Related: Take Our Anxiety Quiz. With that information, your doctor will diagnose you with a specific type of anxiety and recommend a medication to help treat your symptoms.
Yes, doctors can prescribe any medication during a phone appointment that is not classified as a controlled substance by the FDA some states have laws that require video appointments. Antidepressants can help control anxiety and can be prescribed after a phone or video appointment with a doctor. However, benzodiazepines like Xanax are controlled substances that you can only get a prescription for by seeing a doctor or psychiatrist in person. If you would like to talk to an online doctor about your anxiety, PlushCare is here to help.
Make an appointment any time by clicking here or calling For as little as your regular copay, you can talk to a board certified doctor about your symptoms. Please Note: PlushCare does not have online psychiatrists at this time.
That said, our primary care physicians are able to prescribe mental health medications such as antidepressants, and if necessary can provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist. Mayo Clinic. Anxiety Disorders. What Is Anxiety? Most PlushCare articles are reviewed by M. Ds, N. Click here to learn more and meet some of the professionals behind our blog. The PlushCare blog, or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
For more information click here. Get 5 Tips for Better Sleep Sometimes we have so much to do, sleep gets a backseat and caffeine takes…. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Alprazolam is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Generic alternatives may be available. Alprazolam pronounced as al pray' zoe lam. Why is this medication prescribed?
How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. In general, benzodiazepines like Xanax have fewer side effects than other longer-term medications for anxiety.
Avoid driving, operating machinery, and participating in hazardous activities until you know how you react to Xanax. Xanax can cause mania, as well as lead to abuse and physical and psychological dependence. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse, as Xanax may not be a good choice to treat your SAD. Using Xanax together with opioids can carry serious, life-threatening side effects. This combination can result in extreme sedation with the risk of slowed breathing, coma, and death.
You shouldn't take opioids and Xanax together unless your doctor believes there is no alternative treatment available to you. If that is the case, they should keep your dosage as low as possible and watch you closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. A number of medications can potentially interact with Xanax. It is important that your doctor is aware of all the medications you are currently taking. Drugs that may cause issues include:.
Grapefruit juice may also interact with Xanax. In addition, the effects of Xanax may be intensified if combined with alcohol. There is a risk of emotional and physical dependence when taking Xanax. Withdrawal symptoms are possible if the medication is abruptly stopped and may include the risk of seizures. This is why it's so important to work with your doctor to wean off of this medication slowly. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions for stopping Xanax or changing the dosage. Over time, there is a risk of your brain producing less GABA naturally, which may make Xanax less effective.
If you've suffered for a long time with SAD, you may wonder how to get prescribed Xanax and if it could help. While it is something that you can ask your doctor about, ultimately they will make the decision about the best treatment options for your situation. It is important not to use Xanax obtained from someone else. Not only is it illegal to take a medication without a prescription, but it can be dangerous. Besides the risk of dependence and withdrawal, combining Xanax with other substances that suppress your CNS, such as painkillers, antihistamines, and alcohol, can be dangerous.
Xanax should only be taken under the advice of a prescribing physician. Xanax can cause feelings of euphoria when taken in large doses or by people who don't have anxiety, making abuse of this substance more likely.
As always, you should check with your doctor if you have questions about taking Xanax for SAD, and you should always follow their guidelines for this medication. If you feel like Xanax isn't helping your condition, your doctor may be able to recommend another medication or another form of therapy. It may take time to find the right treatment protocol that works for you.
Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Cognitive functions impacted may include processing speed and learning among others.
Such effects may persist even after discontinuation of long-term use of the benzos. Stopping benzos abruptly , especially if high dose, can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, insomnia, muscle tension, blurred vision and racing heart. Withdrawal from high doses of benzos, especially those that are shorter acting, may be dangerous, leading to seizure, and getting off of these medications should be done under supervision of a physician.
There are safer effective treatments for anxiety, but they require patience to work. A first line treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy, mainly cognitive behavioral therapy. During therapy, the person learns more adaptive coping skills, and corrects cognitive distortions to reduce stress. Exposure therapy is an effective treatment for phobias, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD. During exposure therapy, the person is gradually exposed to the feared situation under the guidance of the therapist, until the situation does not create anxiety anymore.
Importantly, the skills earned during therapy can always be used, allowing better long-term outcome compared to medications. Medications are also used for treatment of anxiety disorders. The main group of such medications is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly known as antidepressants. Examples of such medications are fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram. Especially when combined with psychotherapy, these medications are effective and are safer options than the benzos, and without a risk of addiction.
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