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Can I just ask my doctor for some anxiety medication?
The good news is that your regular family physician, also known as a general practitioner (GP), has the power to write an anxiety medication prescription.If you have anxiety, medication can help because the medications used for anxiety alter the chemicals in your body and brain, reducing symptoms, and often helping you calm down and focus on other things.Often, we fear taking new medications because the uncertainty of trying something new and unfamiliar makes us feel powerless. Speaking with your doctor and understanding your treatment options helps put you back in control of your health, which in turn limits medication anxiety.While drugs do not cure anxiety, they can help you manage your symptoms, so you can function well and feel better in your day-to-day life. Many types of medications are available. Because every person is different, you and your doctor may have to try several medications to find the right one for you.Anxiety medication can be prescribed by a provider trained in medicine and mental health, like a physician, psychiatrist, or OBGYN. To get a prescription for anxiety medication, you must first have an evaluation with a provider, who will assess your anxiety symptoms and determine whether medication can help.
How do I request anxiety medication?
The best approach is to be direct, explain your anxiety symptoms, what triggers your anxiety disorder and why you think medication may help reduce symptoms. Remember the doctor is there to help you. Don’t waste time being vague about what you’re seeking help for. Your doctor will probably complete a physical examination and is likely to take blood samples. He or she may also ask you to go for further tests, depending upon his or her initial assessment. This is to rule out any physical causes of your anxiety, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or heart disease.To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test, which helps the doctor determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, may be causing your symptoms. The doctor may also ask about any medications you are taking.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. Be as open and honest with your doctor as possible. He or she can’t help you if they don’t know everything that is going on.The best approach is to be direct, explain your anxiety symptoms, what triggers your anxiety disorder and why you think medication may help reduce symptoms. Remember the doctor is there to help you. Don’t waste time being vague about what you’re seeking help for.Primary care doctors can evaluate symptoms, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medication like any other doctor. Their general training means they can recognize anxiety and treat it, but if your situation is complex or outside of their expertise, they might prefer to refer you to a psychiatrist.
Should I mention my anxiety to my doctor?
Anxiety is linked to many medical conditions, so it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor about it. If you’re concerned about your feelings of anxiety, that’s reason enough to talk with your doctor — there’s no need to wait. Anxiety happens when a part of the brain, the amygdala, senses trouble. When it senses threat, real or imagined, it surges the body with hormones (including cortisol, the stress hormone) and adrenaline to make the body strong, fast and powerful.A little anxiety is fine, but long-term anxiety may cause more serious health problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension). You may also be more likely to develop infections. If you’re feeling anxious all the time, or it’s affecting your day-to-day life, you may have an anxiety disorder or a panic disorder.Anxiety disorders can cause rapid heart rate, palpitations, and chest pain. You may also be at an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. If you already have heart disease, anxiety disorders may raise the risk of coronary events.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.
When does anxiety need medication?
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. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) GAD is the most common type of anxiety disorder. The main symptom of GAD is excessive worrying about different activities and events. You may feel anxious a lot of the time if you have GAD.Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) your worrying is uncontrollable and causes distress.Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.You may have generalised anxiety disorder if: your worrying significantly affects your daily life, including your job and social life.An anxiety disorder can be caused by multiple factors, such as genetics, environmental stressors and medical conditions. New research also indicates that chronic anxiety symptoms that will not go away can be due to an autoimmune response, triggered by common infections.Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with anxiety symptoms. In addition, they may also recommend self-treatment methods you can practice at home, which include following a healthy diet, consistently exercising, and getting regular sleep.