Online prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications

Online anti-anxiety medication from licensed psychiatric providers

Treatment for:
anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

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360+ insurance plans accepted

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How prescribing works

1

Find the right provider

Browse providers online or call us and we’ll help you find someone who accepts your insurance and fits your needs. Pick a time that works for you and choose how you’d like to pay.

2

Get started with treatment

At your first session, share what you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. Together, you’ll discuss your options—including whether medication might be a good fit. If so, your provider can send a prescription directly to your local pharmacy.

3

Track your progress

Your provider will check in regularly to make sure your treatment plan is working for you and adjust as needed.

Common anti-anxiety medications

At Thriveworks, we may prescribe the following anti-anxiety medications to help manage anxiety disorders and other related conditions:

FAQs about anti-anxiety medications

What are the side effects of anti-anxiety medications?

Side effects of anti-anxiety medications depend on the type, but common ones include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, headache, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. If side effects bother you, talk to your provider about your options.

Can you become dependent on anti-anxiety medication?

Some anti-anxiety medications can lead to dependence, but not all of them do. Benzodiazepines are the main concern. They’re controlled substances, and physical dependence can develop after several days to weeks of regular use, even when taken as prescribed. This means your body gets used to the medication, so stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms. That’s one reason benzodiazepines are generally used short-term.

SSRIs and SNRIs can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly, but having these symptoms doesn’t mean you’re addicted. Buspirone (Buspar) is not known to cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re thinking about starting an anti-anxiety medication, don’t stop it suddenly, and let your provider know if you’ve struggled with substance use in the past. When it’s time to stop, your provider can lower your dose gradually.

How long does it take for anti-anxiety medication to start working?

It depends on the type of anti-anxiety medication. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and benzodiazepines, like alprazolam and diazepam, typically start working within about an hour.

SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone (Buspar) take longer. With SSRIs and SNRIs, some people notice improvement within one to two weeks, but it can take several weeks to see significant improvement. Buspirone typically takes two to four weeks. These medications are taken every day, and they aren’t a quick fix for anxiety in the moment.

Can I take anti-anxiety medication while pregnant?

The main differences between SSRIs and benzodiazepines are how they work in the brain, how quickly they take effect, and how they’re meant to be used. SSRIs are taken every day, usually take effect within two to four weeks, and are meant for long-term use.

Benzodiazepines can work quickly, but they can lead to tolerance and physical dependence and are indicated for short-term, as-needed use.

Can anti-anxiety medication cause weight gain?

Some anti-anxiety medications can cause weight gain, but it’s usually modest. Some SSRIs, like paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa), are more likely to. In a large study of health records for more than 180,000 people, weight gain ranged from 1.9 to 3.2 pounds after two years.

Other anti-anxiety medications, like buspirone (Buspar), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), and benzodiazepines, are less clearly linked to weight changes. If weight is a concern, talk to your provider about your options.

Can I get a prescription for anti-anxiety medication online?

Yes, in many cases. Most anti-anxiety medications, like SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone (Buspar), aren’t controlled substances, so they can often be prescribed online. If it’s a good fit, your provider can send the prescription straight to your local pharmacy.

Benzodiazepines are different. Since they’re controlled substances, there are specific telehealth requirements your provider will walk you through.

Does insurance cover anti-anxiety medication consultations at Thriveworks?

Yes, Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans, and you can check your coverage before booking.

 

If you’re prescribed medication, whether that’s covered depends on your specific insurance plan. Coverage for prescription medications is separate from the coverage for psychiatric services, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your prescription drug benefits. Ask about any copays or deductibles that may apply to psychiatric medications, as well as any restrictions or prior authorization requirements.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Book a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks online or by calling (855) 204-2767. At your first appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and goals. If medication is a good clinical fit, your provider may send a prescription to your local pharmacy.

Is Thriveworks LegitScript certified?

Yes, Thriveworks is LegitScript certified. Our services have been independently reviewed and verified by a leading compliance organization, confirming high standards for legality, safety, and transparency in prescribing medication like stimulants.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 29, 2026

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are primarily offered online, with in-person availability in select states.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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