Yes, your primary care doctor can prescribe anxiety medication. In fact, primary care doctors prescribe 79% of all antidepressant medications used for anxiety and depression. Your family doctor has the training and authority to diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe the right medications to help you feel better.

This article will explain everything you need to know about getting anxiety medication from your primary care doctor, what types of medicines work best, and when you might need to see a specialist instead.

What Types of Anxiety Medication Can Primary Care Doctors Prescribe?

Your primary care doctor can prescribe several different types of anxiety medications. Each one works in a different way to help calm your mind and reduce worry.

SSRIs: The First Choice for Most People

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are considered the first-line medication for generalized anxiety disorder. These medicines help your brain use a chemical called serotonin better, which improves your mood and reduces anxiety.

Common SSRIs your doctor might prescribe include:

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Citalopram (Celexa)

Research shows that sertraline is the most cost-effective SSRI for treating anxiety disorders. Your doctor will likely start with this medication first.

SNRIs: Another Good Option

SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) work similar to SSRIs but affect two brain chemicals instead of one. SNRIs have been known to treat generalized anxiety disorder as well as depression, and their effectiveness parallels that of SSRIs.

Popular SNRIs include:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Short-Term Anxiety Medications

For quick relief during panic attacks or severe anxiety episodes, your doctor might prescribe benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines typically take effect within 30 to 60 minutes of administration.

However, benzodiazepines are not considered safe for continuous use, as this can increase risk for physical dependence (addiction). Your doctor will usually only prescribe these for short periods.

Common benzodiazepines include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)

Other Medication Options

Your primary care doctor can also prescribe:

• Buspirone (BuSpar): A non-addictive anti-anxiety medication that takes a few weeks to work
• Beta-blockers: Help with physical anxiety symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Older medications that can help with anxiety and chronic pain

Why Start With Your Primary Care Doctor?

Seeing your primary care doctor first for anxiety medication has many benefits compared to going straight to a psychiatrist.

They Know Your Health History

Your PCP might run lab tests to rule out other medical issues that can cause anxious symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction, rheumatological disorders, low vitamin D levels and anemia, before prescribing an anti-anxiety medication.

Your doctor already knows about:

• Other medications you take
• Medical conditions you have
• Allergies or side effects you’ve experienced
• Your family health history

Faster Appointments

If you need immediate help to manage depression or anxiety, you will be seen faster by your primary care provider, as wait times to see a psychiatrist are often lengthy.

Most people can get an appointment with their primary care doctor within a few days or weeks. Psychiatrist appointments often have waiting lists of several months.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting about a third of U.S. adolescents and adults at some point in their lives. Your primary care doctor plays a crucial role in identifying and treating these conditions early.

Lower Cost

The cost of primary care is often less than that of psychiatry; therefore, receiving care directly from your primary doctor will likely save you money.

Your insurance co-pay for a primary care visit is usually much lower than for a specialist.

Convenient Location

Your primary care doctor’s office is probably close to home and familiar to you. You don’t need to find a new location or figure out parking at a specialist’s office.

How Your Primary Care Doctor Treats Anxiety

When you visit your primary care doctor about anxiety, they follow a careful process to help you get better.

Complete Health Check

First, your doctor will do a thorough exam to make sure your anxiety isn’t caused by other health problems. Before prescribing antidepressants, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam, ask questions to determine your specific symptoms, how severe they are, and run any necessary lab tests to rule out other health conditions.

Ask About Your Symptoms

Your doctor will want to know:

• How long you’ve felt anxious
• What triggers your anxiety
• How bad your symptoms get
• If anxiety affects your daily life
• What you’ve tried before
• If you have thoughts of hurting yourself

Consider All Treatment Options

In some cases, primary care doctors may not prescribe antidepressants during your first visit. Instead, they may recommend talk therapy or other behavioral techniques first.

Your doctor might suggest:

1. Lifestyle changes like exercise, better sleep, and stress management
2. Therapy or counseling
3. Medication if other treatments aren’t enough
4. A combination of treatments for the best results

Start With Safe Medications

SSRIs are considered the first-line medication for GAD, and will typically be prescribed first. Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and increase it slowly if needed.

Monitor Your Progress

Your doctor will want to see you again in a few weeks to check:

• How you’re feeling on the medication
• Any side effects you might have
• If the dose needs to be changed
• If a different medication might work better

When Should You See a Psychiatrist Instead?

While primary care doctors can treat most anxiety cases, sometimes you need a specialist’s help.

Your Doctor Recommends a Referral

If a PCP tries two or three medications and the patient doesn’t improve, or if the patient experiences debilitating side effects, they consider involving a specialist.

Your primary care doctor might refer you to a psychiatrist if:

• Multiple medications haven’t helped
• You have severe side effects
• Your anxiety is very complex
• You have other mental health conditions too

You Have Severe Anxiety

Some patients with prolonged and debilitating anxiety might require a referral to a psychiatrist.

Signs you might need a psychiatrist:

• Panic attacks several times per week
• Can’t leave your house due to anxiety
• Anxiety stops you from working or going to school
• You have thoughts of hurting yourself
• You also have depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health issues

You Want Specialized Care

Psychiatrists have years of training in mental health care. They understand anxiety medication inside and out.

Psychiatrists can:

• Prescribe newer or more specialized medications
• Manage complex medication combinations
• Provide both medication and therapy
• Handle treatment-resistant anxiety

What to Expect When Taking Anxiety Medication

Starting anxiety medication can feel scary, but knowing what to expect helps you prepare.

How Long Before It Works

Although these medications begin to alter brain chemistry after the very first dose, their full effect requires a series of changes to occur; it is usually about 4 to 6 weeks before symptoms start to fade.

Timeline for different medications:

• SSRIs and SNRIs: 4-6 weeks for full effect
• Benzodiazepines: 30-60 minutes for immediate relief
• Buspirone: 2-4 weeks to start working
• Beta-blockers: About 1 hour for physical symptoms

Common Side Effects

Most people have mild side effects that go away after a few weeks. SSRIs sometimes produce slight nausea or jitters when people first start to take them. These symptoms fade with time.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Headaches
• Feeling tired or restless
• Changes in appetite
• Sleep problems
• Sexual side effects

Important Safety Tips

• Take your medication exactly as prescribed
• Don’t stop suddenly without talking to your doctor
• Always take your medication as prescribed, as deviations may lead to worse symptoms and will not help you know whether the medication is working for your anxiety
• Tell your doctor about any side effects
• Avoid alcohol while taking anxiety medication

Getting the Most From Your Treatment

Medication works best when combined with other healthy habits and treatments.

Combine With Therapy

The types of treatment proven to be most effective for many people experiencing an anxiety disorder involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Popular therapy types for anxiety:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Support groups

Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Exercise and aerobic exercise can have a positive effect on your stress and anxiety.

Things that help reduce anxiety:

• Regular exercise (30 minutes most days)
• 7-9 hours of good sleep each night
• Eating healthy foods
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Learning relaxation techniques
• Spending time with supportive friends and family

Work With Your Doctor

Partner with your health care providers. Actively participate in your treatment by working with mental health care professionals to develop a plan that works for you.

Be an active partner by:

• Keeping track of your symptoms and mood
• Asking questions about your treatment
• Being honest about how you’re feeling
• Taking medications as prescribed
• Attending all follow-up appointments

Special Considerations for Different Groups

Young Adults and Teens

Anxiety often starts during the teenage years or early twenties. If you’re a parent worried about your teen, or if you’re a young adult with anxiety, your primary care doctor can help. They might recommend starting with therapy before medication, especially for milder cases.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, generalized anxiety disorder affects an estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults each year, with women being more likely to experience it than men. Understanding these statistics helps your doctor provide appropriate care.

At Yorktown Health, we provide comprehensive adolescent care including anxiety and stress management services.

Older Adults

Anxiety in older adults is often connected to other health problems. Your primary care doctor will be extra careful about:

• How anxiety medications interact with other medicines
• Lower starting doses due to slower metabolism
• Monitoring for falls or confusion
• Checking for medical causes of anxiety

Women’s Health Considerations

Anxiety can be related to hormonal changes during:

• Menstrual cycles
• Pregnancy and postpartum period
• Menopause

Our women’s health services address these unique needs with comprehensive care that includes mental health support.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover anxiety medications prescribed by primary care doctors. Generic versions of popular anxiety medications are usually very affordable, often costing less than $10-20 per month.

Ways to save money:

• Ask for generic versions when available
• Use your insurance’s preferred pharmacy
• Look into patient assistance programs
• Consider 90-day supplies for lower per-pill costs

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When you visit your primary care doctor about anxiety, come prepared with questions:

About Your Diagnosis

• What type of anxiety disorder do I have?
• What might be causing my anxiety?
• Do I need any tests to rule out other conditions?
• How severe is my anxiety?

About Treatment Options

• What are my treatment choices?
• Should I try therapy, medication, or both?
• What medication do you recommend and why?
• How long will I need to take medication?

About Medications

• What are the most common side effects?
• When should I start feeling better?
• What should I do if I have side effects?
• Can this medication interact with my other medicines?
• Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking this?

When to Seek Emergency Help

Sometimes anxiety becomes so severe that you need immediate help. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Severe panic attacks that won’t stop
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Feeling like you’re losing touch with reality
• Severe side effects from medication

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for immediate support.

Online and Telehealth Options

Many people now get anxiety medication through online doctors and telehealth services. Look for reputable telehealth platforms that connect you with licensed mental health professionals who can prescribe anxiety medication.

Benefits of telehealth:

• Convenient appointments from home
• Often shorter wait times
• Good for people with social anxiety
• Can be more affordable

Things to consider:

• Make sure the service is licensed in your state
• Check that they accept your insurance
• Verify they can prescribe controlled substances if needed
• Look for services that offer ongoing care, not just one-time consultations

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

If you think you might have anxiety and want to explore medication options, here’s what to do:

1. Schedule an Appointment

Call your primary care doctor’s office and explain that you’d like to discuss anxiety symptoms. Many offices can schedule this as a regular appointment or a longer visit if needed.

2. Prepare for Your Visit

• Write down your symptoms and when they happen
• List any triggers you’ve noticed
• Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take
• Think about your family’s mental health history
• Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support

3. Be Open and Honest

Your doctor needs to know the full picture to help you best. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about:

• How anxiety affects your daily life
• Any thoughts of self-harm
• Previous mental health treatment
• Substance use
• Your concerns about taking medication

4. Follow the Treatment Plan

Once you and your doctor decide on a treatment plan:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Keep all follow-up appointments
• Track your symptoms and side effects
• Don’t stop taking medication without talking to your doctor first

Getting Help at Yorktown Health

At Yorktown Health in Vernon Hills, we understand that anxiety can feel overwhelming. Our experienced team provides compassionate, personalized care for anxiety and other mental health conditions.

Dr. Shawn George and our medical team have extensive experience helping patients manage anxiety through:

• Comprehensive evaluations to understand your unique situation
• Evidence-based medication management
• Coordination with therapists and specialists when needed
• Ongoing support and monitoring
• Treatment for stress and depression

We also provide annual physicals that include mental health screening, helping us catch anxiety early and provide preventive care.

Final Thoughts

Your primary care doctor is often the best place to start when you’re struggling with anxiety. They can prescribe effective medications, provide ongoing support, and refer you to specialists when needed. Remember that anxiety is a treatable medical condition, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.

The most important step is reaching out for help. Whether you choose to start with your family doctor, a psychiatrist, or an online service, getting professional support can dramatically improve your quality of life. With the right treatment plan, most people with anxiety disorders can feel much better and get back to enjoying their daily activities.

If you’re ready to take control of your anxiety, contact Yorktown Health today to schedule an appointment. Our caring team is here to help you every step of the way toward better mental health and overall wellness.