Over The Counter Anxiety Medication(NO)
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In this article, titled “Over the counter anxiety medication,” we will answer the question if there is an over the counter anxiety medication; we will present some information about benzodiazepines Xanax and Ativan, as well as five natural remedies for anxiety treatment.
Is There Over The Counter Anxiety Medication?
There is no over the counter anxiety medication.
According to some sources, there is no over the counter drug for anxiety, and all the drugs used to treat anxiety must be prescribed.
However, according to the website Drugs.com, there one drug that can be used as a counter anxiety drug – prochlorperazine (brand name Compro), using which you should still talk to your doctor to avoid other health problems.
Prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine is an antipsychotic medicine from the group of drugs called phenothiazines.
Oral prochlorperazine is used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, involutional, and other psychoses with a predominance in the clinical picture of lethargy, apathy, asthenic phenomena, and stuporous states.
It is also used as an over the counter anxiety medicine to treat anxiety.
Attention!
It is not recommended to use prochlorperazine after using alcohol, narcotics, sedatives, or tranquilizers.
You should remember that it is forbidden to be used by children under two years.
It is better to talk to your doctor before giving prochlorperazine to an adolescent or a kid with diarrhea, flu, or fever.
Besides that, you should avoid giving prochlorperazine to a child before or after surgery.
Also, prochlorperazine is not approved for use in dementia or other psychotic conditions related to it.
The usage of prochlorperazine by the elderly may be dangerous, especially if they suffer from conditions related to dementia.
To make sure that the mentioned drug is safe for you, you should talk to your doctor mentioning if you have had any illness or health problem in general.
If you become pregnant while using prochlorperazine, you should not stop the usage before talking to your doctor.
Prescribed Medication for Anxiety Treatment (Benzodiazepines Xanax and Ativan)
As unfortunately, in general, there is no over the counter anxiety medication, people who suffer from anxiety, use prescribed drugs.
Below are some drugs that are widely used to treat anxiety:
Xanax
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a medication, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety agent), a medium-duration benzodiazepine derivative that is used to treat panic disorders, anxiety neuroses, such as anxiety disorder or social phobia.
Alprazolam is used for:
- Anxiety and neurosis with anxiety,
- Tension,
- Anxiety,
- Irritability, Poor sleep,
- Somatic disorders
- Panic disorders
- Trembling,
- Insomnia.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, coma, shock, myasthenia, angle-closure glaucoma (acute attack or predisposition), acute alcohol poisoning (with weakening vital functions), narcotic analgesics, sleeping pills, and psychoactive drugs; severe COPD (progression of the degree of respiratory failure), acute respiratory failure; severe depression (suicidal tendencies may occur); pregnancy (especially the first trimester), lactation, age up to 18 years (safety and efficacy not determined).
With caution:
- Hepatic failure,
- Chronic renal failure,
- Cerebral and spinal ataxia,
- A history of drug dependence,
- A tendency to abuse psychoactive drugs,
- Hyperkinesis,
- Organic brain diseases,
- Psychosis (possible paradoxical reactions),
- Hypoproteinemia,
- Nocturnal apnea (established or suspected),
- Old age.
Side Effects:
- Changes in weight,
- Changes in appetite,
- Muscle weakness,
- Trouble concentrating,
- Dry mouth,
- Stuffy nose,
- Trouble sleeping,
- Gastrointestinal problems,
- Increased sweating.
Ativan
Ativan (Lorazepam) is a drug of the benzodiazepine group used in the treatment of anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, trouble sleeping, and nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Lorazepam is used in the short-term management of severe anxiety.
The FDA advises using benzodiazepines such as lorazepam for not longer than four weeks.
It affects fast and is useful in treating fast onset panic anxiety.
Lorazepam can effectively reduce agitation and cause sleepiness, which makes it beneficial for the short-term treatment of insomnia, especially if a person suffers from severe anxiety or night terrors as well.
It has a relatively short duration of action.
5 Natural Remedies for Anxiety Treatment
There are various natural remedies for anxiety treatment, which can be useful, primarily as there is no over the counter anxiety medication when you want to try some natural treatment.
You should remember, though, that they cannot be that effective in treating severe anxiety.
Below are some natural remedies, which may be useful for you to get rid of anxiety symptoms or at least reduce them:
Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis is also known as lemon mint. This lemon-smelling plant can be found all over the world.
According to a study published in 2004 in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, people taking melissa showed a short-term decrease in anxiety and anxiety.
Recent monitoring has shown that rosmarinic acid contained in the leaves of this plant gives the same anxiolytic and antidepressant effect.
A reduction in anxiety is achieved by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the body.
Valerian root
Valerian root is widely used as a remedy for sleep disorders.
It may also increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), aka neurotransmitter in the brain. It is good to use this herb for anxiety.
Kava
Intoxicated pepper is effective in treating anxiety syndrome.
Studies show that kava has a more significant anxiolytic effect (eliminates stress, anxiety, anxiety, and fear) than a placebo.
This is the only herb that clearly shows the effectiveness of the treatment of anxiety disorders.
However, it should be taken with caution.
Kava has side effects, such as liver damage, and when interacting with levodopa and alprazolam causes extrapyramidal symptoms or lethargy.
Holy basil
Holy basil or tulsi is related to European and Thai basils. There is not much information about holy basil’s effect on anxiety.
However, research showed that the use of holy basil reduces the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Passionflower
Passiflora has been used since ancient times to relieve stress and anxiety. The whole plant is used, except for the roots.
However, pharmacological studies of this plant are inferior.
Therefore, it cannot be said what exactly is the reason for reducing anxiety.
Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.
Recommended books and sources
- 5HTP +Plus | Ultra High Strength 5HTP 400mg Vegan Griffonia Seed Extract Equivalent | 6 Month Supply | Highest Absorption 5 HTP Capsules Not Inferior 5-HTP Tablets | Stress Anxiety & Melatonin Balance
- Best Naturals Ashwagandha 500 mg 120 Capsules
- Freeing Yourself from Anxiety: The 4-Step Plan to Overcome Worry and Create the Life You Want
- HFNE “Aripiprazole”
- HFNE “Xanax”
What we recommend for curbing Anxiety
Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety
Online Therapy
- Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.
Anxiety Weighted Blankets
- Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.
Light Therapy
- Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night. An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.
FAQs about the topic “Over The Counter Anxiety Medication.”
Is there any over the counter medication for anxiety?
There is no over-the-counter medication for anxiety.
Nevertheless, according to the website Drugs.com, there is one drug that can be used as a counter anxiety drug – prochlorperazine (brand name Compro), using which you should still talk to your doctor to avoid other health problems.
Usually, anxiety disorders are treated by the prescribed medication or natural remedies.
How can I treat anxiety naturally?
You can treat anxiety naturally by:
Getting enough sleep,
Eating healthy food,
Practicing breathing techniques,
Ditching the caffeine, stop using alcohol and drugs (narcotics), as well as smoking,
Doing physical exercises,
Meditating.
What is the best medicine for anxiety?
The best medicines for anxiety are benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam, clonazepam (Klonopin), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
Can Benadryl be used to treat anxiety?
Benadryl is sometimes used to treat anxiety, although it is not useful for treating anxiety disorders.
The reason why it makes people think as it helps is that it can make people feel sleepy, which may temporarily reduce their anxiety.
How do you calm down anxiety?
To calm down anxiety, you should:
Take a deep breath,
Admit that you are anxious,
Challenge your thoughts with worst-case scenario thoughts,
Release the anxiety with physical activity, avoiding those that include expression of anger,
Visualize yourself calm,
Think it through answering questions, such as: if it will matter to you next week, or if it worths to worry so much, and others,
Listen to music; it may have a calming effect,
Change your focus,
Practice muscle relaxation to relax your body,
Write down your thoughts,
Go for a walk in the fresh air,
Eat something if you feel hunger, as the latter can make you anxious.
Does Melatonin Help Anxiety?
According to research, melatonin can help anxiety before medical or surgical procedures.
However, more studies are needed to know if melatonin is useful for other forms of anxiety, too, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, or panic attacks.
Conclusion
Summarizing the topic “Over the counter anxiety medication,” we can say that there is no OTC for anxiety treatment.
Even though according to the website Drugs.com, there is one drug that can be used in both ways: as a prescribed drug or as a counter anxiety drug – prochlorperazine (brand name Compro), you should not use it without prescription, as you need to talk to your doctor before and while using (especially in pregnancy).
From prescribed drugs, the most efficient are benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Ativan, which we mentioned above.
If your anxiety is not severe and you avoid using prescribed drugs, you can try natural remedies.
Please feel free to comment on the content or ask any questions in the comments section below.
References
- 10 Natural Remedies to Consider for Treating Anxiety
- Prochlorperazine
Take Control of Your Anxiety Today: Personalized Counseling with BetterHelp
