Anxiety treatment Archives

Anxiety and Stress

The world that we live in can be very fast-paced and often stressful. Although some people seem to be able to work through those types of situations without much difficulty, others have a harder time. Anxiety or the feeling of worry, or unease about something that has an uncertain outcome is entirely normal. Unfortunately, individuals can become so focused on those troublesome things that they are unable to move on. Many of these people may suffer from an anxiety disorder. This is a term used to describe a group of mental illnesses whose distress can prevent someone from living a healthy life. Worry and fear are often constant and can be disabling.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several different types of anxiety disorders; panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. While each condition may share the same general symptoms, what triggers their reaction can be quite different.

Common anxiety disorder symptoms:

Panic, fear, and uneasiness
Sleep problems
Inability to stay calm
Cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Dry mouth
Nausea
Tense muscles
Dizziness

While researchers don’t exactly know what causes an anxiety disorder, they believe that they are the result of a combination of issues, including genetics or faulty circuits in the brain that controls fear and other emotions. Individuals who have symptoms should consult their doctor to rule out medical illnesses that could be causing the symptoms. Unfortunately, no lab tests can accurately diagnose an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety treatment options

Typically, anxiety disorders are treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. While talk therapy can help individuals articulate their anxiety, most practitioners prefer individuals to begin treatment with an appropriate medication designed to lessen the severity of symptoms or to prevent them altogether. Two of the most common types of medications for anxiety is Cymbalta and Paxil.

Cymbalta Prescription

Cymbalta is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) antidepressant that affects the chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people who have depression as well as those who have a generalized anxiety disorder. While some medications of this type are not suggested for children, Cymbalta has been approved for anyone over the age of seven but must be used with caution.

Paxil Prescription Medication

Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that, like Cymbalta, affects specific chemicals in the brain. Paxil can be used to treat depression, anxiety, or other disorders as well as improving mood. Unfortunately, it can have more unwanted side effects than other medications that work as it does.

Cymbalta vs. Paxil

While both medications have been proven to be very effective, some people or their physicians may prefer one over the over. The following chart highlights some of the things that should be considered before taking either medication.

Paxil	Cymbalta
Pros	Pros

Available in generic	Available in generic
Taken once a day	May help alleviate nerve pain from diabetes and other forms of chronic pain
	Has several uses which may be suitable for individuals with multiple conditions

Cons	Cons

More likely to increase the risk of some sexual dysfunction than other antidepressants	Not recommended for heavy drinkers or have liver or kidney problems
May not be appropriate if you are elderly or have dementia	Can increase high blood pressure
Can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and children	Can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors for patients under 24 years old

How to get a Cymbalta or Paxil prescription in San Francisco

Although occasional anxiety can be a normal part of life, those who find that they are dealing with the effects on a routine basis or that it impairs day to day living should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner such as those at EZCare Clinic. During your initial consultation, the experienced staff will work with you to determine the root causes that contribute to your anxiety and will design a treatment regimen that will include medications to ease or prevent symptoms and therapy or counseling. With the addition of counseling, patients can learn effective coping techniques that can help with any future issues. At EZCare Clinic, our goal is to treat the whole patient.

If you live in the San Francisco area, make an appointment with EZCare Clinic today. Our staff of caring and knowledgeable professionals have the experience necessary for all your healthcare needs. From routine medical issues to weight management, or mental health concerns and everything in between, EZCare Clinic is dedicated to providing our patients with a comfortable, non-judgmental environment that promotes whole body healing based on proven methodologies, medications and support services. Although an appointment is preferred, walk-ins are accepted Monday thru Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can be a normal part of life; in fact, it can be helpful in some ways. From helping us recognize dangers to motivating us to get things done, moderate anxiety is beneficial. Unfortunately, for some individuals, anxiety can spiral out of control and overwhelm to the point that it interferes with everyday living. Once the physical and emotional symptoms begin to degrade the quality of life a person has, what was once thought to be “normal” could be an anxiety disorder.

Typically, medical professionals group several conditions under the umbrella term “anxiety disorder.” These may include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorders. Having multiple mental health conditions at the same time can also occur. Depending on what type of disease a person has been diagnosed with will determine the kind of treatment they should begin. Regrettably, there is no medical test to determine the type of anxiety a person has.

Once patients take that first step on what can be a long road to recovery, they often find that they have several choices to make. Do they seek therapy or medications? Is a combination approach better for them? While some patients may avoid counseling due to the negative connotation associated mental health, many find that talking does help, but it may not be enough. For some, pharmacological help in addition to therapy is the only way to get control over their condition and to get their lives back on track.

Anxiety Treatment Options

Several medications can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. The two most common types are anti-depressants and benzodiazepines. Benzos are typically only used for short-term treatment since it is a fast-acting treatment method and because it can cause dependency if used too long. Anti-depressants, on the other hand, aren’t addictive in the traditional sense and can be easily adjusted if needed. Most often, physicians will prescribe both anti-depressants and benzos to be used together during the first few weeks of treatment. Once the patient begins to respond to anti-depressants and therapy, the benzos are generally discontinued unless something changes.

The most common anxiety medications are:

Anti-depressants

Prozac
Zoloft
Lexapro
Paxil
Celexa

Benzodiazepines

Xanax
Valium
Klonopin
Ativan

Types of Anxiety Therapy

While there are several types of therapy for individuals who are living with anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is most often used. It works by retraining the person how to think through the anxiety causing event. Other forms of treatment might include hypnotherapy or biofeedback, a method that uses bodily awareness as treatment. Although many patients choose to use therapy and medications at the same time, not all do. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, these measures do not always work.

When Anxiety treatment methods don’t work

Despite going to therapy, taking the medications as directed, and following all the advice, some still may not feel like their old self. So, what now? Waiting on the medicines to work can be frustrating, but giving up isn’t the answer. Most experts will tell you that there are a few things you can and should do throughout the treatment process.

Talk about the options and be willing to ask your physician the hard questions. How can I get the most from my medications? How long should it take for my prescriptions to work? What can I do to manage any side effects? Can I do more to alleviate the anxiety?
Give the medications time to work. While some anxiety medications are fast-acting others are not. Anti-depressants typically take six to eight weeks to affect the brain’s chemistry. While anyone who has an anxiety disorder wants to feel normal immediately, it’s usually going to take some time.
Manage depression symptoms as well as any other health conditions. Though it may not seem like it, things that affect other areas of the body can exacerbate your anxiety. Getting enough sleep, exercising, and socializing with others also helps to combat depression.

Anxiety Treatment at EZCare

Adequately designing the treatment for an anxiety disorder rarely happens the first time. Often patients, physician, and therapist have to try different medications and methods to find the right one. Don’t give up hope if the first medication doesn’t make you feel better overnight. The goal of treating anxiety as well as many other mental health conditions is for remission. Don’t give up until you feel like your old self again.

Call EZCare Clinic when other treatment methods don’t work. Our experienced medical team includes physicians, therapists, and counselors who are dedicated to finding the solution that will fulfill all your medical needs.

Our practice is open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm. Although appointments are appreciated, walk-ins are welcome. You can reach us at (415) 966-0848 or schedule your appointment online.

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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Treatment options for anxiety; Cymbalta vs Paxil?