
- The choice of the medication depends on the individual’s symptoms, diagnosis, estimated duration of treatment, health history, and more.
When worrying becomes persistent, lasts for an unusually long period, or happens in situations most people would not find distressing, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider. An overwhelming anxiety may be a sign of an anxiety disorder, which requires treatment.
Along with talk therapy, a healthcare professional may recommend anti-anxiety medication. Read on to learn how to get prescribed anxiety medication when it’s medically appropriate.Â
How to Get Prescribed Anxiety Medication?
The decision whether to prescribe an anxiety medication is made after a detailed health assessment. The process of seeing a healthcare professional via telemedicine to receive anxiety treatment includes the following steps:
- Booking an Appointment. When you choose to consult a medical provider online, you should create an account on a telemedicine platform, fill out basic personal information and an intake form, and choose the date and time for your video appointment. Also, take some time to prepare for your consultation: make a list of your symptoms and any questions you’d like to ask.
- Having an Initial Consultation. A healthcare provider will evaluate your anxiety symptoms and medical history and determine whether you have an anxiety disorder and what treatment can be suitable in your case. They will tell you about treatment options, including therapy, medication, and self-help strategies.Â
- Receiving a Treatment Plan. Based on the assessment results, your provider will develop a tailored treatment plan, decide if an anxiety medication is appropriate for your condition, and provide you with a prescription, if deemed clinically necessary. Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, including the dosage, how often to take the anxiety medication, and any other important information, such as dealing with the potential side effects.
- Attending Follow-ups. It is important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and make any necessary adjustments to your medication regimen, as needed.
During an appointment, be sure to tell your clinician about any other medications or supplements you may be taking to avoid any potential interactions. If prescribed an anxiety medication, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Do not make adjustments without consulting your provider. Some types of anxiety medications start working within an hour and help relieve symptoms, while others, prescribed for long-term treatment, may take up to a few weeks to see full effects. It’s important to continue treatment as directed and contact your clinician in case you have any concerns.
Who Can Prescribe Anxiety Medication?
Different medical professionals can prescribe anti-anxiety medications, when deemed necessary, including but not limited to:Â
- Psychiatrists
- Medical doctors (MDs)
- Family physicians
- Physician assistants (PAs)
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
The exact list may differ depending on local requirements and regulations. In addition, a healthcare provider should have a valid DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances like benzodiazepines online since these medications have a higher abuse potential.
If you are unsure about who can prescribe medication or if you have any other questions about your symptoms and available treatment options, contact our medical providers who are qualified to assess anxiety symptoms and prescribe medication online, when deemed necessary.
During an appointment, your healthcare provider can point out that you are ready to try medication for the treatment for anxiety. After a thorough evaluation, they will determine whether a prescription for anxiety will work for you at all and what medication can be the most effective. Once treatment is approved, you will be provided with an individual treatment plan. You will likely be prescribed a low dosage to start, though it can be increased later if needed.
When Anxiety Medication May Be Considered
Not everyone needs pharmacological treatment to deal with the symptoms of anxiety. Some of the more common reasons to consider this approach may include:
- Prolonged and/or severe symptoms that significantly affect daily life
- The need to relieve acute symptoms fast, such as in panic disorder
- Ineffectiveness of other treatments and self-help techniques
- Presence of co-occurring conditions, such as depression, that also require treatment
Note that the final decision is made by a healthcare provider based on the assessment of your unique situation.
Types of Medications for Anxiety
Medications work in different ways to make it easier for people to deal with issues brought on by anxiety. Individual response to different medications also varies: what works for one person may not bring any significant benefit for the other. Keep this in mind when consulting with your clinician about which anxiety medications are most appropriate for you.
The two most well-known types of medication for anxiety are antidepressants and benzodiazepines. They are designed to influence different neurotransmitters in the brain so that your body and mind can calm down. Their mechanisms and onset of action differ.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants for treating anxiety are further classified into two categories:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)[1] raise the levels of serotonin in your brain. These include:- Celexa (citalopram)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work to increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These include:
These medications are more commonly prescribed for long-term treatment of anxiety and start working within a few weeks.
Benzodiazepines
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Tranxene (clorazepate)
- Serax (oxazepam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
Buspirone is another FDA-approved medication for anxiety disorders. Additionally, beta-blockers such as
While all these anxiety medications may be prescribed to manage anxiety disorders, due to their different chemical makeup and patients’ individual needs, their effectiveness can vary, as well as how long the effects can last. That is why a detailed health assessment and an individualized treatment plan are so important.
Side Effects of Anti-Anxiety Medications
If you get anxiety medication prescribed, make sure to discuss potential side effects with your medical provider, which symptoms require attention, and when to seek professional help. Common side effects of anti-anxiety medications include:
- Drowsiness. Anxiety medication has sedative effects, which can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. This may affect one’s ability to perform tasks that require alertness and concentration, therefore it’s crucial to take precautions and avoid such activities.
- Insomnia. Restlessness at night is a possible side effect that can get in the way of your sleep. Discuss with your provider the option to take your medication for anxiety in the morning or consider alternative treatments if restlessness and insomnia continue.
- Weight Changes. Consult with your medical provider if you think your weight gain or weight loss is caused by anxiety medications. If there is no connection, make sure you get all the needed nutrients and have enough physical activity throughout the day.
- Changes in Libido. Consult your doctor to better know the possible sexual side effects of your prescribed medication and how to deal with them.
Severe side effects to be aware of include:
- Serotonin Syndrome. As anxiety medications, including SSRIs and SNRIs, increase serotonin levels in the brain, they can increase the risk for having serotonin levels that are too high. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include raised temperature, confusion, agitation, sweating, muscle twitching, shivering, and tremors. This phenomenon is more common when multiple medications with the risk for serotonin syndrome are taken together. Therefore, you should disclose all the medicines and over the counter products you are currently taking to your healthcare provider.
- Suicidal Ideation. Certain anxiety medications may cause suicidal thoughts, especially in adolescents and young adults under 25. Therefore, it is important to disclose any serious concerns with your loved ones immediately so that necessary medical assistance can be provided without delay in such scenarios.
- Abuse and Dependence. Due to their effects, benzodiazepines have the potential for abuse and addiction. Hence, doctors recommend only short-term treatment with these medications to avoid negative consequences.
- Low Sodium Levels. Antidepressants such as SSRIs can cause severe falls in sodium levels, clinically known as
hyponatremia[4] , especially in older adults. Common signs of low sodium levels include headache, confusion, or fatigue. If you experience these side effects, go to your local emergency department.Â
These are not all possible common and serious side effects of anxiety medications. Be sure to discuss potential adverse reactions of specific medications, as well as warnings, precautions, and contraindications with your healthcare provider.
Can Anxiety Disorders Be Treated?
Psychotherapy and medications can help effectively manage anxiety symptoms and prevent the condition from being debilitating. However, they cannot cure anxiety completely. Successful treatment requires a patient’s deep involvement in the process, increased self-awareness, and learning self-help techniques that prevent anxiety from being a problem in day-to-day life. The use of such techniques helps reduce anxiety episodes even after stopping medications.
In Conclusion
If you experience bothersome symptoms such as prolonged overwhelming anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. Our medical team is here to provide anxiety treatment online, including medication management, when deemed clinically appropriate. Book your appointment today to have a symptom assessment and receive personalized support.
Sources
- Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan
Source link - Bounds CG, Patel P. Benzodiazepines. [Updated 2024 Jan 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan
Source link - Shahrokhi M, Gupta V. Propranolol. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan
Source link - De Picker L, Van Den Eede F, Dumont G, Moorkens G, Sabbe BG. Antidepressants and the risk of hyponatremia: a class-by-class review of literature. Psychosomatics. 2014 Nov-Dec
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