Anxiety Medication, Side-Effects & Finding the Right Fit with Psychiatrist Dr. Kirsten Thompson

The Bonnies speak with Dr. Kirsten Thompson about treating anxiety and the importance of finding a therapist or psychiatrist who feels like a good fit, including meeting with more than one provider if needed. They discuss when medication may be worth considering, how to start slowly for people with health anxiety, and common options such as SSRIs, buspirone, supplements, benzodiazepines, and propranolol. They also cover the role of therapy and lifestyle changes, the benefits and risks of different medications, and how propranolol can help with performance anxiety. They wrap up by discussing social media, stigma, and Dr. Thompson’s telehealth practice, which provides medication management and collaborative care for patients in California. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:39 Meet Dr. Kirsten Thompson 5:43 When Medication Makes Sense 10:26 Ashwagandha and Supplements 14:28 Medication Feels Like Failure 16:38 SSRIs for Anxiety 21:45 Managing Side Effects 26:19 Benzos and Safety Risks 35:47 Propranolol for Performance 38:50 Social Media and Misinformation 43:58 Remedy Psychiatry Overview connect with Dr. Kirsten Thompson website: https://remedypsychiatry.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/remedypsychiatry FB: https://www.facebook.com/remedypsych CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.