Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects an estimated 4% of the global population, or about 301 million people. Modern medicine offers many methods to manage this condition, including medication.
Still, most drugs for anxiety require a prescription from your healthcare provider. This article will explain how to obtain an anxiety prescription online and offer tips on meaningful lifestyle changes to overcome situational and performance unease.
How To Get a Prescription for Anxiety Medication Online
Before prescribing anxiety medication, your doctor must assess your health status to determine the best treatment for you. With the use of anxiety medications for performance and situations unease rather stigmatized, many people shy away from openly discussing this potential treatment with their doctors.
The fantastic development is that online clinics let you consult healthcare professionals from the comfort of your home and get medication delivered to your preferred address. Kick, an online performance medicine clinic, has helped numerous individuals manage their performance-related anxiety effectively, which is evidenced by glowing reviews on Trustpilot.
Source: Anna Nekrashevich
Kick—Your Partner in Overcoming Occasional Anxiety
Kick offers a unique program to help individuals cope with situational nerves, which are pretty common before and during exams, interviews, debates, high-stakes meetings at work, public speaking engagements, and even social events.
Notable features of Kick’s performance anxiety program include:
- Quick consultations—The visits happen online and take about ten minutes, saving time and travel expenses
- Designated doctor—Our doctor will assess your health status, prescribe the appropriate medication, and provide personalized advice
- Access to propranolol and atenolol—Kick’s program entails these fast-acting beta-blockers designed to help you manage the symptoms of anxiety in the shortest time possible
- Ongoing support—You may discuss any concerns or questions with Kick doctors to make the most out of your treatment
- Risk-free—If you’re not the best candidate for the program, you won’t pay for the initial consultation as per Kick’s Doctor Guarantee
- Discreet packaging and delivery—All medications are sent in discreet packaging and delivered directly to your doorstep or local pharmacy, offering privacy and convenience
How To Join Kick
To benefit from Kick’s program, follow three simple steps:
- Visit the signup page
- Fill out the intake form to explain your anxiety issues and health history
- Add your payment and delivery information
If you choose express delivery, your medication will be delivered to your address within two days. Should you opt for pharmacy pickup, you can get your medications on the same day.
Source: Peter Olexa
Anxiety Medications You Can Get Online
Four classes of anxiety medications you can buy online are:
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Beta-Blockers
Also called beta-adrenergic blockers, these medications are typically used to treat heart conditions. They block the effects of adrenaline, a hormone that can cause stress and fear. These drugs slow your heart rate and reduce blood pressure, alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, such as:
- Rapid heart rate
- Trembling
- Sweating
While beta-blockers can provide relief from anxiety, they’re not meant for long-term use, which is why healthcare providers typically prescribe them for occasional anxiety. They’re generally taken two hours before the stressful event to ensure they kick in on time.
Check out the table below for more details on the two beta-blockers commonly taken for anxiety issues:
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a group of central nervous system (CNS)N depressants that promote the binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to its receptors throughout the body. GABA suppresses neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system, and benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA, inducing calm and alleviating the symptoms of anxiety.
Check out the following table for more details on the benzodiazepines typically prescribed to people with acute anxiety:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) inhibit serotonin reuptake in the brain. Serotonin helps regulate mood, social behavior, appetite, digestion, and sleep. By inhibiting its reuptake, SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
SSRIs are typically used for long-term management of anxiety and are taken daily to maintain a steady level of the drug in the body. In most cases, it takes several weeks to feel the full effects of SSRIs.
The table below lists some SSRIs commonly prescribed to individuals with chronic anxiety:
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. While serotonin is involved in mood regulation, norepinephrine plays a key role in the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, regulating attention and response actions. By inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, SNRIs can help alleviate anxiety symptoms by improving mood and reducing the body’s stress response.
SNRIs are typically used for long-term anxiety management and are taken daily for the same reason as SSRIs.
Here’s a list of SNRIs that are commonly taken for anxiety issues:
Source: Andrea Piacquadio
Common Side Effects of Anxiety Medications
While anxiety medications are generally safe to use, they carry the risk of side effects, including the following:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Changes in libido or performance
- Weight changes
- Stomach discomfort or diarrhea
- Agitation or restlessness
Using Anxiety Medications Safely
To benefit from anxiety medications, follow these essential guidelines:
- Take your medication as prescribed
- Monitor your progress
- Consult your healthcare provider when in doubt
- Store your medications properly
Take Your Medications as Prescribed
Adhering to the prescribed dose and intake schedule is crucial for safe and effective anxiety management. Some helpful tips to consider include:
- Set reminders—Use alarms or smartphone apps to prompt you when it’s time to take your medication
- Be consistent—Take your medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the blood
- Avoid skipping doses—Even if you feel better, continue taking the medication as directed
- Don’t alter doses—Avoid adjusting the dose without consulting your healthcare provider
Monitor Your Progress
Monitoring your progress is essential for managing anxiety with medication. Here are some tips to do it effectively:
- Keep a journal—Document your daily experiences, noting any changes in your anxiety levels and side effects. This can help you and your healthcare provider assess the effectiveness of the medication and make necessary adjustments
- Be patient—Some anxiety medications may take a few weeks to start working. Keep taking the medicines as instructed even if you don’t see immediate results
- Watch for side effects—All medications can have side effects. If you notice any unusual physical or mental changes, report them to your healthcare provider immediately
Consult Your Healthcare Provider When in Doubt
Always maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns about your medication, contact your doctor. They can guide you or adjust the treatment to ensure you benefit from it.
Store Your Medications Properly
Proper storage of your medication is crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Specific factors to consider are:
- Temperature—Most medications should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight
- Moisture—Avoid storing your medication in a bathroom cabinet or other humid places since moisture can affect the drugs
- Safety—Keep your medication out of reach of children and pets
Source: MART Production
Complementing Medications With Other Methods
While medications can be effective in managing anxiety, you may need to complement them with other methods to reach a lasting solution. Four helpful methods are:
- Exposure therapy
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
- Physical activity
- Balanced diet
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment that helps patients confront their fears instead of avoiding them.
In this kind of therapy, a person is exposed to a stressful situation or object in a controlled and safe environment, helping them learn how to cope with their anxiety.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a program that helps you learn to calm your mind and body so you can effectively cope with illness, pain, and stress. It teaches “mindfulness,” which entails focusing only on the present.
Mindfulness isn’t a time to “zone out” but to purposefully pay attention and be aware of your surroundings, emotions, thoughts, and body sensations. In terms of anxiety, MBSR can help you focus on coping with fear and panic, helping reduce the “what if” thinking that can sometimes spiral out of control.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can be a natural anxiety reliever. Exercise releases endorphins, chemicals in your brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. It also improves your sleep, which can be disrupted by stress and anxiety.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet can help keep your energy levels up and minimize mood swings. Switch to whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for lasting results.
If you’re grappling with chronic unease, avoid alcohol as it can interfere with sleep patterns and contribute to anxiety. You should also limit the intake of processed foods and caffeine, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Featured image source: MART Production
