Over the counter medicine for calming nerves

What Are the Best Options- K Health

Everyone copes with anxiety differently. For some individuals, prescription medication is the best way to keep this condition from controlling their lives.

For others, therapy, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements may help manage anxiety.

However, not all OTC options have scientific evidence to show that they do anything to treat anxiety.

Since the research can be difficult to interpret, we looked at the studies for you.

In this article, first we’ll explain why anxiety medications are only available by prescription.

Then we’ll discuss seven OTC options that have been shown to provide relief for symptoms of anxiety.

We’ll also share lifestyle changes that can help improve symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor or mental health professional about anxiety.

Why Anxiety Medication Is Prescription Only

Prescription drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of anxiety disorders include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Buspirone (Buspar)
Benzodiazepines

These anti-anxiety medications work to affect neurotransmitters in the brain that can become unbalanced, leading to symptoms of anxiety.

They require a prescription because they can cause serious side effects and must be taken under the supervision of a medical provider.

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OTC Anxiety Medications

Some people prefer trying OTC anxiety medicines before moving to prescription treatment.

Although these may not work for everyone, the ones below have some level of evidence for their effectiveness.

Discuss OTC remedies with your healthcare provider before taking anything, as these can interact with foods, prescription medications, or supplements.

Also know that supplements are not regulated by the FDA and may not contain the ingredients or doses they advertise, or could contain other unlisted ingredients.

Antihistamines

Most often used to treat allergies, antihistamines typically cause side effects of drowsiness or sedation.

Research has not found diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to be an effective anxiety treatment compared to anti-anxiety medications.

However, if anxiety symptoms interfere with sleep or are triggered by allergies, diphenhydramine or other antihistamines may help.

Older adults should be cautious with diphenhydramine since it can lead to dizziness or drowsy feelings, which could increase the risk for injury, falls, or confusion.

Diphenhydramine overdose can be fatal, so never take more than the dose listed on the package.

A prescription antihistamine, hydroxyzine (Vistaril), has been shown to be effective when taken as needed for anxiety.

Your healthcare provider can determine if that is a good treatment option for you.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-HTP, sometimes called tryptophan, is a compound found naturally in the body.

It is used to make several neurotransmitters, including serotonin.

Anti-anxiety medications often work by helping the brain recycle or increase levels of serotonin.

5-HTP is thought to be beneficial for anxiety by helping provide the materials the body needs to make more serotonin.

However, quality studies have not proven that it increases the amount of serotonin available to the brain or positively impacts mood.

Taking 5-HTP with other medications that influence brain chemicals could cause interactions.

Do not take 5-HTP with the following:

Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety medications
Stimulants
Sedatives
Muscle relaxers

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral required for many bodily functions, including muscle contraction, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, and, possibly, mood balance and helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety.

While magnesium is found in many foods, nearly half the U.S. population does not consume enough.

The recommended daily intake is 310-420 milligrams (mg), depending on age and biological sex.

Too much magnesium from food does not pose risks, but high doses of magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea and other side effects.

Don’t take more than 350 milligrams of magnesium as a supplement.

CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, provides the calming properties of cannabis without the psychoactive component.

It may help treat different anxiety disorders, but more research is necessary to prove its safety and effectiveness.

Additionally, CBD products are not regulated by the FDA for dosage consistency, purity, or safety.

Many contain inconsistent amounts of CBD and may contain some psychoactive substances from marijuana or other contaminants.

So buy CBD products from trustworthy brands. Cannabidiol can also interact with medications.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that may support balanced cortisol levels.

The body produces this hormone during times of stress.

Some clinical trials have found that ashwagandha has anti-anxiety properties, however, more research is needed to determine if this herbal remedy has effects in larger groups.

Kava

Kava, sometimes called kava kava, is a root sold as a dietary supplement.

A small study found that kava may help improve anxiety symptoms compared to a placebo.

Use caution with kava supplements, as they may cause liver damage that can be permanent and even fatal.

Valerian

Valerian root is commonly used for sleep problems.

One clinical trial found that this supplement led to improvements in the area of the brain associated with anxiety.

But not all studies show that valerian has anxiety-relief benefits, and if you take it regularly, you may notice withdrawal symptoms if you stop.

It also may have the potential to increase the risk of liver damage.

Lifestyle Changes

If you are interested in natural remedies to reduce anxiety, consider the following lifestyle changes:

Aromatherapy: Lavender essential oil is known for its soothing and calming effects. Diffuse it in a room or make a linen spray to use in your sleeping space or on your shirt. Never ingest essential oils or apply them directly to your skin.

Meditation and mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices can help with anxiety symptom relief, especially when paired with psychotherapy and other methods of treatment.

Regular physical activity: In anxiety, it is thought that the HPA axis (a network of three glands) is hyperactive, causing the body to be stuck in “fight or flight” response for too long. Exercise can improve the function of the HPA axis and in turn improve mood, decrease stress, and modulate anxiety. Yoga in particular may provide anxiety relief.

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When to See a Doctor or Mental Health Professional

If you experience symptoms of anxiety, speak with a healthcare provider about lifestyle changes and OTC options.

They can recommend supplements and other treatments that are likely to be better for you, considering your overall health and specific symptoms.

How K Health Can Help

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Connect with a licensed mental health therapist for unlimited asynchronous text-based therapy. Therapists respond Monday through Friday between 9am-5pm, within 24-hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any stress or anxiety medications available OTC?

The only FDA-approved treatments for anxiety require a prescription. However, some OTC medications and supplements may help address anxiety symptoms. Talk to a healthcare provider about your best options.

What are the strongest over-the-counter anti-anxiety medications?

Some dietary supplements (such as ashwagandha, CBD, valerian root, kava, and magnesium) may be helpful in easing anxiety but have not been proven to be safe or effective. In addition, supplements are not FDA-regulated and may not contain the advertised ingredients or doses.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

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Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. (2015).
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The Effect of Yoga on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Women. (2018).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843960/
Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (2020).
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Exercise for Mental Health. (2006).
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GABA-Modulating Phytomedicines for Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. (2018).
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Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut-Brain Axis. (2016).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728667/
An Investigation Into the Stress-Relieving and Pharmacological Actions of an Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Extract. (2019).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292
Kava in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. (2013).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23635869/
Kava Kava - LiverTox. (2018).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548637/
Magnesium. (2022).
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression. (2018).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5679245/
Pharmacodynamic Response Profiles of Anxiolytic and Sedative Drugs. (2017).
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Role of Magnesium Supplementation in the Treatment of Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. (2017).
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0180067
Subclinical Magnesium Deficiency: A Principal Driver of Cardiovascular Disease and a Public Health Crisis. (2018).
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Treatment of Anxiety disorders. (2017).
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Use of Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders. (2019).
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The Unexpected Identification of the Cannabimimetic, 5F-ADB, and Dextromethorphan in Commercially Available Cannabidiol E-liquids. (2018).
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328677772_The_Unexpected_Identification_of_the_Cannabimimetic_5F-ADB_and_Dextromethorphan_in_Commercially_Available_Cannabidiol_E-liquids
Valerian - LiverTox. (2020).
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Valerian Extract Alters Functional Brain Connectivity: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial. (2019).
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What You Need to Know (And What We're Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD. (2020).
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Are There Any Over-The-Counter Anxiety Medications?

Anxiety medications are controlled substances for a reason. It all comes down to anxiety’s action within the brain.

Chronic anxiety (and panic attacks) can influence your central nervous system, causing your brain to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol more frequently than normal. This can result in various symptoms of anxiety, including depression, headaches, and dizziness.

Adrenaline and cortisol are extremely helpful when you’re in a threatening situation - they’re an essential component of your body’s fight-or-flight response, the reaction you have when exposed to dangerous situations. However, when you are responding to imagined threats (as is common with anxiety disorders), your brain is continually releasing stress hormones unnecessarily.

Therefore, to treat anxiety, treatment methods need to focus on preventing this neurological reaction. And anything powerful enough to affect the brain in this way you should only use after professional medical advice from a doctor.

And it’s important to ask yourself, “would I want over-the-counter medication for my anxiety?” Anxiety is not a disease that can be cured by taking some medication for a week. Instead, it’s a condition affecting the way you think and feel.

Medication dulls anxiety but it doesn't cure it. You'd have to take medication for the rest of your life, and that can lead to difficulties such as dependency, side effects, and a reduction in effectiveness over time. It may also prevent you from seeking further methods that could reduce your anxiety.

To truly combat anxiety, you need to understand why you’re anxious in the first place. You may need to speak to a mental health professional such as a therapist for this - more on that topic later!

Still, medications can help with the emotional distress and physical symptoms anxiety causes. So, why are there no over-the-counter treatment options?

Reason #1 Potential for Abuse

Taken in certain ways, anti-anxiety medications can cause significant mental impairment, and the concern is that if they were available over the counter, many people would be taking these drugs off-label. That's too dangerous.

Remember, these are drugs that affect your brain directly. They alter your body's production and reception of neurotransmitters. That can be useful for reducing anxiety but can cause significant side effects and be extremely dangerous if more is taken than directed. They also interact with numerous other medications, alcohol, and more. These medications simply cannot be sold over the counter without posing a significant risk to the community.

Reason #2 Side Effects

Even over-the-counter medications can elicit harmful side effects. And, without a doctor’s supervision, this could have serious repercussions. One example of this is Benadryl.

In the past, many people have used Benadryl to manage their anxiety symptoms because it’s fast-acting and convenient - taking just 15 - 30 minutes to kick in and lasting for several hours. Yes, it reduces anxiety symptoms temporarily, but Benadryl was never intended for long-term use. It comes with various side effects, including:

Fatigue
Dizziness
Drowsiness

And these are just the most commonly reported. Other, more severe side effects, include:

Lower red blood cell levels
Irregular heart rhythm
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion
Memory loss
Seizures
Hallucinations
Allergy

(Williamson, 2021)

With other medications, you may suffer from a decreased appetite, weight loss, and other adverse effects impacting your health. Without the assistance of a doctor, these side effects may be deadly. These can be particularly troublesome if you’re in a vulnerable group, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and young children.

Reason #3 Hands-Off Approach

In the short term, these medicines may provide some relief. But unfortunately, if you use these medicines for so long without any additional coping tips, your brain will start to depend on them as the only way to cope with stress.

As anxiety symptoms ease, you may feel a natural pull away from coping mechanisms you previously used to reduce your anxiety, reading to dependence on over-the-counter medication as your sole treatment approach.

So when you stop taking these medicines, you'll have lost some of your natural coping skills which, if you suffer from anxiety, may already have been struggling with. That's a significant risk without alternative treatments and a doctor's supervision.

Will Anxiety Medications Ever Be Available Over the Counter?

There may be a day when an over-the-counter anxiety medication is a viable option. Some medications, like Buspirone, are less powerful (while still useful for mild anxiety) and have fewer side effects.

It is possible that a medication like Buspirone may someday be released with a primary focus on easing anxiety symptoms, but given that it can also take several days for the medications to start working, and they are not as powerful as benzodiazepines and other prescription medications, it still may not be the right choice.

Someday there will be an over-the-counter anxiety medicine, but as of yet, there are no medications that meet the criteria that would make them viable as an over-the-counter option.

Alternatives to Over-the-Counter (OTC) Anxiety Medications

Until OTC medications become available, there are several effective alternatives that you could try. Let’s look at each option in turn.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy has proven a highly effective method for managing anxiety symptoms. One of the most common forms of therapy for anxiety disorders is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

In CBT, you work with a therapist to identify the factors contributing to your anxiety, focusing on problem-solving rather than digging deep into the past, unlike other therapy approaches such as psychodynamic and humanistic.

Exercise

Researchers extensively study the benefits of exercise on mental health and well-being. One of the positive effects of regular exercise is that it reduces anxiety. It does this in several ways:

Distraction

Exercise provides a welcome distraction from anxious thoughts and the physical symptoms associated with chronic anxiety.

Reduces Muscle Tension

Exercise gets your muscles active, which can help to reduce muscle tension and other anxiety effects on your muscles.

Increases Heart Rate

Exercise makes your heart beat faster, which alters your brain chemistry, encouraging the release of anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) neurochemicals such as GABA, serotonin, and BDNF.

Activates Specific Brain Regions

Your frontal brain regions are activated when you exercise. These areas are responsible for executive function, enhancing control over the amygdala, an area of the brain related to the stress response.

Herbal Remedies

There are also several herbal ingredients that reduce anxiety. This includes:

Kava. Kava is an herbal supplement that some studies have shown may be as effective as several anxiety medications. Kava should still be used under the supervision of a doctor since it can interact with other medicines and alcohol, but as it is an herb that is available without a prescription, it may be worth trying. Passionflower and valerian may also be beneficial, although they are not believed to be as powerful.
CBD oil. CBD oil is an extract of the cannabis plant (known as Cannabidiol). It is usually taken from industrial hemp, which contains very little THC (the drug that causes the high), and even then any remaining THC is completely removed. Although we cannot recommend CBD oil yet due to a lack of research and questionable legality, there are studies showing that this extract may have stress relief benefits. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of CBD.
5-HTP, L-Tryptophan, or Sam-e. Although many neurotransmitter imbalances have been linked to anxiety, serotonin is the one that has the strongest connection for most people. In theory, increasing serotonin levels in the brain should be able to decrease anxiety symptoms. According to natural health promoters, 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan, and Sam-e are three supplements that increase serotonin levels. It is not clear that they work in the research, but they are available over the counter for those interested in trying it.
Water and Magnesium. In some cases, anxiety may be caused or exacerbated by a lack of important nutrients. So drinking a lot of water and taking magnesium supplements may help some people reduce their anxiety and find some degree of relief, even if it doesn't cure the anxiety altogether.

To learn more, read our article on natural remedies for anxiety.

None of these are guaranteed immediate cures, but they can be a tremendous help. If you're someone that benefits from relaxation exercises like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization, then you should try those as well.

You should never self-medicate with alcohol, or with any drug not designed for anxiety. Self-medication has the same effect as anxiety medicines - use them when you're feeling anxious, and you start to depend on them and lose your ability to cope any other way.

Next Steps for Anxiety

Anxiety isn’t a quick fix. You need to work on it regularly and learn the skills necessary to reduce anxiety, as well as figure out the cause of your anxiety in the first place.

While many consider taking medication a short-term solution, it can often turn into a long-term problem, especially if consumption isn’t supervised by a doctor.

However, there are some approaches you can take to manage anxiety yourself, such as talking therapy, exercise, and herbal remedies. But be sure to speak to your healthcare provider to identify the best course of action for you.

SUMMARY

There are no OTC medications for anxiety since any medication that affects the brain needs to be carefully monitored; that’s why they tend to be prescription medication only.

Medication is not the only treatment a person should take as it can lead to dependency, unpleasant side effects, and reliance as the only coping strategy.

Luckily, there are other natural remedies for treating anxiety, including talk therapy, exercise, and herbal products. Ultimately, more research is needed to uncover a truly effective over-the-counter medication for anxiety.

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Articles of the network of pharmacies "Classic" - Pharmacy Classic

09/21/2017

“All diseases are from the nerves,” said doctors in the middle of the 20th century. However, the 21st century has come, and nothing has changed in this regard. The rhythm of life is still accelerating, the demands are getting higher, and the fatigue is getting bigger. Tips for normalizing rest and sleep patterns, improving nutrition and avoiding stressful situations help, but to help them they need to take medications that help the depleted nervous system restore tone and return to normal. nine0003

It is gratifying that modern pharmacology does not stand still and regularly supplies new and more advanced sedatives to the drug market. Their effect on the body manifests itself much faster, they have fewer contraindications and do not cause side effects that the drugs of past generations were famous for. In our selection, experts from the Classic pharmacy will tell you which sedatives are considered the best today.

1. Fitosedan (Sedative collection No. 2). nine0009

This sedative is one of the few all-natural stress relievers. At the same time, the absence of synthetic components does not in the least prevent it from exerting a powerful sedative effect on the body, and all thanks to an amazing combination of medicinal herbs such as oregano and thyme, valerian, sweet clover and licorice root. As practice shows, Fitosedan perfectly eliminates sleep problems and prevents the negative effects of stress, if it has not yet become chronic. nine0003

In addition, sedative collection No. 2 does not harm the body, which means that it can be used even during pregnancy and even children. The same applies to side effects. For example, Fitosedan does not cause drowsiness, and therefore doctors recommend drinking it in the afternoon, brewing one filter bag at a time, and drinking it like tea. Moreover, you can take the remedy even in the morning or at lunchtime, without fear of the appearance of a sleepy or inhibited state. With all this, Fitosedan is an affordable drug, the price of which will pleasantly surprise you. nine0003

2. Persen.

Persen is another herbal preparation that combines valerian extract with lemon balm and peppermint. In this combination, the substances from these herbs are able to have a mild relaxing and calming effect on the body. The drug Persen perfectly copes with neurotic conditions and unpleasant symptoms of stress, it is effective as a remedy for anxiety and depression, and besides, it bears the proud title of "The Best Natural Sleeping Pill". Moreover, experts often prescribe this medication for the prevention of psychosomatic disorders. nine0003

Separately, we will say that Persen is not at all addictive and does not reduce concentration, so it can be taken by people engaged in activities that require increased concentration. If we talk about the shortcomings of the drug, then this should include individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to the components of Persen. Persen is not prescribed to children under three years of age due to the lack of studies confirming the safety of taking the medicine at this age. nine0003

3. Tenoten.

This drug belongs to homeopathic remedies, the effects on the body of which are still disputed today. The fact is that the active substance of the drug is present in this medication in extremely small doses, and, according to some scientists, does not have a positive effect on the nerves. Nevertheless, numerous studies and reviews prove that the drug is excellent for people who are in a state of prolonged stress, those who suffer from neuroses and are faced with autonomic and psychosomatic disorders. nine0003

In addition, Tenoten improves memory and increases the body's resistance to stress. The undoubted advantage of the drug is that due to the minimum doses of the drug, Tenoten does not cause side effects. And the list of its contraindications includes only children under 3 years of age, pregnancy and lactase deficiency.

4. Deprim

This sedative is commonly called the "Most Natural Antidepressant", and all because its active ingredient is the St. John's wort plant, or rather its extract. For the first time, scientists became interested in the antidepressant effect of this medicinal plant in the mid-80s of the last century, and the opinions of American and European researchers diverged. The Americans considered that St. John's wort is not able to effectively affect the central nervous system, while European scientists proved that in the fight against depressive states, St. John's wort extract is in no way inferior, and in many ways even surpasses traditional antidepressants. nine0003

Today, Deprim is often prescribed to combat depression (mild to moderate), in case of low mood, anxiety (especially during menopause), as well as increased sensitivity to weather changes. True, you can buy medicine only with a doctor's prescription, and for children under 6 years old, it is contraindicated. In addition, it must be remembered that this medicine enhances photosensitivity, which means that it is better for fans of a beautiful sun tan or visiting a solarium to refuse treatment with Deprim. And yet - you should not combine taking this medication with another antidepressant, so as not to cause an overdose. nine0003

5. Afobazole

The drug Afobazole is rightfully called one of the best anxiolytics and tranquilizers of our time. This tool is the best combination of efficiency, safety and affordability. Judge for yourself, Afobazole perfectly calms the nerves and reduces anxiety, helps to eliminate insomnia and problems with falling asleep. In narcological practice, this drug is prescribed to people who decide to quit smoking or “quit” alcohol. Afobazole in this case perfectly eliminates the signs of withdrawal symptoms. The medicine is also used in psychiatry, where, in combination with other drugs, it eliminates some psychosomatic disorders. nine0003

Here it is worth mentioning the main advantage of the sedative in question. The fact is that Afobazole is the only tranquilizer that does not turn into addiction. Moreover, this remedy is combined with alcoholic beverages, which means that when taking the medicine, you will not attract too much attention to yourself at friendly parties and family celebrations.

At the same time, this medication is not prescribed to persons under the age of 18, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people with lactose intolerance. nine0003

6. Gerbion

This is another combination sedative of natural origin, which includes valerian root, peppermint, hop cones and lemon balm. Thanks to this combination of medicinal herbs, the drug has a calming effect on the central nervous system. First of all, this effect is provided by valerian root. Hop cones enhance its effect on the nervous system, while lemon balm and peppermint have a relaxing effect and give the drug a pleasant taste. nine0003

Gerbion is recommended for people suffering from anxiety, those who need to cope with increased excitability, irritability, insomnia or constant tension. The medicine is produced in drops, and therefore, for most of the listed disorders, it is enough to take 20-30 drops a day so that unpleasant nervous disorders no longer bother you.

It is recommended to use Gerbion for adults, but for children under twelve years of age, the medication is prescribed only after consultation with a specialist. In addition, it should be remembered that Gerbion drops are produced on alcohol, which means that they should be used by persons driving a car and other means of increased danger with caution. nine0003

7. Novo-passit

This Czech drug is called the best drug with anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) action. Initially, Novo-Passit caused a lot of doubts as a sedative, because the active component of this drug is the substance guaifenesin, developed by scientists in 2012 to combat coughs. However, later it turned out that this plant substance, extracted from the bark of the guaiac tree, affects not only the cough center, but also the central nervous system, relieving a person of anxiety and perfectly calming “shaken” nerves. nine0003

Today Novo-Passit is used to combat such unpleasant conditions as irritability and anxiety, absent-mindedness, fear, and increased excitability. It is often prescribed to women to alleviate symptoms during menopause. Moreover, in combination with other drugs, Novo-Passit is used to combat allergies. Experts note the speed of the drug. Its beneficial effect on the body can be felt after 30 minutes, which makes Novo-Passit indispensable in the case of neuroses and reactive psychoses. However, every person taking this drug should be aware of the possible side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. nine0003

In addition, Novo-Passit reduces reaction time and weakens attention, which limits the category of people who can take this drug. Children under 12 years of age are also not prescribed this sedative.

8. Phenibut

Phenibut is one of the best representatives of modern nootropic drugs, i.e. drugs that activate the brain and improve mental processes. At the same time, Phenibut is a universal remedy with tranquilizing (calming and relieving anxiety) action. Due to such a diverse effect on the brain and, in particular, on the nervous system, Phenibut is prescribed in case of difficulty falling asleep, constant fear, anxiety and other neurotic conditions. nine0003

Neurologists use this remedy to treat dizziness and tension headaches, in cases of "seasickness" (motion sickness) and Ménière's disease. In combination with other drugs, Phenibut is also prescribed for children. Let's talk about the negative impact on the body. Doctors do not recommend taking the medication for a long time, as in this case it can harm the liver.

9. Pantogam

This is another representative of nootropic drugs that protects the brain from oxygen starvation, increases mental and physical performance. At the same time, the drug has a moderate sedative effect on the body, which allows it to be used in neurotic conditions and the treatment of various addictions. nine0003

Interest in Pantogam is increasing year by year also because, against the background of the treatment of serious diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, this drug helps to cope with nervous breakdown, sleep disturbance and other consequences of stress. Moreover, it is widely used in pediatrics, improving children's memory and normalizing a child's sleep.

Pantogam is prescribed in the complex treatment of childhood epilepsy, as well as mental retardation in children. Psychomotor agitation in children is also a reason for prescribing this drug. The advantages of Pantogam include the fact that in the event of side effects, it is enough just to reduce the dosage of the medicine, as an unpleasant condition will immediately go away. However, among its side effects are drowsiness and lethargy, and in case of an overdose, a person becomes lethargic. In addition, the contraindication of the drug is pregnancy (I trimester), allergic reactions and kidney pathology. nine0003

10. Glycine

If we talk about the means tested over the years, which have long proved their effective effect on the nervous system, then the first among them is Glycine. Today, this remedy is in demand, as before, and doctors proudly call it the best sedative for children. This medicine, which improves metabolic processes in the brain, has been helping people cope with increased emotional stress, aggressiveness and conflict for more than a dozen years.

Glycine perfectly improves mood, relieves anxiety and improves sleep. The medication in question helps to cope with the withdrawal syndrome and manifestations of menopause for adults, and at the same time is suitable for children over three years old who suffer from increased excitability and do not sleep well at night.

The great advantage of this universal drug is the absence of contraindications (except for individual intolerance), as well as the low price, which makes Glycine affordable for all categories of citizens. nine0003

In this article, you have read the top 10 best sedatives for the nervous system, which means that in case of nervous disorders, it will be much easier for you to choose the right medicine. However, do not forget to consult a doctor before using it. Take care of yourself!

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Good sedatives without a prescription - an article on the site 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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;
nine0002 sleep disorders;
frequent and abrupt mood swings;
prostration;
apathy;
memory and concentration disorders;
nervous excitement and other signs of stress.
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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. nine0003

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: nine0003

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; nine0003
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. nine0003

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.

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