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Anxiety prescription meds


Drugs to Treat Anxiety Disorder

Most people feel anxious at some point in their lives, and the feeling often goes away by itself. An anxiety disorder is different. If you’ve been diagnosed with one, you may need help managing anxiety. Treatment typically consists of psychotherapy and medication.

While drugs do not cure anxiety, they can help you manage your symptoms, so you can function well and feel better in your day-to-day life.

Many types of medications are available. Because every person is different, you and your doctor may have to try several medications to find the right one for you.

Benzodiazepines are sedatives that can help relax your muscles and calm your mind. They work by increasing the effects of certain neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that relay messages between your brain cells.

Benzodiazepines help treat many kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Examples of these drugs include:

  • alprazolam (Xanax)
  • chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
  • clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • diazepam (Valium)
  • lorazepam (Ativan)

Benzodiazepines are typically used for short-term treatment of anxiety. This is because they can increase drowsiness and cause problems with balance and memory. They can also be habit-forming. There’s an increasing number of cases of substance use disorder involving benzodiazepine.

It’s important to only use these drugs until your doctor prescribes other treatment. However, if you have panic disorder, your doctor may prescribe benzodiazepines for up to 1 year.

Side effects

In addition to drowsiness and memory problems, taking benzodiazepines can also cause:

  • confusion
  • vision problems
  • headaches
  • feelings of depression

If you’ve taken a benzodiazepine regularly for more than 2 weeks, it’s important to not stop the pills suddenly, as this could cause unwanted withdrawal symptoms. Instead, talk with your doctor about slowly tapering off your dosage to reduce your risk of seizure.

Buspirone is used to treat both short-term anxiety and chronic (long-lasting) anxiety disorders. It’s not fully understood how buspirone works, but it’s thought to affect chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.

Buspirone can take up to several weeks to become fully effective. It’s available as a generic drug as well as the brand-name drug Buspar.

Side effects

Side effects can include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Some people also report strange dreams or difficulty sleeping when they take buspirone.

Antidepressant medications work by affecting neurotransmitters. These drugs can be used to treat anxiety symptoms, but they usually take 4 to 6 weeks to produce noticeable effects.

Types of antidepressants include:

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sexual desire, appetite, sleep, and memory. SSRIs are typically started at a low dose that your doctor gradually increases.

Examples of SSRIs used to treat anxiety include:

  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • paroxetine (Paxil)
  • sertraline (Zoloft)

Side effects

SSRIs can cause a variety of side effects, but most people tolerate them well. Side effects can include:

  • nausea
  • dry mouth
  • muscle weakness
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • sexual dysfunction

If you have a concern about a particular side effect, talk with your doctor.

Tricyclics

Tricyclics work as well as SSRIs do for treating most anxiety disorders, except obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s thought that tricyclics work similarly to SSRIs. Like SSRIs, tricyclics are started at a low dose and then increased gradually.

Examples of tricyclics used for anxiety include:

  • clomipramine (Anafranil)
  • imipramine (Tofranil)

Tricyclics are older drugs that are used less often because newer drugs cause fewer side effects.

Side effects

Side effects of tricyclics can include:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • urinary retention
  • nausea and vomiting
  • constipation
  • blurred vision
  • weight gain

Side effects can often be controlled by changing the dose or switching to another tricyclic.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are used to treat panic disorder and social phobia. They work by increasing the number of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.

MAOIs that are FDA approved to treat depression but used off-label for anxiety include:

  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • selegiline (Emsam)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Side effects

Like tricyclics, MAOIs are older drugs that cause more side effects than newer drugs. Some side effects include:

  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • drowsiness
  • insomnia
  • dizziness

Certain medications, including SSRIs, some birth control pills, pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, cold and allergy medications, and herbal supplements can react with MAOIs.

Using an MAOI with medications can dangerously increase your blood pressure and cause other potentially life threatening side effects.

Beta-blockers are most often used to treat heart conditions. They’re also used off-label to help relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially in social anxiety disorder.

Your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal) to help reduce your anxiety symptoms in stressful situations, such as attending a party or giving a speech.

Side effects

Beta-blockers don’t usually cause side effects in everyone taking them.

Some potential side effects can include:

  • fatigue
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • cold fingers or toes

Other side effects may include:

  • trouble sleeping
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath

There are a variety of at-home interventions that can help ease your anxiety symptoms. Several interventions can also be practiced in addition to taking medications.

Examples of these interventions include:

Exercise

Exercise can help reduce stress and enhance your overall sense of well-being, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

It helps produce neurotransmitters known as endorphins. These neurotransmitters are your body’s natural pain relievers and can also help improve your sleep quality.

The ADAA reports that even short exercise sessions (about 10 minutes at a time) are effective in helping lift your mood.

Meditate

Taking 15-minute intervals of quiet time and meditation to focus on deep breathing and relaxation can help calm your anxiety. You can listen to music or repeat a motivational mantra on a regular basis.

Try chamomile

Sipping chamomile tea or taking a chamomile supplement might help to ease anxiety symptoms.

A 2016 double-blind study published in the Phytomedicine journal focused on individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

The study found that study participants who took 500-milligram chamomile supplements three times per day on a daily basis reported a reduction in moderate to severe generalized anxiety.

Drinking chamomile tea has also been shown to help reduce anxiety.

Smell aromatherapy oils

Smelling diluted aromatherapy oils may help reduce anxiety, according to an article published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal.

Examples of essential oils used to provide anxiety relief include:

  • lavender
  • neroli
  • chamomile

Avoid caffeine

Sometimes caffeine may make you feel jittery and more anxious. Avoiding it can help some people reduce their anxiety.

Your doctor can help you find the best course of treatment for your anxiety. Proper treatment will likely include psychotherapy and medication.

Be sure to follow their instructions when taking anxiety medications and let them know about any side effects you have. Also, ask any questions you have about your condition or your treatment, such as:

  • What side effects could I have from this medication?
  • How long will it take to start working?
  • Does this medication interact with any other drugs I’m taking?
  • Can you refer me to a psychotherapist?
  • Could exercise help relieve my anxiety symptoms?

If you feel a medication isn’t giving you the desired results or is causing unwanted side effects, talk with your doctor before you stop taking it.

What to Say and Ask

Where to start?

Anxiety disorder is a medical condition that a variety of professionals can treat. The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome you can expect.

Effective treatment of an anxiety disorder requires that you be completely open and honest with your doctor. It’s important that you trust the doctor who is treating your condition and feel comfortable with them. Don’t feel that you are “stuck” with the first doctor you see. If you’re not comfortable with them, you should see someone else.

You and your doctor must be able to work together as a team to treat your disorder. A variety of doctors and specialists may be able to help manage your anxiety. A good place to start is with your primary care physician.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor.

Primary care physician

Your primary doctor will conduct a complete physical examination to determine if your symptoms are being caused by another condition. Symptoms of anxiety may be due to:

  • hormone imbalance
  • side effects of medications
  • certain illnesses
  • various other conditions

If your doctor rules out other conditions, your diagnosis may be an anxiety disorder. At that point, they may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. A referral is especially likely if your anxiety is severe or is accompanied by another mental health condition, such as depression.

Psychologist

A psychologist can offer psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling. A psychologist can help get you to the root of your anxiety and make behavioral changes. This type of therapy may be especially helpful if you’ve experienced trauma or abuse. Depending on the state where you live, your psychologist may prescribe medications for your depression. Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico are the only states that allow psychologists to prescribe medicine.

Your treatment by a psychologist will likely be in conjunction with ongoing treatment by your primary doctor. Psychotherapy and medication are often used together to treat anxiety disorder.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. A psychiatrist can provide both psychotherapy and medication to treat your anxiety disorder.

Online psychiatry services

Read our roundup of the best online psychiatry services to find the right fit for you.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner

Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide primary mental health care to people seeking treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to diagnose and treat people with mental illnesses, including prescribe medications. As fewer medical students go into psychiatry, more and more psychiatric care is being assumed by psychiatric nurse practitioners.

To make the most of your visit to the doctor, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Take a few minutes ahead of time to think about what you need to tell your doctor and what questions you want to ask. The best way to make sure you don’t forget anything is to write it all down.

This information will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

  • Make a list of your symptoms and when they began. Note when your symptoms occur, how they affect your life, and when they’re better or worse.
  • Write down any major stresses in your life, as well as any traumas you’ve experienced, both past and present.
  • Write down all of your health conditions: mental and physical.
  • Make a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Include how much you take and how often.

List any other substances you use or consume, such as:

  • coffee
  • alcohol
  • tobacco
  • drugs
  • sugar, especially if you eat large amounts

You’ve probably thought of a million questions you want to ask your doctor. But when you’re in the office, they’re easy to forget. Writing them down will help both you and your doctor, and save time. It’s a good idea to put the most important questions at the top of the list in case there isn’t time for all of them. Here are some questions you may want to ask. Add any others you think are important for your doctor to know.

  • Do I have an anxiety disorder?
  • Is there something else that might be causing my symptoms?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
  • Is there a medication that I can take? Does it have side effects? What can I do to prevent or relieve the side effects?
  • Is there a generic medication I can take? How long will I need to take it?
  • When will I feel better?
  • What else can I do to relieve my symptoms?

The list of questions you make will help you be prepared to answer your doctor’s questions. Here are some questions your doctor will probably ask you:

  • What are your symptoms and how severe are they?
  • When did your symptoms start?
  • When do you experience symptoms? All of the time? Sometimes? At specific times?
  • What makes your symptoms worse?
  • What makes your symptoms better?
  • What physical and mental medical conditions do you have?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Do you smoke, consume caffeinated beverages, drink alcohol, or use drugs? How often and in what quantity?
  • How stressful is work or school?
  • What is your living situation? Do you live alone? With family?
  • Are you in a committed relationship?
  • Are your relationships with friends and family good, or difficult and stressful?
  • How much do your symptoms affect your work, school, and relationships with friends and family?
  • Have you ever experienced any trauma?
  • Does anyone in your family have a mental health condition?

In addition to your prescribed treatment, you may want to join a support group. It can be very helpful to talk with other people who are experiencing symptoms similar to yours. It’s good to know that you are not alone. Someone else with similar symptoms can understand what you’re going through and offer support and encouragement. Being part of a group can also help you develop new social skills.

Your community will likely have several support groups, either for your specific disorder or for anxiety in general. Check with your medical professionals to learn what resources are available in your area. You might ask your:

  • mental health provider
  • primary doctor
  • county mental health services agency

You can also participate in support groups online. This may be a good way to start if you have social anxiety disorder or feel uncomfortable in a face-to-face group setting.

Treatment of diagnosed anxiety is often multi-disciplinary. This means you may see one or all of the following medical practitioners:

  • primary care physician
  • psychologist
  • psychiatrist
  • psychiatric nurse practitioner
  • support group

Contact your general practitioner first, and be ready to describe:

  • your symptoms
  • when they occur
  • what seems to trigger them

Your doctor may refer you to other medical practitioners. The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome you can expect.

7 remedies for anxiety that don't work

Daniil Davydov

medical journalist

Author's profile

Many people now experience anxiety, and it can be difficult to deal with it on your own. About what ways can really help, we wrote in the article "5 tips on how to cope with anxiety in difficult times."

However, some popular medications and supplements that are marketed as anti-anxiety medications have no evidence of effectiveness.

Some of them are relatively harmless, but others have side effects and contraindications, so under certain conditions they can do more harm than good. If you are planning to purchase a medication for anxiety, we recommend that you consult with your doctor. And this list will help you make an informed decision.

Essential Skills in Times of Stress - WHO Picture Guide

What You Will Learn

  • Novo-Passit
  • Persen
  • Corvalol
  • Motherwort
  • Validol
  • Afobazole
  • Tenoten

Go to the doctor

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don't write prescriptions, we make recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.

Novo-Passit

What is it. Phytotherapeutic tablets or solution based on herbal extracts of Valerian officinalis, lemon balm, St.

Novo-Passit - GRLS

According to the manufacturer, the drug helps with a state of constant mental stress and mild forms of insomnia.

Proof of effectiveness. Novo-Passit is not mentioned in international databases of medicines, nor is it in clinical recommendations for the treatment of any diseases.

/list/medical-evidence/

14 authoritative medical sources

Some drugs are made from chemicals derived from plants. For example, cardiac glycosides are made from digitalis purpurea. But for the manufacture of the drug, not the whole plant and not the extract from it are used, but separate, carefully purified chemicals, the concentration of which is very strictly controlled.

Products containing extracts or whole parts of one or more plants are classified as herbal medicine and are considered dietary supplements in most countries. Therefore, they are neither in international drug databases nor in clinical guidelines for the treatment of diseases.

What is Phytotherapy - MedlinePlus Medical Guide

There is no need to look for evidence of the effectiveness of dietary supplements, since by law it is just food.

All that is required of them is to be safe, that is, not to harm the health of the people who take them. Since it is not necessary to prove the effectiveness of herbal remedies, they are very poorly studied. When it comes to complex herbal remedies, research is further complicated by the fact that they do not work the way they would work separately.

/dietary-supplements/

They say expensive dietary supplements are more effective than cheap ones. Truth?

For example, although the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, considers valerian essential oil and rhizome preparations to have a calming effect, we do not know how this plant extract will work in combination with other plant extracts.

Valerian essential oils - EMA

Valerian rhizomes - EMA

Finding out how effective a multi-herb formulation works is also difficult because different researchers study different sets of herbal extracts at different concentrations. As a result, most scientists admit that we do not yet have reliable information on how effective herbal preparations based on herbs are for anxiety.

For example, psychotherapists in Switzerland who were trying to understand whether a combination of extracts of valerian, lemon balm, passionflower and butterbur helps with anxiety disorders. They gave part of the patients these supplements and compared the effect with patients who did not receive supplements, and came to the conclusion that the supplements can reduce the dosage of the main drugs - benzodiazepines.

Effect of a combination of valerian, lemon balm, passionflower and butterbur extracts on benzodiazepine prescribing in hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders - Journal of Phytotherapy

These types of studies are called case-control studies. Even if they show that patients got better, this cannot be considered conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of the drug, since doctors knew who was receiving which drug and could unwittingly embellish the result. Patients who received supplements could also believe in their power and feel better - this is called the placebo effect.

To understand how well supplements really work, you need to study them the way you study drugs, that is, subject them to a randomized clinical trial. With this procedure, patients are randomly divided into two groups, one of which receives the drug, and the other receives exactly the same type of dummy pills, and neither doctors nor patients know which group they fell into until the end of the experiment. But there are still no such works devoted to supplements with herbal extracts for anxiety. Until they appear, nothing definite can be said about whether they work.

Another component of Novo-Passit, guaifenesin, is known mainly as a cough suppressant and expectorant. There is still no convincing evidence that guaifenesin helps with coughing - but it has quite a few side effects.

Guaifenesin - a cough remedy - drugs.com

I have not been able to find studies of guaifenesin as an anti-anxiety agent.

Contraindications and side effects. In the instructions, the manufacturer writes that Novo-Passit is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age and people with intolerance to the components of the drug - especially guaifenesin. As a rule, it is well tolerated, but some people complain of allergies, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness and gastrointestinal disorders - from vomiting and heartburn to diarrhea.

The cost of the drug depends on the number of tablets in the package and the volume of the vial A pack of 10 tablets and a 100 ml bottle of solution cost about the same - 460-470 R
The cost of the drug depends on the number of tablets in the package and the volume of the vial A package of 10 tablets and a 100 ml solution bottle cost approximately the same - 460-470 R

Persen

What is it. Phytotherapeutic tablets and capsules based on the extract of rhizomes of valerian, lemon balm and mint.

Persen — GRLS

According to the manufacturer, the drug has a sedative effect.

Proof of effectiveness. Persen is not mentioned in the international drug databases, it is not in the clinical recommendations for the treatment of any diseases either. This is a phytotherapeutic drug similar to Novo-Passit, but with a slightly different composition. He has exactly the same problems with evidence of effectiveness.

Contraindications and side effects. According to the manufacturer, the drug should not be taken by people with hypersensitivity to its components, people with low blood pressure, diseases of the biliary tract, children under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. The drug can cause allergic reactions - from rashes to edema, and with prolonged use, provoke constipation.

The cost of the drug depends on the number of tablets in the package. The price of a pack of 20 tablets is 351 R

Corvalol

What is it. Corvalol is sold in two versions:

  1. phytotherapeutic agent based on extracts of lemon balm leaves, peppermint and motherwort grass in tablets and water-based drops;
  2. phytotherapeutic agent based on extracts of lemon balm leaves, peppermint, motherwort herb, which contains phenobarbital. These are drops based on 95% alcohol.

Corvalol tablets - GRLS

Corvalol drops with phenobarbital - GRLS

According to the manufacturers, Corvalol in both versions "has a calming effect."

Proof of effectiveness. As a remedy for anxiety, both versions of Corvalol, both with and without phenobarbital, are not mentioned in any international drug database. In clinical recommendations for the treatment of any diseases, they are also absent.

There is no convincing evidence that any of the components of Corvalol without phenobarbital can work as a sedative. According to some studies, lemon balm tea or tincture relieves insomnia, and the smell of peppermint can reduce stress a little. But there is no evidence that in tablets or drops these components will act in the same way as in the form of tea or essential oil.

Perhaps lemon balm tea or tincture helps with insomnia - RxList

Perhaps the smell of mint can relieve stress - RxList

Why phenobarbital is dangerous - drugs.com

Corvalol with phenobarbital may indeed have a sedative effect - for account, in fact, phenobarbital. This is a very old tranquilizer, in most countries its is prescribed only as an anticonvulsant and its use is strictly controlled, since phenobarbital is addictive and has many side effects.

Contraindications and side effects. Manufacturers of Corvalol without phenobarbital warn that it has quite a few contraindications: from allergies to its components to peptic ulcer, liver or kidney diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Children under 18 years of age should not take the drug.

Manufacturers of Corvalol with phenobarbital add alcoholism and traumatic brain injury to the list of contraindications. Experts from other countries warn that phenobarbital is also contraindicated in severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, i.e. COPD, porphyria, and for people with a history of drug dependence in the past. The list of side effects of phenobarbital drops includes dizziness, weakness, nausea, decreased alertness, and rash.

/list/kardiologia/

14 important questions for Anton Rodionov, a cardiologist

tablets

Motherwort preparations and supplements

What is it. Phytotherapeutic agents based on motherwort extract. According to the manufacturers, such drugs have a pronounced sedative effect - that is, they work as a strong sedative.

Preparation based on motherwort extract - GRLS

Motherwort-based supplements registered in Russia

Motherwort as a source of bioactive compounds - European Medicines Agency report medical reference book RxList

In Russia, there are both medicines and biologically active supplements based on motherwort - both in the form of liquid extracts and in capsules.

Proof of effectiveness. Motherwort-based preparations are not listed as an anxiety remedy in any international drug database. In clinical recommendations for the treatment of any diseases, it is also absent.

Theoretically, motherwort may have a potential neurological effect. Some substances in this plant can bind to receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This neurotransmitter is responsible for the inhibition of the nervous system, so the researchers suggested that the biologically active substances in motherwort would work in a similar way.

But when the substances in the motherwort extract that could work as sedatives were tested separately, their biological effect was very weak. Most likely, patients with anxiety would simply not feel its effects.

The effectiveness of motherwort remedies in healthy people with severe anxiety has not been tested. According to some studies, the combination of motherwort, valerian, hops, and lemon balm improves sleep in people with alcoholism who are trying to quit drinking. However, there is no conclusive evidence for this yet.

Contraindications and side effects. Motherwort preparation companies warn that some people may have allergies or digestive disorders - indigestion, that is, pain or discomfort in the stomach, and diarrhea.

Motherwort preparations and supplements are contraindicated in people taking neurological preparations based on calcium hydroxybutyrate, magnesium hydroxybutyrate, potassium hydroxybutyrate, or sodium hydroxybutyrate. Motherwort can enhance the effect of such drugs - up to severe poisoning and coma.

Motherwort is incompatible with hydroxybutyrates - Medscape Medical Guide

Some pharmaceutical companies offer motherwort extract based on 70% alcohol. According to the instructions, you need to use the drug in 30-50 drops diluted in water - the maximum content of ethyl alcohol in such a dose is 0.55 g, and in the maximum daily dose - 2.2 g.

International organizations believe that women can take no more than one standard serving of alcoholic beverages per day, and for men - no more than two servings. This is 14 g of pure ethanol.

The amount of ethyl alcohol that can be obtained with the maximum dose of the drug is much less than the standard serving of alcohol. Nevertheless, people who take drugs that are incompatible with alcoholic beverages, such as antidepressants, should, just in case, abandon the alcohol tincture of motherwort.

The cost of the drug depends on the pricing policy of the manufacturer. The cheapest package of 10 tablets can be bought for 18 R

Validol

What is it. Sublingual tablets based on levomenthol - a substance that is obtained from peppermint essential oil.

Validol - GRLS

Manufacturers claim that this drug "has a sedative effect" - that is, it works as a sedative.

Proof of effectiveness. Levomenthol-based drugs are not listed as anti-anxiety drugs in any international drug database.

In some countries, levomenthol is approved only as an external agent for veterinary use. It is mainly used as a cough suppressant, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic drug in humans and animals.

Levomenthol — drugs.com

How levomenthol is used in medicine — PubChem chemical guide

No one has studied the effectiveness of peppermint essential oils and levomenthol preparations for anxiety in people.

Contraindications and side effects. There are few contraindications for drugs with levomenthol: mostly it is an allergy or intolerance to the components of the drug, the medicine is not suitable for children under 18 years of age. But there are side effects: nausea, watery eyes and dizziness. According to the manufacturers, the drug is incompatible with alcohol.

The cost of the drug depends on the number of tablets in the package and on the pricing policy of the manufacturer. The cheapest package of 20 tablets costs 54 R

Afobazol

What is it. A drug based on a substance that received the international name fabomotizol. In our country, "Afobazol" of immediate and delayed action is sold. In the delayed-release preparation, the concentration of the active substance is three times higher, and it is absorbed during the day.

Afobazol - GRLS

According to the manufacturers, tablets with fabomotizol reduce anxiety and stimulate the nervous system.

Proof of effectiveness. Fabomotizole is not listed as an anti-anxiety drug in any international drug database.

The effectiveness of "Afobazole" as a remedy for anxiety was studied only in Russia - the drug is not used anywhere else in the world. I could not find independent studies on the effectiveness of the active substance for anxiety.

Contraindications and side effects. Among the contraindications, the manufacturer lists only individual intolerance to the components of the drug, age under 18, pregnancy and the period of feeding a child. And among the side effects are allergies and headaches.

An immediate drug. Price: 720 R Delayed drug. As a rule, slow-acting drugs are more expensive. Price: 894 R
Immediate drug. Price: 720 Р Delayed action drug. As a rule, slow-acting drugs are more expensive. Price: 894 R

Tenoten

What is it. Lozenges based on lactose sugar. The composition of the drug intended for adults includes antibodies to the brain-specific S-protein at a concentration of 10 -15 ng / g, and the children's version - 10 -16 ng / g.

Tenoten for adults - GRLS

According to the manufacturer, it has a calming and anti-anxiety effect.

Proof of effectiveness. The concentration of the active substance makes it possible to recognize Tenoten as a homeopathic remedy, since at a concentration of 10 -15 -10 -16 ng / g, not a single antibody may appear in the tablet. But even if there were more antibodies, manufacturer-independent data that antibodies to the brain-specific S-protein reduce anxiety, no.

On the pseudo-science of homeopathy - Memorandum No. 2 of the RAS commission on combating pseudo-science

Contraindications and side effects. Although Tenoten does not actually contain an active ingredient, the manufacturer believes that its use may be harmful to people suffering from lactose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption - in this rare hereditary disease, a person cannot absorb glucose and galactose normally.

How I gave up sugar

Tenoten for adults costs 360 R Children's version of the drug - 296 R
"Tenoten" for adults costs 360 R Children's version of the drug - 296 R

Good sedatives without a prescription - article on the website Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

Insomnia, apathy, anxiety - these and other symptoms of stress appear when the nervous system is shaken up. In such a state, the quality of life decreases: fatigue and weakness dominate the desire to do something, and lack of sleep provokes unreasonable aggression and anxiety. To overcome the symptoms of stress, good sedatives without prescriptions, which can be bought at the pharmacy, will help.

Nature of stress

Stress is a set of non-specific adaptive (normal) reactions of the body to the impact of various adverse factors. Difficulties in the team, moving, the upcoming exam are just a small part of what can affect the nervous system, causing insomnia, anxiety and other manifestations of stress.

The nature of such a condition can be chronic, acute or short-term, which is important for the selection of treatment. So, if the disorder is not associated with serious mental disorders, sedative drugs without prescriptions are enough. For chronic and severe stress, prescription drugs prescribed by a doctor are required.

How stress manifests itself

Human reactions are controlled by processes occurring in the nervous system - excitation and inhibition. With normal psychological health, they are balanced, but in the event of a nervous shock, this balance is disturbed.

Depending on which process is activated more strongly, the following appear:

  • anxiety attacks, irritability, aggression;

  • sleep disorders;

  • frequent and abrupt mood swings;

  • prostration;

  • apathy;

  • memory and concentration disorders;

  • nervous excitement and other signs of stress.

Over-the-counter sedative pills restore this balance. The cumulative effect of taking them prevents disruptions in mental health, including during periods of a break between courses.

Effect of sedatives

Fast-acting sedative pills without prescriptions reduce the excitability of nerve cells. As the concentration of active substances in the body increases, nervous tension disappears, healthy sleep is restored, and other symptoms of stress disorder are suppressed.

An over-the-counter herbal sedative should be taken in cases of unreasonable anxiety, sleep problems and unstable mood.

Suppression of irritability is facilitated by preparations based on magnesium carbonate and vitamin B6. Capsules Motherwort Forte Evalar and Stressovit have proven themselves, the main substances of which are linden, motherwort and hops.

Types of antidepressants

All antidepressant drugs are divided into groups:

  • neuroleptics - suppress psychomotor agitation;

  • tranquilizers - are an adjuvant when taking antipsychotics, they stop nervous excitement;

  • psychostimulants - return activity and vigor;

  • antidepressants - applicable in the treatment of depression and other mental disorders;

  • normothymic drugs - effective in depression associated with chronic affective diseases.

These are prescription drugs that are selected exclusively by a specialist. The list of over-the-counter soothing pills includes amino acids, as well as herbal preparations based on St. John's wort, valerian, motherwort, mint, and chamomile.

The best sedatives without prescriptions

For mild psychosomatic disorders, it is useful to take sedatives for the nervous system of an adult without prescriptions. Herbal components and amino acids in the composition of such preparations can quickly relieve psycho-emotional stress, reduce anxiety, increase mental activity, restore healthy sleep without night awakenings.

The list of sedatives without prescriptions includes preparations with lemon balm and valerian - Dormiplant, Persen, Novo-Passit.

Certain drugs for nervous tension are suitable for suppressing anxiety attacks and treating nocturnal enuresis in children.

Use of tablets for nervous tension

In the event of a nervous breakdown, psycho-emotional health is helped to keep sedatives from nerves without prescriptions. When taken, the body does not react so sharply to emotional stimuli, reduces aggressiveness and irritability.

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