How do anxiety disorders manifest. What are the most effective calming medications for anxiety. Which side effects can anxiety medications cause. How long does it take for anxiety medications to work. What are the differences between various types of anti-anxiety drugs. How to choose the right anxiety medication for your needs. What are the risks of long-term use of anxiety medications.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders: More Than Just Everyday Stress

Anxiety disorders are complex mental health conditions that go beyond the occasional feelings of nervousness or worry that most people experience. These disorders can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. While there’s no definitive cure for anxiety disorders, they are highly treatable with a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

What sets anxiety disorders apart from normal anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent, intense, and often irrational fears or worries that don’t easily subside. Unlike typical anxiety that may come and go, these disorders can lead to debilitating symptoms that interfere with various aspects of life, including work, school, and personal relationships.

The Role of Medications in Managing Anxiety Disorders

While medications don’t cure anxiety disorders, they play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The right medication can help individuals function better in their daily activities and complement other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy.

How do anxiety medications work?

Anxiety medications typically work by altering brain chemistry to reduce anxiety symptoms. They may target specific neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are involved in regulating mood and anxiety levels. The exact mechanism can vary depending on the type of medication used.

Benzodiazepines: Fast-Acting Relief for Acute Anxiety

Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative medications that can provide rapid relief from anxiety symptoms. They work by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system.

What are some common benzodiazepines used for anxiety?

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

These medications are typically prescribed for short-term use due to their potential for dependence and side effects. They can be particularly effective for panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

What are the potential side effects of benzodiazepines?

While benzodiazepines can provide quick relief, they come with potential side effects that users should be aware of:

• Drowsiness
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Vision issues
• Headaches
• Feelings of depression

It’s crucial to note that abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines after regular use can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider before stopping or changing your medication regimen.

Buspirone: A Non-Benzodiazepine Option for Anxiety Treatment

Buspirone is a unique anti-anxiety medication that differs from benzodiazepines in its mechanism of action and side effect profile. It’s used to treat both acute and chronic anxiety disorders.

How does buspirone work to reduce anxiety?

While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, buspirone is believed to affect chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, particularly serotonin and dopamine. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone doesn’t cause immediate sedation or impairment.

What should patients know about starting buspirone?

Buspirone can take several weeks to become fully effective, so patience is key when starting this medication. It’s available as a generic drug and under the brand name Buspar. Side effects may include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and in some cases, unusual dreams or sleep disturbances.

Antidepressants: Long-Term Solutions for Anxiety Management

Antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed for long-term anxiety management. These medications can be effective in treating various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Which antidepressants are most commonly used for anxiety?

Several types of antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety disorders:

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):
   • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
   • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
   • Paroxetine (Paxil)
   • Sertraline (Zoloft)
2. Tricyclic Antidepressants:
   • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
   • Imipramine (Tofranil)
3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):
   • Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
   • Phenelzine (Nardil)
   • Selegiline (Emsam)
   • Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

How long does it take for antidepressants to work for anxiety?

Antidepressants typically take 4 to 6 weeks to produce noticeable effects on anxiety symptoms. It’s important for patients to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if they don’t feel immediate relief. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Comparing Side Effects: SSRIs vs. Tricyclics vs. MAOIs

When considering antidepressant options for anxiety treatment, it’s important to understand the potential side effects associated with each class of medication. This knowledge can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment plans.

What are the common side effects of SSRIs?

SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Sexual dysfunction

How do tricyclic antidepressant side effects differ from SSRIs?

Tricyclic antidepressants, while effective for many anxiety disorders, often have more pronounced side effects than SSRIs. These can include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Urinary retention
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Weight gain

What unique considerations are there for MAOI side effects?

MAOIs, while less commonly prescribed due to dietary restrictions and potential drug interactions, can be effective for certain anxiety disorders. Side effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Dizziness

It’s crucial for patients taking MAOIs to be aware of potential interactions with certain foods and medications, as these can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure.

Tailoring Anxiety Treatment: Finding the Right Medication

Choosing the most appropriate anxiety medication is a collaborative process between the patient and healthcare provider. Several factors come into play when determining the best treatment approach.

What factors influence the choice of anxiety medication?

When selecting an anxiety medication, healthcare providers consider:

• The specific type of anxiety disorder
• The severity of symptoms
• Potential side effects
• Interaction with other medications
• The patient’s medical history
• Personal preferences and lifestyle factors

How do healthcare providers determine the right dosage?

Medication dosage is typically started at the lowest effective dose and gradually increased if needed. This approach, known as titration, helps minimize side effects while finding the optimal therapeutic dose. Regular follow-ups and open communication between the patient and healthcare provider are essential for successful dosage adjustment.

Combining Medication with Other Anxiety Treatments

While medications can be highly effective in managing anxiety symptoms, they are often most successful when combined with other forms of treatment. A comprehensive approach to anxiety management can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

What non-medication treatments complement anxiety medications?

Several evidence-based treatments can be used alongside medication to manage anxiety:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure therapy
• Mindfulness and meditation practices
• Relaxation techniques
• Regular exercise
• Stress management strategies

How can lifestyle changes support anxiety treatment?

In addition to medication and therapy, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage anxiety:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Practicing good nutrition
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Building a strong support network
• Learning and applying stress-reduction techniques

Long-Term Considerations: Managing Anxiety Medication Use

While anxiety medications can provide significant relief, it’s important to consider the long-term implications of their use. Patients and healthcare providers should work together to develop a sustainable treatment plan that balances symptom management with potential risks.

What are the risks of long-term anxiety medication use?

Long-term use of certain anxiety medications, particularly benzodiazepines, can lead to:

• Tolerance (needing higher doses for the same effect)
• Physical dependence
• Increased risk of cognitive decline in older adults
• Potential for substance use disorder

How can patients safely discontinue anxiety medications?

When it’s time to stop or change anxiety medications, it’s crucial to do so under medical supervision. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a resurgence of anxiety. A gradual tapering process, guided by a healthcare provider, can help minimize these risks and ensure a smooth transition.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions in Anxiety Management

As research in mental health continues to advance, new treatments and approaches for managing anxiety disorders are emerging. These developments offer hope for more effective and personalized anxiety management strategies in the future.

What new medications are being developed for anxiety?

Researchers are exploring several promising avenues for new anxiety treatments:

• Novel neurotransmitter modulators
• Ketamine and related compounds
• Cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabis-derived treatments
• Psychedelic-assisted therapies

How might personalized medicine impact anxiety treatment?

Advancements in genetic testing and biomarker identification may lead to more tailored treatment approaches. This could help healthcare providers predict which medications will be most effective for individual patients, minimizing trial and error in treatment selection.

As our understanding of anxiety disorders continues to grow, so too does our ability to provide effective, personalized treatment options. While medications play a crucial role in managing anxiety symptoms, they are just one part of a comprehensive treatment approach. By combining pharmacological interventions with psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and emerging treatments, individuals with anxiety disorders can work towards achieving better symptom control and improved quality of life.

It’s important for those struggling with anxiety to remember that help is available. By working closely with healthcare providers, staying informed about treatment options, and actively participating in their care, individuals with anxiety disorders can find relief and develop effective strategies for long-term management. As research progresses and new treatments emerge, the future holds promise for even more effective and personalized approaches to anxiety management.

Drugs to Treat Anxiety Disorder

There’s no cure for anxiety disorder, but it can be treated. Work with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Side effects

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

• confusion
• vision problems
• headaches
• feelings of depression

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

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

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

Side effects

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

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

Types of antidepressants include:

SSRIs

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

Examples of SSRIs used to treat anxiety include:

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

Side effects

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

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

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

Tricyclics

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

Examples of tricyclics used for anxiety include:

• clomipramine (Anafranil)
• imipramine (Tofranil)

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

Side effects

Side effects of tricyclics can include:

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

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

MAOIs

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

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

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

Side effects

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crystal HoshawLIVING WITH ANXIETY

One experience with propranolol

I tried beta blockers for acute anxiety relief in the form of Inderal. Unfortunately, I found they didn’t seem to have any effect on me. I took them very briefly for a period of weeks, but didn’t find relief. During that time, a friend shared they found them very effective when they had to give a presentation and were nervous. They helped smooth out their jitters so they appeared more relaxed and professional. It seemed to me that the sources of anxiety for us must be very different, so I assumed that’s why they didn’t work for me. His experience of anxiety seemed more situational while mine was more generalized.

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Side effects

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

Some potential side effects can include:

• fatigue
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• cold fingers or toes

Other side effects may include:

• trouble sleeping
• nausea
• shortness of breath

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

Examples of these interventions include:

Exercise

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

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

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

Meditate

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

Try chamomile

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

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

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

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

Smell aromatherapy oils

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

Examples of essential oils used to provide anxiety relief include:

• lavender
• neroli
• chamomile

Avoid caffeine

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

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

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

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

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

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

What to Say and Ask

Managing anxiety can require the support of multiple specialized professionals. This may include a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner. You can also join a support group.

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

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

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

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

Primary care physician

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

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

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

Psychologist

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

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

Psychiatrist

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

Online psychiatry services

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

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Psychiatric nurse practitioner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

review and rating of the best OTC drugs

Modern life is full of stress, and you need to have very strong nerves to always remain calm. If you don’t have such strong nerves, don’t reproach yourself, but call for help the best quick-acting sedatives. Read in our material what drugs will help you, how they work, and how to take them correctly.

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Pexels: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi

Doctors keep talking about the irreparable damage that stress causes to our health, but where can we hide from them? An unstable environment, anxiety for oneself and loved ones, constant responsibility, endless work and chronic lack of time constantly haunt us. And in order to cope with chronic stress and its consequences, one often cannot do without good sedatives “for nerves”.

Sedatives work in different ways, but they have the same goal: to reduce tension and anxiety, reduce nervous system excitation and thus improve sleep, eliminate irritability, increase stability. All good sedatives can be divided into two groups: over-the-counter and those sold exclusively by prescription.

Prescription drugs are more effective but have some side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Self-administering such funds can be dangerous. It is quite another thing – the best sedatives without prescriptions. They have a minimum of contraindications and restrictions, act gently, and are not addictive. At the same time, one cannot expect an immediate effect from them: the plant extracts included in such products act gradually.

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The best sedatives for nerves and stress

Tenoten

The first drug on our list of good non-prescription sedatives is Tenoten. The drug contains antibodies to the brain-specific protein S-100 in a homeopathic dose. This remedy not only calms, but also improves memory, normalizes the learning process, makes it easier to endure psycho-emotional stress, and has an antidepressant effect. The course of admission is from one to three months, if necessary, it can be extended up to six months.

Glycine

The amino acid glycine is one of the best sedatives you can buy without a prescription. The drug reduces mental stress, improves mood and improves brain function. It is useful in stressful situations, with severe fatigue, various lesions of the nervous system. Contraindicated in children under three years of age.

Afobazole Retard

One of the best sedatives available without a doctor’s prescription. The active substance is fabomotizole, which stabilizes neuronal GABA receptors and restores their sensitivity. The drug reduces emotional stress, reduces anxiety and irritability, reduces the effects of stress on nerve cells. Does not cause drowsiness and does not reduce concentration, addiction to the drug does not occur.

Lotusonic

One of the best sedatives for stress. The composition of this herbal preparation includes extracts of walnut lotus, Chinese date, thuja orientalis, erythrina and mulberry leaves, euphoria longana fruits and rhizomes of Dioscorea. It has a cumulative effect and is not addictive. Caution: the drug enhances the effect of antihypertensive drugs, analgesics and sedative tablets. Under the age of 18, these pills should not be taken.

Novopassit

A good fast-acting sedative, perfect for when you need to get rid of your excitement. “Novopassit” has anti-anxiety and sedative effects. The preparation contains lemon balm, valerian, St. John’s wort, hawthorn, passionflower, hops, black elderberry and guaifenesin. This remedy helps with tension headaches, normalizes sleep, reduces fear, anxiety and fatigue, eliminates functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and increases stress resistance.

Persen

Excellent choice for stress – one of the best sedatives for women. The composition of “Persen” includes extracts of valerian, peppermint and lemon balm, which contribute to the normalization of sleep, help get rid of vasospasms and improve mood.

The best prescription sedatives

The restrictions on the sale of many of the best sedatives “for nerves” are not introduced by chance. Prescription drugs cannot be called completely safe, so they can only be used as prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision.

The best strong sedatives are tranquilizers (anxiolytics). They reduce the level of mental activity, eliminating anxiety, anxiety and fears, they can have a hypnotic, sedative, relaxing effect. This group includes a variety of synthetic drugs. Many of them, such as benzodiazepines, can be addictive, so they are only taken in short courses.

The so-called “daytime tranquilizers” have a less pronounced hypnotic effect than other drugs in this group, are considered safer and can be prescribed even to children and used as the best quick sedatives. Nevertheless, one cannot speak of complete safety: such medicines have many contraindications.

Antidepressants are another group of sedatives. They come in different types, are selected by a doctor and are drunk only in courses. These are good sedative pills, but to get rid of depression, you need to use antidepressants for at least six months. In this case, serious side effects are possible (especially at first).

Normotimics are used to stabilize mood. The temptation to “prescribe” such drugs for oneself is great, but this is not necessary: ​​mood stabilizers can be toxic, affect the endocrine system, and cause poisoning. The dose is selected individually based on blood tests, so you definitely cannot do without a doctor when choosing such good sedatives for stress.

Well-chosen prescription sedatives can be a real lifesaver, but keep in mind that they usually do not work instantly and have many contraindications and side effects. Therefore, it is very important that sedatives of good action are selected by a doctor who can adjust the dose if something goes wrong.

How to stop being nervous and start living calmly

There is no universal answer to the question of which sedatives are best. What matters is what’s right for you. If you are going through some kind of stress right now – the illness of a loved one, preparing for exams, a divorce – then it may not be superfluous to support yourself by taking good over-the-counter sedatives for the nervous system.

Even before taking over-the-counter products, it is advisable to consult a doctor or at least read the package leaflet very carefully: unexpected side effects are possible. For example, preparations based on St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It turns out that as a result of taking good sedatives for the nervous system, you run the risk of getting an unplanned pregnancy – an additional reason for worrying. By the way, keep in mind that pregnant and lactating women can drink even over-the-counter drugs only on the recommendation of a doctor!

All sedatives must be taken correctly. This means:

• The remedy must correspond to the present symptoms. Sedatives are used to improve sleep, correct increased excitability. Anxiolytics will help to prevent stress reactions and anxiety disorders. When choosing on your own, it is easy to make a mistake and buy an inappropriate drug, and in this case, even the best sedative for women may not be effective enough.
• Pay attention to safety. Even good over-the-counter sedatives can have contraindications. Be sure to read this section of the manual.
• Course duration and dosage. If you need to calm down immediately, even the most effective course drugs will not work for you, choose the best quick sedative. And vice versa, if the stress has dragged on, and you have been in a depressed mood for more than a week, even the best quick-acting sedative will not help – you need a course of treatment selected by a doctor.
• Correct reception. Some drugs should be taken before meals, others after, some in the morning, some before bed. Be sure to study the rules of admission so as not to get completely unnecessary side effects such as drowsiness during the day or excessive vigor at night.

Drug therapy is not always needed to calm down. In some cases, just as effective (and certainly safer) will be lifestyle changes.

• One of the best quick-acting sedatives is your own breathing. Try to breathe slowly and deeply for 2-3 minutes – this will reduce tension and help you master yourself. And if with each exhalation you imagine how negative emotions leave you, the exercise will be even more effective.
• Another effective method to relieve anxiety: instead of asking what is the best drink to calm down, ask yourself what you see, what you hear, what smells you smell, what you feel at the moment. Answer each question as detailed as possible, with many details, and you will see that the anxiety has receded. The fact is that when we worry, we are somewhere in a terrible future or in an unpleasant past, and a simple exercise takes us back to a specific moment in the present – not so terrible at all.
• Every cat knows: if you don’t know what to do, wash your face. This process helps to calm down, reviews about this sedative are only good, and there are no contraindications. If circumstances permit, take a shower. Imagine how anxiety drains from your body along with water – and you will leave the bathroom a different person.

Other non-drug options include yoga, meditation, daily routine, moderate physical activity, anti-stress diet and periodic digital detox. All these methods are not suitable for quick calming, but in the long run they will make you more resistant to stress no worse than a good sedative. If they do not help, then it remains to go to the doctor and ask him to prescribe a suitable drug for you.

Stress preparations for cats

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Ceva Feliway Classic Feliway Classic pheromone with diffuser for cats

48 ml

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3 050 ₽

MMX Anoten against stress and anxiety for dogs and cats

1 pack

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Relaxivet Soothing liquid with diffuser for cats and dogs

45 ml

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1 360 ₽

Relaxivet Soothing liquid for cats and dogs refill bottle

45 ml

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1 070 ₽

Relaxivet Spot-On Soothing drops for cats and dogs

4 pip

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Relaxivet Calming drops for cats and dogs

10 ml

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Relaxivet Calming collar for cats and dogs

40 cm

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Relaxivet Calming spray for cats and dogs

50 ml

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Relaxivet Calming suspension for cats and dogs

25 ml

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Relaxivet Calming tablets for cats and dogs

10 tab

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Veda Kot Bayun tablets for the correction of behavioral disorders in cats and dogs

50 tab

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Veda Kot Bayun infusion for the correction of behavioral disorders in cats and dogs

3*10ml

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Fiteks soothing drops for dogs and cats

10 ml

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Fospasim drug for behavior correction, oral

20 ml

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Fospasim drug for behavior correction, solution for injections

100 ml

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1 030 ₽

Apicenna Stop stress tablets for cats

15 tab

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Pchelodar Vetspokoin tablets for cats

15 tab

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Pchelodar Vetspokoin suspension for cats

25 ml

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Beaphar No Stress Collar

35 cm

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Apicenna Stop-stress plus for correction of undesirable behavior in cats

30 ml

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Express Calm tablets for cats 2 tab.