Anxiety OTC Treatment

Nowadays natural solution and remedies are getting popular to treat anxiety. Currently, many scientists are researching on tha ability of natural medicines to release stress, however the research is not enought, more needs to be done. Mostly people, use medicines to treat problems relating to anxiety however now mostly people are turning to natural supplements.

Few OTC remedies that may help in your anxiety treatment. We will are going to discuss them one by one in the next topic.

Anxiety Disorder Otc Treatment

  1. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

There is alot of 5-HTP flating on our bodies. It is a crucial and main compund to many neurotransmitters. It has relation with serotinin due which there is alot of interest around it, and it is considered a remedy for anxiety.

  • Magnesium

It is normally found in fruits and vegetables. It is considered to be a good remedy in releiving anxiety. Many adults don’t get enough magnesium. It palys a key role in the body.

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)

It is derived from the cannabis plant. CBD actually functions by talking to endocannabinoid system.  This helps in controlling the function of your neurotransmitters.

  • Kava

Its roots are from pacific islands.  It has many varieties. A study shows that it can be very helpful in reducing your anxiety.

  • Valerian root

According to greek physicians it has calming effects. However todays research differs on this, it says it can damange liver in some cases.

Anti Anxiety Medication and Drugs

If you feel like you  worry all the time and it has started to affect your life,it is possible that you might have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). One in 3 people are diagnosed with this disorder, and it has been found out to be more common in younger people.

First of all you need to talk to your doctor. Because they have to rule out the condition that your anxiety is caused due to medical reasons.

In reality there is no cure for anxiety but your doctor can prescribe medicines that can reduce it to a certain level. That is called GAD Medicine, they include below medication:

  1. Anti Depressants

These drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), they are widely used to treat and prevent various anxiety problems. SSRI is commonly used to treat chronic anxiety, they  include below medication:

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Antihistamines

They help in allery symptoms. They actually block histamines, it is a kind of chemical that our immune system releases when there is pollen and allergen. However they also help in anxiety.

  • Beta-blockers

They are often used to treat heart conditions such as high blood pressure, beta-blockers can relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety like a racing heart, sweaty palms, and trembling. They work by blocking the adrenaline that your body releases when you feel anxious. Drugs like propranolol usually work best right before an anxiety-provoking event, for example, before you give a speech.

  • Antiseizure medicines

Some drugs that can prevent seizures, like gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), can ease anxiety symptoms. This is probably because they change the way your brain cells talk”to each other.

Anxiety Disorder OTC Treatment

We all know about anxiety OTC medicine but the important thing is how we can treat it in a proper way, so it can be affective. Here are proper steps to treat you anxiety.

Step 1: Identify Your Anxiety Symptoms

Before choosing an OTC remedy, it is important to understand the nature of your anxiety. Here are common symptoms.

  • Restlessness or feeling tense
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Muscle tension

Step 2: Choose the Right OTC Option for Your Needs

There are various types of OTC products that can help you to reduce your anxiety. Here are some of them:

Herbal Supplements

Valerian Root: Often used to reduce stress and anxiety, this herb can have a mild sedative effect, helping with relaxation.

Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress by regulating cortisol levels.

Passionflower: Known for its calming effects, this herbal remedy may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Dietary Supplements:

L-Theanine: An amino acid found in green tea that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. It helps increase alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and calmness.

Magnesium: Deficiency in magnesium can sometimes contribute to anxiety. Magnesium supplements can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3s are known to support brain health and reduce inflammation, which may help manage anxiety.

Antihistamines:

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Sometimes used for its sedative properties, it can calm anxiety by causing drowsiness. However, this is best used sparingly due to potential side effects like sleepiness or dry mouth.

CBD Oil (where legal):

CBD (Cannabidiol): This non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis is often used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It is available in tinctures, capsules, or gummies and can provide mild to moderate relief.

Step 3: Start with the Lowest Effective Dose

When trying any OTC medication or supplement, it is important to start with the lowest effective dose to see how your body reacts. Here is how you can approach it:

Each product comes with dosage recommendations. Always start with the minimum recommended dose to avoid any bad reactions.

Timing: Many herbal supplements (like valerian root or passionflower) are best taken 30-60 minutes before stressful events or before bedtime if your anxiety disrupts your sleep.

Gradual Adjustment: If you don’t notice an effect after the recommended dose, you can gradually increase it (as per the product’s guidelines) or try a different supplement.

Step 4: Combine OTC Products with Healthy Habits

OTC medications can help reduce anxiety, but they work best when combined with lifestyle changes that promote overall well-being. Here are some steps you can take alongside OTC remedies:

Regular Exercise: Physical activity reduces stress hormones and boosts mood-enhancing chemicals like endorphins.

Sleep Hygiene: Stick to a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine in the evening, and create a calm bedtime routine.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can greatly enhance the effects of OTC remedies.

Balanced Diet: Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. A nutritious diet supports your mental health and can alleviate anxiety.

Step 5: Monitor Your Symptoms

Keep track of how your body responds to OTC medications and whether you notice a reduction in your anxiety symptoms. Use the following methods to monitor your progress:

  1. Write down when you take the medication, the dose, and how you feel afterward. This will help you notice patterns over time.
  2. Are you feeling calmer? Are you sleeping better? Do you notice fewer physical symptoms like rapid heartbeats or tense muscles?
  3. If you find the OTC medications are working, continue as needed. If symptoms persist or worsen, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.

Step 6: Be Aware of Side Effects

Even though these are OTC remedies, they can have side effects, especially when taken over long periods or in higher-than-recommended doses. Be careful about them:

  1.  Some herbal supplements (like valerian root) and antihistamines (like Benadryl) can make you sleepy. This is why they are often taken at night.
  2. Certain supplements can interact with prescription medications. For example, St. John’s Wort can interfere with SSRIs and other antidepressants.
  3. Supplements like magnesium can cause digestive upset if taken in large amounts.

Step 7: Know When to Seek Professional Help

While OTC remedies can be effective for mild anxiety, they are not a substitute for professional treatment in more severe cases. If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, or if you have tried OTC options with little success, it is important to do as below:

  1. Go to doctor as they can help diagnose the severity of your anxiety and recommend prescription medication or therapy if needed.
  2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and doesn’t involve medication.
  3. If you experience extreme anxiety, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts, seek professional help immediately.

What Pills help Anxiety Immediately?

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedatives that you can use as a short-term treatment during a particularly severe period of anxiety. This is because they help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking the medication.

What Is The Fastest Relief Of Anxiety?

you can use below methods to reduce you anxiety without medicine.

  • Deep breathing.
  • Naming.
  • Grounding.
  • Organizing.
  • Moving.
  • Laughing.
  • Distracting.
  • Cooling off.

What to drink to calm nerves?

  • Water
  • Chamomile Tea
  • Green Tea
  • Catnip Tea
  • Jujube Fruit Juice

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