Anxiety is a normal reaction to a lot of things. It’s how we deal with stress, which is why it’s also known as an anxiety disorder. You can feel anxious about many things: your job, your relationships, or the everyday things that happen in life. Sometimes, you may be tempted to pop a pill or two to get rid of it. However, this approach does not ease it.
Although over-the-counter anxiety medications are effective in treating anxiety just for the short term, they often don’t address the underlying causes of anxiety. However, a session with a professional therapist can help address these issues and get to the root cause of your anxiety. How? The therapist will evaluate your symptoms and make treatment recommendations.
In the case of critical anxiety disorder, a therapist may prescribe medication or refer you to a mental health professional. The mental health professional can prescribe the appropriate drug for your condition and adjust dosages as needed. Also, he can help you learn ways to cope with your anxiety so that it doesn’t interfere with daily life.
At Betterhelp, we offer a range of treatment options that helps people who experience mere or critical anxiety. We achieve this solution by changing how they think about and respond to situations that cause stress or anxiety. Our therapists will also help you understand how our treatment options work so that it becomes easier for you to manage your symptoms.
6 Best Over-the-Counter Anxiety Medications
Here are some effective over-the-counter prescriptions that ease anxiety faster.
1. Valerian
Valerian is a sedative and sleep aid. It has been utilized in ancient medicine. Recently, scientists learned how to extract the active ingredient from its root and create a standardized version of this valerian herb. Valerian is commonly used to help people fall asleep faster and longer. Still, it can also be used by people with anxiety disorders who struggle with excessive worry and nervousness.
When you take valerian supplements, it increases levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in your brain. This neurotransmitter helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation effectively.
2. L-theanine
L-theanine is a natural amino acid found in green tea. Theanine has been shown to relieve anxiety, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress. L-theanine has also been studied for its ability to improve cognition, but this research is still in its early stages.
In human studies, L-theanine reduced stress levels and improved sleep quality in people with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. L-theanine was also shown to have some anti-inflammatory effects when taken orally by humans.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that helps the body relax. It also helps your muscles relax, which can help you sleep better at night. Magnesium supplements can be a good option for people prone to anxiety and insomnia. It makes them sleep and relax as desired.
Sometimes, a deficiency of magnesium causes anxiety. So, it’s important to get enough calcium and magnesium in your diet. Magnesium is found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, avocados, and other plant sources. But if you’re looking for an over-the-counter supplement that contains magnesium, here are some options:
Magnesium supplements: These pills can help with stress, muscle spasms, and cramps, as well as anxiety. Magnesium glycinate is water soluble, so it dissolves quickly in the bloodstream. You’ll want to take this one first thing in the morning, or anytime you feel stressed or anxious.
You should take this one every day because it will build up over time if taken on an empty stomach (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). You might notice results after just one week of taking this supplement!
Magnesium citrate: It is a form of magnesium available over the counter. It is a salt extracted from magnesium chloride and combined with citric acid. This combination creates a form of magnesium that is absorbed by the body and does not cause stomach upset or other side effects.
Many people who take these supplements report they feel better. Magnesium can also influence your body’s production of vitamin D, which helps maintain bones and teeth.
4. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most common over-the-counter essential oils for anxiety. It has been a plant used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It has a calming, relaxing effect on the mind and body.
Lavender can also help to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Lavender is also known as an antiepileptic and may be useful in treating anxiety related to seizures and mental disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
5. Bigelow Cozy Chamomile
Bigelow Cozy Chamomile is one of the over-the-counter medications you can drink to ease anxiety. The supplement is also available in capsule form and has been used for centuries to settle nerves and help you wind down. It’s also been shown to help people sleep better at night, which is a great side effect if you have insomnia or restless legs syndrome.
Bigelow Cozy Chamomile contains chamomile flower extract, which reduces anxiety in clinical trials. It also contains lavender oil extract, which calms the mind and helps you sleep better at night.
6. Pukka Peace
Pukka Peace is a blend of herbs designed to help you relax and feel more comfortable. It contains valerian root, kava kava, passionflower, lemon balm, and chamomile. All these ingredients have been shown to calm the mind and body.
This supplement comes in a bottle of 60 tablets that contain 500 mg of each of these ingredients. You’ll need to take two tablets per day for three days (or as long as needed), then one tablet per day.
Pukka Peace contains other ingredients, including Ginkgo biloba extract, B vitamins, and Vitamin D3.
Final Thought
Over-the-counter anxiety medications are powerful, but they don’t work for everyone. Prescription medications are more effective than most over-the-counter medicines. So if you’ve tried them without success, it’s worth booking a therapeutic session to get a prescription medication.
Many people prefer to use therapy to deal with their anxiety. If you are suffering from anxiety, it can be hard to tell whether it’s getting worse or better. Therapy can help people with anxiety disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. People who struggle with anxiety may also find that their symptoms improve when they receive professional treatment from a trained mental health professional.
The most effective way for someone to treat their anxiety is by receiving treatment regularly to prevent future episodes of severe anxiety. In some cases, having an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for them may be the key factor in helping them overcome their fears and anxieties.
FAQs
Over-the-counter medications for anxiety are available in a variety of forms and strengths. They can be taken as tablets, capsules, or liquids. Some may come with a prescription to help you manage a more serious mental health condition. These medications may be prescribed by your doctor or purchased at the pharmacy without one.
There are many types of natural remedies that might help with anxiety and depression. Some are herbal or dietary supplements, while others are medications or lifestyle changes.
Get better with Betterhelp professional and trained therapists today. Betterhelp has a team of licensed therapists ready to help you with your anxiety and stress.
We understand that anxiety is not a single condition but a collection of symptoms that can occur due to different situations and events. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone at any time, making it difficult to function normally.
Therefore, getting help as soon as possible is important if you are experiencing one or more symptoms of an anxiety disorder or other mental health issues. Book a session today here.
