To get anxiety medication online, start by finding an online psychiatry provider for an evaluation. For an in-person evaluation, your primary care provider may refer you to a prescriber who may offer a prescription for anxiety medication.
If you’re looking for how to get medication for anxiety online, we have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Brightside Health, Talkiatry, or Circle Medical. These platforms can prescribe anxiety medications such as antidepressants and we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Talkiatry is the only online platform that can and will prescribe benzodiazepines, which are controlled substances. Your provider may offer you an anxiety medication prescription online if they determine the medication may help your symptoms.
Key takeaways
To get prescribed anxiety medication online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can prescribe either controlled substances or antidepressants, such as Talkiatry.
Several types of anxiety medications are available. Those who need to avoid or don’t respond to a certain medication have multiple options.
Brand name anxiety medications can be costly without insurance. Coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
How to Get Anxiety Medication Online or In Person
To get prescribed anxiety medication online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for your anxiety symptoms. The process of getting a diagnosis and potentially prescribed anxiety medication online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
It is important to find an online provider who can prescribe anxiety medication. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get Anxiety Medication Online
Here is how to get prescribed anxiety medication online in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can prescribe anxiety medication, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical. We have thoroughly reviewed these platforms, and in using the services ourselves, we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. Due to special regulations for controlled substances such as benzodiazepines, Talkiatry is one provider that can and will prescribe these medications.
Step 2: Get a Psychiatric Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether anxiety medication may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or anxiety medication, or possibly both. If anxiety medication looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take it.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Anxiety Medication Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get anxiety medication delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatric platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed anxiety medication, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed. For controlled substances such as benzodiazepines, a new prescription with a prescriber visit is required each month.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your anxiety medication. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication. It may also depend on how the platform manages medication delivery, such as offering 90-day supplies.
How to Get an Anxiety Medication Prescription In Person
In six steps, here is how to get prescribed anxiety medication in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Psychiatric Provider
A good place to start for an in-person psychiatric evaluation is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you or your child to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist. They can further evaluate whether to include anxiety medication as a part of the treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Get an Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether anxiety medication may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or anxiety medication, or possibly both. If anxiety medication looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take it.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Anxiety Medication Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription that you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online platform. You may be able to get anxiety medication delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed anxiety medication, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed. For controlled substances such as benzodiazepines, a new prescription with a prescriber visit is required each month.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your anxiety medication. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication. Controlled substances such as benzodiazepines cannot be refilled automatically. A new prescription and a prescriber visit is required for each 30-day supply.
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How Much Does Anxiety Medication Cost?
Several factors may impact the cost of your anxiety medication prescription, including your choice of pharmacy, any available discounts or coupons, and the specific dosage prescribed by your healthcare professional. Using generic medications with a coupon or prescription savings program may reduce costs.
Does Insurance Cover Anxiety Medications?
Your insurance policy may cover your prescription, depending on the company. It is important to note that policies can change coverage at any time and some may only cover a prescription for generic medications. Requirements for medication coverage may vary for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and commercial insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider directly to understand your medication coverage.
Here are online psychiatric platforms that accept insurance:
- Brightside Health does not prescribe controlled substances, such as benzodiazepines. However, they can be an option for anxiety treatments with fewer restrictions, such as SSRI antidepressants or buspirone. They also accept insurance.
- Talkiatry is one of the only online platforms that accepts insurance and may prescribe controlled substances such as benzodiazepines.
Who Is Anxiety Medication a Good Fit For?
An evaluation from a medical provider can determine whether getting a prescription for anxiety medication may be a helpful treatment for you. Many people experience anxiety from time to time, but some people experience significant worry and fear.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. If your anxiety is enough to cause you distress and interfere with your life, then you may have an anxiety disorder.1
Below are signs you may benefit by getting a prescription for anxiety medication:2
- Excessive worry that is hard to control
- Fear of social situations, specific objects, or experiences
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling restless or on-edge
- Panic attacks, which can include heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom
- Fear of future panic attacks
- Avoidance of people, places, or things that trigger anxiety or panic
Your provider may assess your symptoms by asking you questions or having you complete one or more screening tools. If they determine that you do have an anxiety disorder, they can talk to you about different anxiety treatment options. Anxiety medication and therapy are two types of clinical treatments that are recommended for anxiety disorders.1
Therapy vs Medication for Anxiety
Therapy is typically recommended for all anxiety disorders, but the type of therapy that is most helpful depends on the specific disorder.1 Anxiety that is mild, brief, and does not cause significant problems or distress may be treated with therapy alone.3 However, anxiety that is more severe and affects a person’s functioning is better treated with both medication and therapy.
The type of medication that is right for you will depend on what kind of anxiety you are experiencing. Antidepressants or buspirone are often prescribed for chronic anxiety, while benzodiazepines and beta blockers are usually prescribed for panic attacks and acute anxiety.4
Who Should Avoid Certain Anxiety Medications?
Every person is different, and while several medications are FDA-approved for treating anxiety symptoms, they may not be right for everyone.
People who should take extra caution before using anxiety medications include:*
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
- Those with other mental health conditions
- Those with a history of substance use
- Those with breathing problems
- Those who need long-term anxiety medication
- Older adults
All medications can cause side effects and other risks which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible risks. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential risks and benefits of any medication.
Types of Anxiety Medication
Having multiple anxiety medication alternatives is important for people who may need or wish to avoid certain medications. Everyone responds to medication in a unique way, and your age, health history, and previous experience with side effects can all be factors. Your doctor will help to decide which medication is correct for you.
Antidepressants
SSRIs and SNRIs are considered the safest and most effective antidepressants available and are typically the first medications considered for treating anxiety. Common examples of these include Prozac, Lexapro, and Effexor.
Benzodiazepines
Several benzodiazepines, such as Ativan and Xanax, are FDA-approved as effective short-term treatment for anxiety symptoms. However, they are controlled substances with risks and may not be the right medication for everyone.
Buspirone
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Buspirone interacts with brain cells and promotes a sense of calmness, particularly in areas of the brain associated with anxiety and fear.5
Beta Blockers
Beta-blockers are medications typically used for heart conditions but some are also used for anxiety symptoms as a non-FDA-approved treatment.6, 7 They reduce anxiety symptoms by decreasing the physical symptoms caused by anxiety.
Over-the-Counter Anxiety Medication Options
There are several over-the-counter prescription anxiety medication alternatives, such as supplements, medications, and natural remedies that claim to help treat anxiety. However, none of these are FDA-approved. Quality studies are limited and have yet to show that such treatments improve anxiety symptoms.
Some of these treatments can also interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any alternative treatments.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you believe getting a prescription for anxiety medication may be helpful for your treatment plan, one place to start is by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They know your health history and may be able to prescribe medication for your condition, if needed.
And if they think a specialist would be helpful, such as a psychiatrist, they may make a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary healthcare provider, an online psychiatry provider is a good place to start.
To prepare for your first appointment, collect important information about your condition. Write down your main symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what good symptom relief would look like. Describe your treatment goals as well as your questions and concerns about using medications.
- What type of anxiety medications can help treat my anxiety?
- How much and how often should I take this medication?
- What are common side effects of this medication?
- What are the risks of taking this medication?
- Will this medication interact with others I currently take?
- How long can I expect to take this medication for my symptoms?
- Does this medication have any effects on appetite? How can I manage these if they occur?
- How often should I come for checkups?
- How long does it take for this medication to start working?
- What should I do if this medication does not work for me?
- What can I expect if I need to stop taking this medication?
- Is it advisable to use alcohol while taking this medication?
- For how long will this medication’s side effects last?
- Is it safe to use over-the-counter alternatives for my anxiety symptoms?
Popular Choices for Online Psychiatry
Talkiatry – Safe, virtual mental health care from doctors who take insurance. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Take a short assessment.
Circle Medical – anxiety and depression treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
*Includes copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 Visits. Excludes no shows. **On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient.
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your anxiety medication prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of your medication.
- Take your anxiety medication as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Keeping a consistent dosing schedule reduces the chance of unwanted side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your sleep patterns and initial medication response.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you or your child have any worsening mental health symptoms. Antidepressants have a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children under age 18 and young adults. Benzodiazepines have a boxed warning about the risks of using them with opioids, abuse and dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.8
- Some anxiety medications can cause drowsiness and may affect your decision making. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how your medication affects you. Do not drink alcohol while using your medication.
- Tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter options. Anxiety medications can interact with many other medications and supplements. These interactions can lead to unwanted side effects or reduce the effectiveness of your medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Anxiety Medications Are Available?
SSRIs and SNRIs antidepressants are considered safe and effective, and are typically the first medications considered for treating anxiety. Benzodiazepines can be helpful as a short-term treatment, but come with several risks. Buspirone mimics the effect of a brain chemical called serotonin to promote a sense of calm and help regulate mood. Beta blockers are heart medications that can be used to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
Where Can I Get Anxiety Medication?
You can get a prescription for anxiety medication filled at a local pharmacy, or you may be able to fill it via an online psychiatry platform.
Can You Get Anxiety Medication Prescription Online?
Yes, Talkiatry is one of the only platforms that may prescribe a controlled substance such as benzodiazepines in some cases. Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical may offer you a prescription for antidepressants or other non-controlled substance medications for anxiety.
Can You Get Anxiety Medication Prescription Refills Online?
It depends. Controlled substances such as benzodiazepines cannot be refilled online if the initial evaluation was done remotely. Refills must be done with an in-person visit to a medical practitioner. Online platforms may be able to provide refills for non-controlled substance medication, such as antidepressants.9, 10
Who Can Prescribe Anxiety Medication?
It depends on the medication. Non-controlled substances, such as antidepressants or beta blockers, can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. These providers may be primary care physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. Providers who are licensed and registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) may prescribe controlled substances, such as benzodiazepines.
Can You Get Anxiety Medication Without Therapy?
Yes, you can use anxiety medication without therapy.
Are There Refill Limits for Xanax Prescriptions?
There are limits to prescriptions for controlled substances. While prescriptions cannot be refilled, a prescriber may provide refills for up to a 6-month supply.11
Can I Get Anxiety Medication Delivered to My Home?
You may be able to get anxiety medication delivered to your home, but this service may vary depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can You Get Anxiety Medication From a Walk-in Clinic?
An urgent care clinic cannot prescribe anxiety medications. These providers are not able to monitor and follow up with patients long-term for treatments like these. If you have a prescription already, contact your primary provider or local pharmacy for help. If you do not have a prescription, you will need a full psychiatric evaluation first. Providers at an urgent care or walk-in clinic are not able to provide this type of evaluation.12
How Much Does Anxiety Medication Cost Without Insurance?
Several factors may impact the cost of your anxiety medication prescription, including the pharmacy you choose, discounts or coupons, and the specific dosage prescribed to you.
How Can I Get Anxiety Medication Without Insurance?
Online psychiatry platforms such as Brightside Health and Circle Medical can provide psychiatric evaluations and, if needed, may offer a prescription for non-controlled substance anxiety medication. Both platforms accept cash pay if you don’t have insurance. Talkiatry can and will prescribe controlled substances like benzodiazepines, but is only available to those with an insurance plan that is in-network.
Can You Get Anxiety Medications Over the Counter?
The anxiety medications discussed in this article are only available with a prescription. There are over-the-counter options that claim to help anxiety, but they are not FDA approved.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
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Bandelow, B., Michaelis, S., & Wedekind, D. (June, 2017). Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 19(2), 93–107. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28867934/
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National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Mental health medications. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications#part_2359
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Buspirone Hydrochloride Tablet. (June 28, 2024). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablet. (December 30, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Noyes, R., Jr, Anderson, D. J., Clancy, J., Crowe, R. R., Slymen, D. J., Ghoneim, M. M., & Hinrichs, J. V. (1984). Diazepam and propranolol in panic disorder and agoraphobia. Archives of general psychiatry, 41(3), 287–292. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1984.01790140077009
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FDA Requiring Boxed Warning Updated to Improve Safe Use of Benzodiazepine Drug Class. September 23, 3023). FDA.gov.
Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class -
Drug Enforcement Administration. (April, 2020). Benzodiazepines. Retrieved from: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Benzodiazepenes-2020_1.pdf
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Second Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications. (October 10, 2023). FederalRegister.gov. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/10/2023-22406/second-temporary-extension-of-covid-19-telemedicine-flexibilities-for-prescription-of-controlled
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Controlled Substances Listed in Schedule II. (May 14, 2024). ECFR.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1306/subject-group-ECFRe4ae2bfb4eae102
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Spencer, Aiden. (May 19, 2016). What Type of Medication Can an Urgent Care Doctor Prescribe? AJMC.com. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/what-type-of-medication-can-an-urgent-care-doctor-prescribe
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added Key Takeaways feature. Updated formatting, edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need Anxiety Medication?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting Anxiety Medication?”, retitled as “Who Is Anxiety Medication a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Prescribed Adderall Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Types of Anxiety Medication” with additional subsections “Antidepressants”, “Benzodiazepines”, “Buspirone”, “Beta Blockers”, and “Over-the-Counter Anxiety Medication Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “How Much Does Ativan Cost?”, “What Can I Expect When Getting an Ativan Prescription?”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”. Revised sections titled “Do I Need Anxiety Medication?”, “How to Get Prescribed Anxiety Medication Online & In Person”, “What Are Ativan Alternatives?”, “Are There Over-the-Counter Ativan Options?”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
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