While a little nervousness can help us stay focused during exams, presentations, public speeches, or even meetings at work, persistent and excessive worry can become debilitating.
Some medications can be effective in coping with anxiety, especially for individuals looking for instant relief from situational unease.
Even though anxiety is a common issue in the U.S., with an estimated 31.1% of adults having experienced it at some point, taking these drugs in situations that require performance is generally stigmatized. Many people struggle to openly discuss their issues during in-person visits to their doctors.
Telemedicine clinics are a potential game-changer as they offer privacy and convenience. Learn how to get anxiety medication online in a few quick steps from trusted and experienced medical professionals.
Can Online Doctors Prescribe Anxiety Medication?
Yes, online doctors can prescribe anxiety medication if they specialize in:
- Psychiatry—Psychiatrists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating mental disorders, including anxiety
- Primary care—Your primary healthcare provider is usually your first point of contact for any medical issue. While they may not specialize in mental health, they have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat common anxiety disorders
- Psychiatric nursing—They’re licensed nurses with additional training in psychiatry
- Obstetrics and gynecology—They can also prescribe anxiety medication, especially for anxiety related to hormonal changes or pregnancy
How To Get Anxiety Medication Online
Obtaining anxiety medication online typically entails five steps:
- Select a reputable online telemedicine service—Verify that the clinic is licensed and has positive reviews
- Complete an online evaluation—You’ll answer a comprehensive set of questions to help the doctor determine whether mental health treatment through the service is right for you
- Consult the chosen healthcare provider—If the service is right for you, the clinic’s team will evaluate your responses and provide feedback
- Get a prescription—If you get the medication prescribed, the clinic may have it delivered to your door
- Schedule regular consultation—Some clinics may schedule routine online appointments to ensure the medication works for you, adjust your treatment or dose as needed, and provide ongoing guidance
Using telehealth practices has many benefits, including reducing waiting and travel times. Kick, an online performance medicine clinic, lets you consult experienced doctors in about ten minutes and helps you receive your medications in the shortest time possible.
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Kick—Your Partner in Overcoming Situational Anxiety
Kick’s unique approach to managing situational anxiety has made it a trusted choice for many, which is reflected by numerous positive reviews on Trustpilot.
Key features of the program include:
- A secure and confidential platform where you can discuss your performance anxiety concerns in a supportive and private environment
- Access to propranolol or atenolol, beta-blockers that can be effective for occasional anxiety
- A designated doctor to address any questions or concerns you may have about the performance anxiety program
- Delivery of your medication in discreet packaging so you can use it subtly, even in public
How To Join Kick
To join Kick’s performance anxiety program, follow three easy steps:
- Navigate to the signup page to start your 10-minute visit
- Complete the intake form to help us understand your anxiety issues and determine the best medication for you
- Provide your delivery and payment details
If you choose express delivery, your medication will be delivered to your doorstep within two days or to your local pharmacy via a same-day service.
Kick’s program is risk-free—if our team concludes that Kick isn’t the best solution for your specific issue, you won’t pay for the initial consultation as per our Doctor Guarantee.
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What To Consider When Buying Anxiety Medication Online
To ensure the online clinic or pharmacy you’ve chosen is a reliable partner in overcoming anxiety, consider these essential factors:
- Credentials—A legitimate online establishment operates within legal and professional guidelines and requires a valid prescription from a healthcare provider when selling you anxiety medication
- Data safety—The clinic should protect your personal and financial data through a robust privacy policy and secure payment methods
- Medication guidance—The clinic should provide comprehensive medication information and customer support, helping you understand how the drugs work and get answers to any related concerns
- Service terms—The pricing, delivery policy, and refund policy should be transparent and fair, ensuring you receive value for your money and recourse in case of issues
- Customer feedback—Customer reviews can help you determine whether other people had positive experiences with the same clinic or pharmacy
Common Anxiety Medications You Can Get Online
The anxiety medications you can buy online typically fall into any of these four categories:
- Beta-blockers
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Benzodiazepines
Beta-Blockers
When we’re stressed, our bodies release adrenaline, a hormone that triggers a “fight-or-flight” response, leading to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating. Beta-blockers intervene by binding to the beta receptors in the heart that adrenaline would normally latch onto. Their action prevents adrenaline from triggering these intense responses, reducing physical symptoms of anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Still, these drugs are only meant for short-term use and are typically taken two hours before specific occasions that trigger anxiety, such as:
- Exams
- Interviews
- Public speaking
- Social gatherings
- Work meetings
Check out the table below for details on the beta-blockers that are commonly prescribed to people with occasional anxiety:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of well-being and happiness. High serotonin can help balance mood, reducing anxiety. These drugs are typically meant for chronic social or generalized anxiety disorders, so they can be taken for an extended period.
Check out the table below for a detailed breakdown of the SSRIs typically prescribed to people with chronic anxiety:
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate mood and stress response. By preventing their rapid absorption, SNRIs improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate panic attacks.
These medications are meant for long-term use, but the specific duration depends on your health status and needs. Learn about the most common SNRIs in the table below:
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABAA receptor with their sedative, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, and muscle-relaxing properties. They induce a calm, relaxed state by alleviating the intensity of physiological anxiety symptoms, such as:
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
The table below lists common benzodiazepines and their typical doses for anxiety issues:
While benzodiazepines can provide relief from unease, they should only be taken in the short term due to the high risks of dependence and addiction.
Besides medications, you may need extensive treatment and clear strategies for coping with unease. Some non-pharmaceutical methods include:
- Maintaining a consistent physical exercise routine
- Attending events to overcome social phobia
- Maintaining a healthy diet
For more tips and long-term methods of overcoming anxiety, consult your doctor.
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Side Effects of Anxiety Medications
While medications can help cope with anxiety, they carry the risk of side effects. Check out the table below for more details:
These lists aren’t exhaustive. If you experience unwanted reactions while on these medications, inform your doctor immediately.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Use Anxiety Medications?
Even though anxiety medications can be safe and effective, they can interact with specific medical conditions, raising the risk of unwanted effects. Check out the table below for more details:
Inform your doctor about any chronic or recent health condition you’ve had to help them determine which specific anxiety medications are safe for you.
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Tips for Taking Anxiety Medications Safely
Besides checking whether you’re the right candidate for anxiety medications, there are several guidelines to follow to ensure you can benefit from them without experiencing side effects. Common recommendations include:
- Take medications as prescribed—If you miss a dose, skip it unless it’s almost time for the next one, in which case you should take the regular dose
- Avoid stopping treatment before the designated date—Abruptly discontinuing anxiety medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms or relapse, so you should consult your doctor before adjusting the treatment
- Have open communication with your doctor—Be honest with your healthcare provider about your concerns and treatment goals to help them tailor your treatment to your needs
- Don’t switch to new medications independently—Before starting any new prescription drug, over-the-counter aid, or supplement, discuss it with your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions with your current medications
This list isn’t exhaustive. Consult your doctor for more specific guidelines on using these drugs safely.
Featured image source: MART PRODUCTION
