If you have been suffering from anxiety for some time, you might wonder: can family practice doctors prescribe anxiety medication? The answer depends on a few factors. First, you should discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Pay attention to your current symptoms, and bring a list of medications you have taken in the past. You should also discuss any conditions you’ve had and any medications you’re taking.
Symptoms
Depending on the severity of your anxiety, your family practice doctor may recommend anxiety medication to help alleviate your symptoms. The doctor may prescribe a MAX (monoamine oxidase) prescription for weeks, urging you to visit a mental health professional if you continue to experience symptoms. In addition to prescribed medication, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes to help relieve anxiety symptoms, such as getting more exercise and practicing relaxing techniques like yoga or meditation.
Treatment
Your family practice doctor can prescribe anxiety medication. Anxiety medications are available in different strengths and can be taken daily. Before you begin taking them, it is essential to see your physician determine whether you would benefit from them. Your physician will assess your symptoms and recommend the proper medication. They will discuss the side effects of the anxiety medication and whether it would be helpful to you. Often, a simple change in lifestyle, such as reducing caffeine intake, will help with anxiety symptoms.
Questions to ask your doctor before prescribing an anxiety medication
Anxiety medications may be prescribed for various reasons, including anxiety and panic attacks. The medication dosage depends on your symptoms and the severity of the condition. Ask your doctor about possible side effects, how to report unusual symptoms, and how to contact a physician for additional advice. Some anxiety medications are intended for short-term use, while others can be permanent. Regardless of the type of medication, talk to your family practice physician to learn more about the risks and benefits of taking a medication to treat your condition.
Questions to ask your doctor before prescribing a tricyclic antidepressant
Before your family practice physician prescribes a tricyclic antidepressant, you should fully understand the risks and benefits associated with this type of medication. You should also be aware of how to reduce your dose safely. Your doctor should reduce your dose gradually, lowering it by 10 percent at a time and waiting two to three weeks between reductions. If you’re concerned about how this will affect your daily life, use a pill cutter to cut the dosage into small portions.
Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants
Some patients may experience an abnormally high level of serotonin in their body; a side effect called serotonin syndrome. This condition can be fatal, especially if there is a drug interaction between tricyclic antidepressants and drugs that affect the serotonin system. Some of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome include anxiety, confusion, sweating, muscle twitching, rapid heart rate, and high fever. In general, tricyclic antidepressants are safe for most people when taken as directed. Nevertheless, cyclic antidepressants should never be combined with other medications that increase serotonin levels.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants are known for their three-ring chemical structure. They are used to treat anxiety and depression. Examples of tricyclics include imipramine, doxepin, and Tofranil. These antidepressants were first developed in the 1950s to improve other drugs such as antihistamines and sedatives. In addition to their antidepressant effects, tricyclics also inhibit an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which helps break down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.
SNRIs
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a class of antidepressant medications that promise to treat depression and anxiety. SNRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, work by altering brain chemistry and preventing nerve cells from rapidly absorbing these neurotransmitters. SNRIs help improves mood, reduce anxiety, and relieve panic attacks by stabilizing these levels.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If you suffer from depression, your family practice doctor may prescribe you a tricyclic antidepressant. Tricyclic antidepressants work by affecting automatic muscle movement, digesting food, and the brain’s ability to regulate emotions. They block histamine, which may cause side effects like drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain. Different types of tricyclic antidepressants have different side effects.
Council Ring Family Clinic has the best family doctor in Mississauga.
We provide various services, including family health checkups, to help you stay healthy and well. Please make an appointment today and see us for all your health needs.
