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Does anxiety medicine work


Does Anti-Anxiety Medicine Work? - Oakland Psychological

There are many forms of anxiety treatment. Two of the most common treatment paths are talk-therapy and anti-anxiety medication. If you are weighing your options, you may wonder, “Does anti-anxiety medicine work?” The short answer is yes, it can, as long as it is the right option for you.

Determining If Anti-Anxiety Medicine Is Right for You

Some people do well in therapy alone. A therapist can help you discover the root of your anxiety and find solutions to address it. Medication is designed to treat the symptoms of anxiety, not necessarily the source. Some clients use a combination of therapy and medication management, while others manage their anxiety with medication alone.

To determine the right path for you, we recommend first seeing an anxiety therapist. Your therapist can evaluate your symptoms, experiences, and other circumstances to determine if you should see a psychiatrist for medication. At Oakland Psychological Clinic, we have therapists and psychiatrists on staff to assist you. They can coordinate care to find the best treatment route for your needs.

Finding the Right Medication and Dosage

If your therapist and/or psychiatrist determine that medication is a good option for you, the psychiatrist will then work out which medication and dosage best addresses your needs. For example, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, etc.) are reactive medications. They are designed for short-term relief, like stopping a panic attack. Long-term medications, such as SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) are preventative. They are designed to be taken every day, and they slowly build up in your system. The effect is less intense initially, but they provide overall mood stabilization.

Because there are so many variations, your psychiatrist will need to assess all the factors at hand. This will include your medical history and other medications you may be on. From there, he or she can determine which anti-anxiety medicine is right for you. The dosage or type of medication may need to be adjusted over time, depending on your experiences.

What to Expect from Anxiety Medication

Anti-anxiety medicine is not an instant cure for anxiety. If you do not treat the underlying issues contributing to the anxiety, you may still experience panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms. If you are prescribed long-term medication, you may not feel the effects right away. Many medications take 30 days to fully go into effect. Ask your psychiatrist what to expect from the specific medication you are prescribed, and talk to him or her about any side effects you experience.

If you would like to speak with a therapist or psychiatrist near you, contact one of our counseling centers in Michigan.

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Anxiety Medication - HelpGuide.

org

anxiety

Are anti-anxiety drugs right for you? Learn about common side effects, risks, and how to take them responsibly.

The role of medication in anxiety treatment

When you’re overwhelmed by heart-pounding panic, paralyzed by fear, or exhausted from yet another sleepless night spent worrying, you’ll do just about anything to get relief. And there’s no question that when anxiety is disabling, medication may help. But are drugs always the best answer?

Many different types of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including traditional anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines (typically prescribed for short-term use) and newer options like SSRI antidepressants (often recommended as a long-term anxiety solution). These drugs can provide temporary relief, but they also come with side effects and safety concerns—some significant.

They are also not a cure. In fact, there are many questions about their long-term effectiveness. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, benzodiazepines lose their therapeutic anti-anxiety effect after 4 to 6 months of regular use. And a recent analysis reported in JAMA Psychiatry found that the effectiveness of SSRIs in treating anxiety has been overestimated, and in some cases is no better than placebo.

What's more, it can be very difficult to get off anxiety medications without difficult withdrawals, including rebound anxiety that can be worse than your original problem.

I need relief, and I need it now!

So where does that leave you if you're suffering? Even when anxiety relief comes with side effects and dangers, that can still sound like a fair trade when panic and fear are ruling your life.

The bottom line is that there's a time and place for anxiety medication. If you have severe anxiety that's interfering with your ability to function, medication may be helpful—especially as a short-term treatment. However, many people use anti-anxiety medication when therapy, exercise, or other self-help strategies would work just as well or better, minus the drawbacks.

Anxiety medications can ease symptoms, but they're not right for everyone and they're not the only answer. It's up to you to evaluate your options and decide what's best for you.

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Benzodiazepines for anxiety

Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode. However, they are physically addictive and not recommended for long-term treatment.

Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the nervous system, helping you relax both physically and mentally. But it can also lead to unwanted side effects. The higher the dose, the more intense these side effects typically are—although some people feel sleepy, foggy, and uncoordinated even on low doses. This can cause problems with work, school, or everyday activities such as driving. The medication hangover can last into the next day.

Common side effects of benzodiazepines include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Poor balance or coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Stomach upset
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision

Benzodiazepines can make depression worse

According to the FDA, benzodiazepines can worsen cases of pre-existing depression, and more recent studies suggest that they may potentially lead to treatment-resistant depression. Furthermore, benzodiazepines can cause emotional blunting or numbness and increase suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Benzodiazepine safety concerns

Benzodiazepines are generally not recommended for long-term use since the safety concerns and risk of abuse increase as you build up a tolerance to the medication.

Drug dependence and withdrawal

When taken regularly, benzodiazepines lead to physical dependence and tolerance, with increasingly larger doses needed to get the same anxiety relief as before. This happens quickly—usually within a couple of months, but sometimes in as little as a few weeks.

If you abruptly stop taking your medication, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Increased anxiety, restlessness, shaking.
  • Insomnia, confusion, stomach pain.
  • Depression, confusion, panic attacks.
  • Pounding heart, sweating, and in severe cases, seizure.

Many people mistake withdrawal symptoms for a return of their original anxiety condition, making them think they need to restart the medication. Gradually tapering off the drug will help minimize the withdrawal reaction.

Drug interactions and overdose

While benzodiazepines are relatively safe when taken only occasionally and in small doses, they can be dangerous and even deadly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining medications.

Don't drink on benzodiazepines. When mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines can lead to fatal overdose.

Don't mix with painkillers or sleeping pills. Taking benzodiazepines with prescription pain or sleeping pills can also lead to fatal overdose.

Antihistamines amplify their effects. Antihistamines—found in many over-the-counter sleep, cold, and allergy medicines—are sedating on their own. Be cautious when mixing with benzodiazepines to avoid over-sedation.

Be cautious when combining with antidepressants. SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft can heighten benzodiazepine toxicity. You may need to adjust your dose accordingly.

Paradoxical effects of benzodiazepines

The benzodiazepines work because they slow down the nervous system. But sometimes, for reasons that aren't well understood, they have the opposite effect. Paradoxical reactions are most common in children, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities. They include:

  • Increased anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression, and rage
  • Mania, impulsive behavior, and hallucinations

Special benzodiazepine risk factors

Anyone who takes benzodiazepines can experience unpleasant or dangerous side effects. But certain individuals are at a higher risk:

People over 65. Older adults are more sensitive to the sedating effects of benzodiazepines. Even small doses can cause confusion, amnesia, loss of balance, and cognitive impairment that looks like dementia. Benzodiazepine use in the elderly is associated with an increased risk of falls, broken hips and legs, and car accidents. Long-term benzodiazepine use also increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

People with a history of substance abuse. Because they're physically addicting and on their own and dangerous when combined with alcohol and other drugs, anyone with a current or former substance abuse problem should use benzodiazepines only with extreme caution.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Benzodiazepine use during pregnancy can lead to dependence in the developing baby, with withdrawal following birth. Benzodiazepines are also excreted in breast milk. Therefore, pregnant women need to have a thorough discussion about the risks and benefits of these medications with their prescribing doctor. If medication is necessary, the goal is the smallest effective dose.

The connection between benzodiazepines and accidents

Benzodiazepines cause drowsiness and poor coordination, which increases your risk for accidents at home, at work, and on the road. When on benzodiazepines, be very careful when driving, operating machinery, or doing anything else that requires physical coordination.

SSRI antidepressants for anxiety

Many medications originally approved for the treatment of depression are also prescribed for anxiety. In comparison to benzodiazepines, the risk for dependency and abuse is smaller. However, antidepressants take up to 4 to 6 weeks to begin relieving anxiety symptoms, so they can't be taken “as needed.” Their use is limited to chronic anxiety problems that require ongoing treatment.

The antidepressants most widely prescribed for anxiety are SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. SSRIs have been used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Common side effects of SSRIs include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Agitation
  • Drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Nervousness
  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased sweating

SSRI withdrawal

Although physical dependence is not as quick to develop with antidepressants, withdrawal can still be an issue. If discontinued too quickly, antidepressant withdrawal can trigger symptoms such as extreme depression and fatigue, irritability, anxiety, flu-like symptoms, and insomnia.

Antidepressant medication and suicide risk

Antidepressants can make depression worse rather than better for some people, leading to an increased risk of suicide, hostility, and even homicidal behavior. While this is particularly true of children and young adults, anyone taking antidepressants should be closely watched. Monitoring is especially important if this is the person's first time on depression medication or if the dose has recently been changed.

Signs that medication is making things worse include anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, hostility, restlessness, and extreme agitation—particularly if the symptoms appear suddenly or rapidly deteriorate. If you spot the warning signs in yourself or a loved one, contact a doctor or therapist immediately.

If you are concerned that a friend or family member is contemplating suicide, see Suicide Prevention. The suicide risk is greatest during the first two months of antidepressant treatment.

Other types of medication for anxiety

Drugs such as buspirone, beta blockers, and bupropion may also be used in the treatment of anxiety.

Buspirone (BuSpar)

Buspirone, also known by the brand name BuSpar, is a newer anti-anxiety drug that acts as a mild tranquilizer. Buspirone relieves anxiety by increasing serotonin in the brain—as the SSRIs do—and decreasing dopamine. Compared to benzodiazepines, buspirone is slow acting—taking about two weeks to start working. However, it's not as sedating, it doesn't impair memory and coordination, and the withdrawal effects are minimal.

Since the risk of dependence is low and it has no serious drug interactions, buspirone is a better option for older individuals and people with a history of substance abuse. However, its effectiveness is limited. It works for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but doesn't seem to help other types of anxiety disorders.

Common side effects of buspirone include:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Nervousness
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth

Beta blockers

Beta blockers—including drugs such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin)—are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. However, they are also prescribed off-label for anxiety. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of norepinephrine, a stress hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response. This helps control the physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heart rate, a trembling voice, sweating, dizziness, and shaky hands.

Because beta blockers don't affect the emotional symptoms of anxiety such as worry, they're most helpful for phobias, particularly social phobia and performance anxiety. If you're anticipating a specific anxiety-producing situation (such as giving a speech), taking a beta blocker in advance can help reduce your “nerves. ”

Common side effects of beta blockers include:

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Bupropion

Bupropion (known by the brand names Wellbutrin, Forfivo, and Zyban) is an antidepressant. However, there is some evidence that it may also be a useful treatment option for anxiety and panic disorders.

Depending on the dosage, in some people bupropion can actually worsen anxiety (as can other antidepressants). However, in others, it can help with generalized anxiety and anxiety symptoms that co-occur with depression. Some trials show that it may be as effective as SSRIs in treating depression with anxiety.

Some common side effects of bupropion include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache

Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine often used to relieve allergic reactions. However, it can also be used to treat anxiety symptoms such as tension and nervousness. It works by altering the body's levels of histamine and serotonin, leading to changes in mood. It's typically prescribed as a short-term solution, meaning you only use the medication when anxiety symptoms appear.

One 2020 study found that when it comes to treating generalized anxiety disorder, hydroxyzine might be similar in efficacy as benzodiazepines and buspirone.

Common side effects of hydroxyzine include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness and confusion
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness

Medication isn't your only option for anxiety relief

Anxiety medication won't solve your problems if you're anxious because of mounting bills, a tendency to jump to “worst-case scenarios”, or an unhealthy relationship. That's where self-help, therapy, and other lifestyle changes come in. These non-drug treatments can produce lasting changes and long-term relief.

Exercise – Exercise is a powerful anxiety treatment. Studies show that regular workouts can ease symptoms just as effectively as medication.

Worry busting strategies – You can train your brain to stop worrying and look at life from a more calm and balanced perspective.

Therapy – Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you how to control your anxiety levels, stop worrisome thoughts, and conquer your fears.

Yoga and tai chi – Yoga and tai chi are mind-body interventions that engage you emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Data has shown their efficacy for many different medical conditions, including anxiety.

Mindfulness and meditation – Mindfulness is a state of mind where you learn to observe your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a present, compassionate, and non-judgmental way. It often brings a sense of calm and relaxation.

Deciding if anxiety medication is right for you

If you're trying to decide whether or not to treat your anxiety with medication, it's important to weigh the pros and cons in conjunction with your doctor. It's also important to learn about the common side effects of the anxiety medication you are considering. Side effects of anxiety medication range from mild nuisances such as dry mouth to more severe problems such as acute nausea or pronounced weight gain. For any anxiety medication, you will have to balance the side effects against the benefits.

Questions to ask yourself and a mental health professional

  • Is medication the best option for my anxiety problem?
  • Am I willing to put up with unpleasant side effects in return for anxiety relief?
  • What non-drug treatments for anxiety might help?
  • Do I have the time and am I willing to pursue non-drug treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy?
  • What self-help strategies might help me get my anxiety under control?
  • If I decide to take anxiety medication, should I pursue other therapy as well?
  • Is anxiety really my problem? Or is something else going on, such as an underlying health condition or pain, for example?

Questions to ask your doctor

  • How will the medication help my anxiety?
  • What are the drug's common side effects?
  • Are there any food and drinks I will need to avoid?
  • How will this drug interact with my other prescriptions?
  • How long will I have to take the anxiety medication?
  • Will withdrawing from the medication be difficult?
  • Will my anxiety return when I stop taking the medication?

Authors: Melinda Smith, M. A., Lawrence Robinson, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Reviewed by Anna Glezer, M.D.

Anna Glezer, M.D. is a Harvard-trained clinician with joint appointments in the reproductive psychiatry and OB/GYN departments at UCSF Medical Center. She is the founder of Mind Body Pregnancy.

      • References

        Longo, L. P., & Johnson, B. (2000). Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines-Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives. American Family Physician, 61(7), 2121. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2121.html

        Rickels, K., Downing, R., Schweizer, E., & Hassman, H. (1993). Antidepressants for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Placebo-Controlled Comparison of Imipramine, Trazodone, and Diazepam. Archives of General Psychiatry, 50(11), 884–895. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1993.01820230054005

        Roest, A. M., de Jonge, P., Williams, C. D., de Vries, Y. A., Schoevers, R. A., & Turner, E. H. (2015). Reporting Bias in Clinical Trials Investigating the Efficacy of Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: A Report of 2 Meta-analyses. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(5), 500. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.15

        Davies, J., & Read, J. (2019). A systematic review into the incidence, severity and duration of antidepressant withdrawal effects: Are guidelines evidence-based? Addictive Behaviors, 97, 111–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.027

        Aylett, E., Small, N., & Bower, P. (2018). Exercise in the treatment of clinical anxiety in general practice – a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Health Services Research, 18(1), 559. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3313-5

        Locke, A. B., Kirst, N., & Shultz, C. G. (2015). Diagnosis and Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults. American Family Physician, 91(9), 617–624. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0501/p617.html

        “Reporting Bias in Clinical Trials Investigating the Efficacy of Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: A Report of 2 Meta-Analyses | Anxiety Disorders | JAMA Psychiatry | JAMA Network,” November 12, 2020. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2205839

        Baldwin, D. S., Waldman, S., & Allgulander, C. (2011). Evidence-based pharmacological treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 14(5), 697–710. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1461145710001434

        Anxiety Disorders. (2013) In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. American Psychiatric Association. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.x05_Anxiety_Disorders

        Bupropion: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html

        Bupropion (Wellbutrin) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Bupropion-(Wellbutrin)

        Hydroxyzine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682866.html

        Mental Health Medications | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Hydroxyzine-(Vistaril-Atarax)

        Rudolph, M., & Liegl, S. (2020). In adults with generalized anxiety disorder, is hydroxyzine superior to placebo in reducing anxiety symptoms? Evidence-Based Practice, 23(8), 42–43. https://doi.org/10.1097/EBP.0000000000000713

        Serafini, G., Pompili, M., Fusar-Poli, P., Porfiri, G., Giordano, G., Ferracuti, S., Girardi, P., & Tatarelli, R. (2011). Bupropion and Panic Disorder: Case Report and Review of the Literature. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 23(2), E47–E50. https://doi.org/10.1176/jnp.23.2.jnpe47

      Medication Options – What you should know when talking with your health care provider. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)

      Benzodiazepines: Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives – Article written for health care professionals on the benefits and risks of benzodiazepines. (American Family Physician)

      Anxiety – Worksheet to help you cope. (Centre for Clinical Interventions)

      Last updated: December 5, 2022

      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. Is it true?

      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

      How to deal with anxiety without drugs - Empathy fall asleep. The brain turns on the mode of expectation of danger, anticipation of failure, even if there is no apparent reason for this. This state is called

      anxiety and, it is detrimental to our body.

      So intended by nature

      Our body and psyche have gone through millions of years of evolution in order to preserve the most important qualities for the survival of the species. Among them, the reaction to a threat or danger is of paramount importance. Fear is the basic emotion of self-preservation, natural for humans and animals in a situation of a direct threat . The brain gives a signal of danger, the release of adrenaline triggers a vegetative response: breathing and heart rate quicken, muscle tone increases, blood rushes to the muscles, the body is mobilized to fight or flee. Those. this is a positive reaction from the point of view of biology, but is experienced by us as a strictly negative, excessively intense and depleting resources.

      Anxiety and fear are not the same thing

      If fear is an intense, natural reaction to a real danger , which is designed to help in extreme conditions, then anxiety is a diffuse experience of an indefinite threat , a hypothetical unfavorable outcome. At the same time, the danger can be both imaginary, imaginary, and real, but greatly exaggerated. “Fear has big eyes” is not about fear, but about anxiety. Yes, changes in the usual way of life can provoke anxiety: moving, changing the educational team, entering a new position, leaving the child for a children's camp, etc. Any novelty and unpredictability. However, it is important to remember that she does not have direct connection with specific events. One and the same event can be perceived by people in diametrically opposite ways: threatening for one, inspiring for another.

      Yes, the experience of anxiety is less intense, but the spectrum of physiological changes that prepare the body for possible danger is again activated: an increase in general excitability, a decrease in the threshold of sensitivity, an increase in blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm, sleep disturbances, etc. Considering that a person is in such a state stays much longer than with an immediate threat, it is obvious that these changes cannot pass without damage to physical and mental health in general.

      That is why it is extremely important to be able to listen to your condition and take care of your well-being. And if your plans do not include a visit to a psychologist or psychotherapist, arm yourself with simple tricks that can normalize your emotional state and have a calming effect.

      1. Identify what makes you anxious

      Emotions strongly influence our thinking: the stronger the anxiety, the more difficult it is to think rationally. However, it is important to understand why. Or, at least, what triggers a chain of unpleasant experiences and physiological reactions of the body. If it was not possible to identify the stress factor, try to track what events this feeling echoes and precedes. Maybe this is the restless expectation of meeting a person with whom communication does not add up? Or do you not know how to behave when you are entrusted with an excessive workload, and your anxiety is a painful anticipation that you will fail or fall out of favor with your superiors? For the purposes of better introspection, the practice of keeping a diary will do: indicate the time when you were very worried, evaluate the intensity of the experience, track the symptoms, manifestations of your anxiety.

      2. Practice Mindfulness

      When the area of ​​experience is clear to you, fight the cause - uncertainty . It is the uncertainty that fuels the tense expectation. Answer yourself honestly the question: what can happen in the worst case? What will happen to you if this does happen? What is the probability of such an outcome? Can you influence these events? What actions do you need to take to avoid an unfavorable option?


      For example, you are afraid of public speaking, and tomorrow you have a report to a new audience: ask yourself what will happen if you do not speak well? Is it that scary? Is it worth the many hours spent in agonizing, anxious waiting? What is this audience? Can you prepare the text by heart if you are afraid of hitches? Or make a spectacular presentation that will hold the attention of the public, if this attention is not to your liking? Is it possible to prepare handouts? Think over the algorithm, provide answers to likely questions, rehearse the performance, imagining a packed room in front of you.

      The benefits and effects of such activities are based on empirical observations, according to which emotions and thoughts enter into antagonism: the more clearly we formulate, realize the problem, the less intense the emotion accompanies it, and vice versa.

      3. Learn to breathe

      There are breathing exercises and techniques that reduce anxiety. The Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique oxygenates the blood and helps to slow down the thought process. Slowly take a deep breath, hold your breath for a few moments, exhale. Inhale should be shorter, exhale as long as possible.


      Think about the process of breathing with each inhalation and exhalation. Where does the air come from? How deeply can you inhale and exhale? Try to better feel your body, relieve muscle clamps during breathing and let go of the thoughts that make you worry. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Spend some time each day practicing this exercise. The best part is, you can do it anywhere. Try to practice even when you are already relaxed. This will facilitate the normalization of emotions in a situation of anxiety.

      4. Eliminate Thinking Mistakes

      Please note that often “on emotions” we operate with phrases and thoughts that are far from the real picture. Unwittingly exaggerating, focusing on negative aspects, we “wind up” ourselves, intimidate, drive us into pessimism. Pay attention to such thoughts-weeds and pull them out without regret, replacing them with productive counterparts - positive formulations.


      Instead of " My father will kill me when he finds out that I want to leave the university "think like this:" My father will be very surprised and displeased, but I will explain the reasons to him, and he will be able to accept my decision ". You know that your father is not really going to kill anyone, but the very wording makes you nervous. Such phrases are extremely dangerous, and they distort the picture of perception.

      When you make a mistake, instead of " I'm a loser" "tell yourself:" Now I know what to do next time ". A vivid example of positive thinking is the catch phrase of Thomas Edison: “ I did not suffer defeat. I just found 10,000 ways that don't work ."

      And of course, tell yourself more often that you will succeed!

      5. Exercise and lifestyle

      In a state of anxiety, sports exercises help well: swimming pool, running, walking in the woods or in nature - even ordinary squats will relieve anxiety, help “recharge the batteries”. Do not forget to get enough sleep and eat right, normalize the mode and try to evenly distribute informational and psychological loads.


      6. Look for positive emotions

      Find balance in what gives you joy. Communication with loved ones, friends, pets, meditation, massage, favorite hobby or just listening to your favorite music in a familiar environment - you yourself know what energizes you and helps restore peace of mind.

      Learn more