anxiety treatment san francisco Archives

Klonopin for Anxiety Treatment.

Klonopin, also known as Clonazepam, is one of a more than a dozen medicines classified as a benzodiazepine that has been FDA approved for the treatment of a variety of mental health illnesses. With more than 40 million Americans living with anxiety disorders, this group of medications is an essential tool in the treatment process.

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health issues that are associated with an increased or extreme level of anxiety that reoccurs often. This group can include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobic disorder, and separation anxiety as well as several others.

Although the conditions that are listed under the umbrella of an anxiety disorder is somewhat different, each can result in an excessive and often dangerous level of anxiety. Everyone must deal with stressful situations every day, but most can deal with it. Unfortunately, individuals with an anxiety disorder will have a physical or emotional reaction without the presence of a stressful stimulus or sometimes to an event that occurred in the past.

While the emotional issues associated with anxiety can be disastrous, the physical ramifications can be just as bad if not worse. Listed below are a few of the most common complication associated with anxiety disorders.

Compromised immunity system: chronic stress and anxiety that can lead to overproduction and eventual suppression of white blood cell activity resulting in increased infections
Cardiovascular disorder: increased heart rate, blood pressure, and lipid levels lead to heart disease
Gastrointestinal disorder: stress turns off digestive functions leading to weight gain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, excessive belching, gas, and stomach cramps
Respiratory Disorders: anxiety that can irritate asthmatic symptoms and has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Musculoskeletal disorders: stress and extreme anxiety that cause the muscles in the body to tighten and contract continuously causing muscular spasms, migraines, and joint dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction: stress hormones released can increase menstrual disorder and discomfort in women and erectile dysfunction in men as well as a decrease in sexual desire for both sexes

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine class medication that is marketed under several names. It is a successful fast-acting treatment for some anxiety disorders where symptoms generally improve for up to twelve hours. Once a patient’s stress and anxiety level are under control, individuals are typically able to get their health conditions under control and begin the process of recovery. While some conditions that are caused by anxiety can be improved or even cured, it can also result in death. Visit EzCare Anxiety Clinic in San Francisco and speak with a licensed doctor to see if anxiety drugs can help with your symptoms.

What is Klonopin prescribed for?

Anxiety treatment with Clonazepam — Symptoms of Anxiety

Klonopin can be prescribed for several different mental health issues, but it is most beneficial to those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder as well as conditions not related to mental health like certain epileptic conditions that cause seizures. It also can be used as a secondary treatment for mania symptoms in individuals who have bipolar disorder.

Because Klonopin should only be used for a short amount of time, patients would benefit from additional therapies for their condition. Many patients have tremendous success with individual or group therapy that is designed to allow them to talk about how they feel as well as having the opportunity to discuss their issues with others who are going through the same thing. Klonopin can also be used in conjunction with other medications but must be done only under the direction of the healthcare provider. Visit EzCare Clinic to get help today.

How does Klonopin Work?

The central nervous system (CNS) regulates heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and body temperature. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine that acts as a CNS depressant that can be used to slow these functions. These medications interrupt how the brain and body communicate with one another. Chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are responsible for moving messages from one nerve to another. It is believed that the excessive activity of these nerves causes anxiety and other psychological disorders.

Stress and anxiety are stimulating to the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity and produces a calm, soothing effect on the brain and suppresses nerve activity. When someone has an imbalance, medications like Klonopin can be used to help regulate GABA production. Once their systems are controlled, patients often feel more like themselves and are better able to handle their emotions and prevent panic attacks.

Klonopin is a fast-acting medication that is used to help manage the severe effects of overstimulation. While it is often the first-choice treatment, it shouldn’t be used on a long-term basis. As a patient uses Klonopin for an extended amount of time, they quickly develop a tolerance to its effects requiring the need for an increase in the dosage.

Klonopin can be habit-forming in as little as a few weeks despite using it as prescribed. Once addicted to the drug, an addicted person’s brain can no longer produce the feelings of relaxation and calmness without it. Due to its addictive nature, Klonopin should not be used by individuals who have a history of addiction.

In addition to its habit-forming tendencies, Klonopin does produce a “high” feeling making it a popular drug for abuse by individuals who use illicit drugs. Patients who have been prescribed this medication should take great care in protecting their pills. Doctors at EzCare Clinic can establish the anxiety treatment plan for you, call us today at 415-966-0848

What are the side effects of Klonopin?

Most anxiety drugs cause some side effects. The amount, intensity and duration of the reaction can vary from product to product. Before taking any medication, individuals should discuss with their practitioner a detailed medical history that includes any allergies or prior reactions. Individuals who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or liver disease should not be prescribed Klonopin. Listed below are the most common side-effects with this medication.

Clonazepam side effects — Klonopin Side Effects

Body aches or pain
Chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness
Fever
Headache
Irritability
Changes in appetite
Loss of interest
Loss of voice
Congestion
Poor coordination
Runny nose
Shakiness and unsteady walk
Unusual drowsiness
Sneezing
Sore throat
Tiredness
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Unsteadiness, trembling, or problems with muscle control or coordination
Weakness

More severe side effects may include suicidal thoughts or increased depression. If you are taking Klonopin and are experiencing these issues, speak with your medical provider today.

Conclusion

Individuals that are suffering from chronic anxiety issues should speak with a licensed anxiety doctor regarding Klonopin treatment. With the different types of medications and treatments available, an effective solution can be found. Call EzCare Clinic to speak with a physician today; help is just around the corner. Call 415-966-0848 or schedule your appointment here – anxiety treatment appointment

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ANXIETY TREATMENT APPOINTMENT

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Anxiety and Nervousness

Everyone feels anxious and nervous to some degree throughout their life. While fear and anxiety can be strong emotions to deal with, they are also helpful in that they warn us to danger or threats and help keep us safe while adapting to a new environment. When fear or anxiety becomes so extreme that it causes an overwhelming amount of distress, or impairs one’s ability to function at work, in school or disrupts our relationships, an anxiety disorder may be the underlying cause. Anxiety disorders are an umbrella term used to describe several different conditions in which fear and anxiety are common factors. While it is not fully understood what causes some individuals to have an anxiety disorder, most mental health providers believe that there are multiple risk factors associated with their development including life experiences, environmental factors, genetic markers and neurobiological conditions.

Types of anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders types

Depending on who you are asking, there are five different anxiety disorders, but several subcategories can be distinguished as well.

5 Anxiety disorder types

Although each disease has unique characteristics, they can also have overlapping symptoms such as

Anxiety Symptoms

Panic, fear, and uneasiness
Sleep problems
Not being able to stay calm
Cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Dry mouth
Nausea
Tense muscles
Dizziness

Individuals who are concerned about symptoms can take an online self-assessment quiz to determine their extent. While this quiz isn’t a diagnosis, it can help individuals decide if they need to consult a medical practitioner.

During an examination, your doctor will complete medical assessment and review the history as well as conducting tests to rule out any illness that might be causing the symptoms. Unfortunately, there are no lab tests that can identify or diagnosis anxiety disorders.

Anxiety Treatment

Treatment for anxiety disorders can include medications, coping techniques, and therapy. While there is often a stigma attached to counseling or therapy, neither should be discounted. Therapy can offer patients a safe space to talk about their anxiety and issues that may be contributing factors. Also, the counselor can help patients pinpoint their fears and focus treatment. While discussing the things that can be the source of anxiety is very helpful, patients often need medications to aid them in controlling all the physical effects that anxiety can produce.

There are three different classifications of medications that can be used to treat anxiety, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and Buspirone. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication that can be effective for generalized anxiety disorder but is used much less frequently than other medicines.

Antidepressants are often the first line of treatment for patients that have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Of these antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro are often the first choice. Despite what many may think, antidepressants aren’t addictive in the traditional sense and are very useful, although it can take several weeks to feel the effects entirely.

Benzodiazepines affect the chemical messengers that work in the brain’s fear response system. They are used as quick relief from the symptoms associated with anxiety. Because they act immediately, they are typically prescribed during the first few weeks of treatment while waiting for an antidepressant to take effect. Although benzodiazepines are considered reasonably safe, they are usually prescribed for a relatively short amount of time because the body can become accustomed to how they feel, making them less effective over time.

Side effects of anxiety medication

Side effects of Anxiety medications

While the effects of these drugs can vary from product to product, there are a few that seem to be shared among most, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Some of the most prescribed medications can result in weakness, loss of appetite, dry mouth, excessive sweating, and nervousness or weight gain and occasional difficulties with sexual function. Benzodiazepines, used for immediate relief, are known to cause personality changes in some individuals, including aggressiveness and violent behavior as well as suicidal thoughts. Although serotonin reuptake inhibitors can cause any number of these symptoms, they typically produce the least amount of side effects when compared to other antidepressants and anxiety medications.

Anxiety Treatment at EZCare Clinic in San Francisco

Although any medication prescribed for anxiety can cause side effects that range from mild to severe, not getting treatment for such a life-altering condition can be much worse. The caring staff at EZCare Clinic is trained to help patients work through their disease with the least invasive methods possible. While no treatment is perfect, suffering from the effects of an anxiety disorder is unnecessary. Our goal is to design a treatment program that is safe and effective.

The clinic is open every day, including weekends from 11 am to 7 pm. Walk-ins are accepted, however, you can make an appointment online or give us a call at (415) 966-0848.

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Zoloft is an antidepressant drug that can be used to treat several mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that slows the reabsorption of the chemical messenger serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is believed to help regulate mood and anxiety. Speak to a licensed doctor to get anxiety treatment from EzCare Medical Clinic in San Francisco.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal occurrence in everyone’s life. It is characterized by the feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about a forthcoming event that can’t be controlled or of uncertain outcome. Occasional anxiety isn’t something serious. Unfortunately, some individuals have excessive or prolonged bouts of anxiety that that may include a compulsive behavior or panic attacks that are disruptive to everyday living. When the tension reaches this level, an evaluation for an anxiety disorder should be sought.

Anxiety disorder is a group of mental disturbances characterized by anxiety as a central or core symptom. Typically, the following conditions are included as forms of an anxiety disorder:

Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Stress or PTSD
Specific phobias
Generalized anxiety disorder

How to take Zoloft

Approved by the FDA in 2003, Zoloft is the only medication that has been approved for long-term use. The dosage prescribed will depend on the age of the patient and the medical condition being treated. Depending on how well a patient responds to treatment, the physician may reduce or increase the dosage.

In most patients, the full effects of Zoloft are not noticeable for six to eight weeks, but it can vary. Prescriptions are written either for a liquid or tablet form depending on the age and preference of the patient. While the liquid form of Zoloft must be combined with a half cup of water, ginger ale, soda, lemonade or orange juice, the tablet form should not be altered or crushed.

Patients should continue taking Zoloft for as long as the doctor instructs, even if they begin to feel better. Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, lightheadedness, muscle pains, weakness, insomnia, and anxiety can occur if you abruptly stop taking this medication.

Side Effects of Zoloft

Diarrhea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dyspepsia
Fatigue
Insomnia
Loose stools
Nausea
Tremor
Headache
Paresthesia
Anorexia
Decreased libido
Delayed ejaculation
Diaphoresis
Ejaculation failure
Xerostomia

When patients first start Zoloft, or when the dosage is changed patients should watch for more severe side effects such as agitation, nervousness, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, tremors, seizures, persistent vomiting or nausea, severe abdominal pain, changes in urine or stools, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. If any of these are experienced, report them immediately to the doctor. It is also important to contact your physician if symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, swelling, itching, or a skin rash are experienced.

While the risk of a fatal overdose of Zoloft is low, patients or loved ones should know the signs. Symptoms of an overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, increased or slow heart rate, and coma.

Zoloft prescription in San Francisco

Individuals who are concerned about how they deal with anxiety may find an anxiety self-assessment helpful to help determine if they need to seek professional treatment. While this self-assessment is in no way a replacement for mental health consultation, it can be helpful in recognizing issues that are related to anxiety.

With the self-assessment in hand, individuals in San Francisco should make an appointment with their anxiety doctor or another healthcare provider. EZCare Clinic is a full-service medical practice dedicated to treating the whole patient. With a full range of doctors, clinicians, therapists, and counselors, we can assist you from diagnosis to recovery and every step in between.

During your initial consultation, your healthcare team will assess your overall health and discuss any possible medical conditions that may be a contributing factor in anxiety. Once completed, your physician will determine the type of treatment needed and write any prescriptions required. During the consultation, your doctor may also recommend therapy services for anxiety.

While some people do not understand the value of therapy, many who’ve used this service learn a great deal about how to combat the overwhelming feelings associated with an anxiety disorder. Therapists can work with individuals alone, or sometimes, they may recommend a group setting in which effective coping techniques can be taught.

Anxiety help in San Francisco

Having an anxiety disorder is frustrating enough; not getting help only makes it worse. Take time to begin the process of getting better. Medications like Zoloft are designed to get you back to your normal self by curbing the feelings of fear and panic that can sometimes weigh us down.

EZCare Clinic is open Monday through Sunday, from 11 am to 7 pm. You can schedule appointments online, or call us at (415) 966-0848. Walk-ins are always welcome.

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