There's good news: Your everyday family doctor, otherwise known as a general practitioner (GP) has the authority to prescribe anxiety medication.
The anxiety puzzle
Psychiatrists often prescribe antidepressants, but the vast majority (86 per cent) in Australia are prescribed and managed by GPs.
Why Won't My Doctor Prescribe Anxiety Medication? There are several reasons why a doctor may be hesitant to prescribe medication for anxiety. Some doctors may prefer to try non-medication approaches first, such as therapy or lifestyle changes. Others may be concerned about the potential for addiction or side effects.
If you have severe anxiety that's interfering with your ability to function, medication may be helpful—especially 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.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress. They can diagnose your condition based on your symptoms, which may include: feeling restless or on edge. being irritable.
State your concerns plainly.
It's important to tell your doctor all of your symptoms. But before you get into that, tell them what you think may be wrong. Use clear statements such as “I think I may be depressed” or “I am having trouble with anxiety.” This will help guide them and let them know what direction to go in.
Most Australian GPs are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to speak with a pharmacist who can answer your questions about medicines. For support and information about anxiety and medicines used to treat anxiety, visit Beyond Blue. To speak to a crisis counsellor, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Diagnosis – your doctor might give you a diagnosis, for example of depression or anxiety. This doesn't always happen after your first appointment and may only be possible after monitoring you over time or referring you to a specialist.
You can get a prescription for anxiety medication by being evaluated by a qualified professional, such as a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner. Studies show that medication is an effective treatment, so learning how to get prescribed anxiety medicine can be a game-changer.
Anxiety disorders are a type of mental health condition. Anxiety makes it difficult to get through your day. Symptoms include feelings of nervousness, panic and fear as well as sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Treatments include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
By examining the RNA biomarkers in their blood, researchers could identify a participant's current state of anxiety and match them with medications and nutraceuticals, showing how effective different options could be for them based on their biology.
Effects of anxiety on your body
pins and needles. feeling restless or unable to sit still. headaches, backache or other aches and pains. faster breathing.
Feeling nervous, restless or tense. Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom. Having an increased heart rate.
Remember: anxiety isn't always a bad thing. We need the adrenaline rush anxiety can provide to stay alert or propel ourselves to action. However, when anxiety is constant, overwhelming, and interferes with your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder that will require professional treatment.
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time.
The even better news: Many people respond well to anxiety treatment without medication. They find that their condition can often be managed entirely, or at least in part, with lifestyle changes and holistic therapies.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
Side effects that you may experience with anxiety medication include: Fatigue, tiredness, or drowsiness. Restlessness or agitation. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
Instead, high-functioning anxiety typically refers to someone who experiences anxiety while still managing daily life quite well. Generally, a person with high-functioning anxiety may appear put together and well- accomplished on the outside, yet experience worry, stress or have obsessive thoughts on the inside.