Experiencing some level of anxiety is a often part of life and may occur for a variety of reasons. However, everyone experiences anxiety differently and in some cases it can become severe. In this comprehensive overview of anxiety in New Zealand we look at common symptoms and causes, treatment options including prescription anxiety medication NZ-wide, potential risks, and how Zoom Pharmacy can support you.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats. It is a part of your body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. In challenging or even dangerous situations anxiety can be a helpful, making you more aware, alert, proactive, and focused. This type of natural anxiety is temporary and usually eases once the situation passes.
When these feelings don’t go away, feel out of proportion to the situation, and start interfering with daily life, they may be a sign of an anxiety disorder – a recognised mental health condition that should be understood and managed, with treatment and support.
Anxiety often causes both physical and emotional symptoms, these may include:
Anxiety symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and even the same individual may experience different symptoms at different times.
Anxiety can have many potential causes, often involving a combination of factors. In anxiety disorders, these causes may be more deeply rooted, and harder to identify. Below we have listed common causes that often are linked to anxiety, these can include:
Health & Medical Factors: Having a serious illness, living with chronic health conditions, or receiving an upsetting diagnosis can trigger or worsen anxiety.
Medication & Substance Use: Certain medications, caffeine, alcohol and other substances can cause anxiety symptoms. Withdrawal can also cause anxiety.
Trauma & Life Experiences: Past or recent traumatic events can affect the flight or fight response and increase the likelihood of developing anxiety.
Genetic & Family History: A family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders increases the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders
Personality & Mental Health: People with personality traits like perfectionism or negative thinking may be at a higher risk. As are people with existing mental health conditions like depression.
Social & Performance Situations: situations requiring social interaction and performance can trigger social anxiety, e.g., public speaking or social gatherings.
Financial & Daily Stressors: Worries about finances, job-related stress and everyday frustrations can often cause anxiety.
Dietary Factors: Eating habits like skipping meals can lead to physical symptoms linked to anxiety.
The best medication for anxiety depends on the individual and the specific type of anxiety disorder. Your healthcare professional will look at your symptoms, medical history, and may decided to prescribe medication for anxiety. Medicine is best used alongside talking therapy to work on the underlying causes.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the primary antidepressant prescribed in New Zealand for treatment of generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. This is due to their effectiveness and relatively manageable size effects. Common SSRI medicines include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.
Other medications like Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and Benzodiazepines may be appropriate in some cases.
Yes, anxiety medication can help reduce overthinking, excessive worry, and racing thoughts. Medicines like SSRIs and SNRIs can help to calm the brain activity that drives repetitive, anxious thinking.
Anxiety medication isn’t a quick fix for overthinking. It takes time for noticeable improvement, and effectiveness varies person to person. Combining medication with therapy, mindful practices and healthy lifestyle habits will improve outcomes.
Overcoming anxiety, especially health anxiety, involves a mix of strategies including:
ZOOM Pharmacy can support your treatment plan by delivering prescribed medication directly to your door.
Yes, anxiety mediation does have side effects. While anxiety medication can be effective, it does have possible side effects.
Common side effects may include:
For some people, these effects are temporary and improve as the body adjusts to the medication. For others, switching to a different medicine or adjusting the dose may be necessary.
Risk of dependence
Some anxiety medicines, especially a group called benzodiazepines, can be habit-forming if you take them for a long time or in high doses. This means your body can get used to the medicine, and you might feel unwell or more anxious if you stop suddenly. You could also have trouble sleeping or feel irritable.
Because of this, doctors usually recommend these medicines for short-term use and check in regularly to make sure they’re still the right choice for you.
Other medicines for anxiety, such as SSRIs, don’t cause the same kind of habit-forming risk. However, you can still feel some uncomfortable symptoms if you stop them too quickly. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor to slowly reduce (or “taper”) your dose if it’s time to stop.
Using ZOOM Pharmacy is easy. If you are prescribe medicines and want them delivered directly to your door simply send your prescription ZOOM Pharmacy, or request it via your patient portal.
We’ll let you know as soon as your prescription arrives. Our friendly team will confirm your details and answer any questions you may have about your medicines.
Then we pack your medicines and deliver them to your door via NZ Post courier—within 1–3 working days, anywhere in New Zealand.
If you have any questions, contact Zoom Pharmacy today! We are here to help.
