What causes anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal response to stress that involves both the mind and body. It can be caused by many different factors, including:
- Stressful life situations – such as work, relationships, finances, trauma, grief, major life changes.
- Medical conditions – like thyroid disorders, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders.
- Medication side effects – some medications like steroids, stimulants, cold medicines can cause anxiety.
- Drug and alcohol withdrawal – stopping use of alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids or other substances can induce anxiety.
- Genetics and family history – anxiety disorders can run in families.
When anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and begins to interfere with daily life, it may be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. The most common types are generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety can cause both mental and physical symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger or panic
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Muscle tension or twitches
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
Severe anxiety may cause panic attacks that can make someone feel like they are having a heart attack or can’t breathe. Symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes then go away.
What OTC medications can help with anxiety?
There are a few over-the-counter (OTC) medication options that may help relieve mild to moderate anxiety:
Antihistamines
Older antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) can provide relief by making you drowsy. Newer non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) may help by blocking histamine.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) may help by reducing inflammation linked to anxiety.
Supplements
Some supplements that may help calm anxiety include:
- L-theanine – An amino acid found in green tea that promotes relaxation.
- Valerian root – An herb that acts as a sedative.
- Chamomile – An herb that promotes relaxation.
- CBD oil – A hemp extract that may reduce anxiety.
Always check with your doctor before trying a new supplement, especially if you take other medications.
What prescription anti-anxiety medications are available?
For moderate to severe anxiety, a doctor may prescribe:
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and paroxetine (Paxil) increase serotonin to stabilize mood.
SNRIs
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) increase serotonin and norepinephrine.
Benzodiazepines
Medications like alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan) work by enhancing the effect of GABA in the brain. They provide rapid relief, but long-term use can cause dependence.
Buspirone
Buspirone (BuSpar) is an anti-anxiety medication that works differently than benzodiazepines. It may be less likely to cause dependence.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol can help social phobia and performance anxiety by blocking physical symptoms.
What are the drug-free treatments for anxiety?
Along with medication, many find relief from anxiety through:
- Therapy – CBT and exposure therapy help change thinking patterns.
- Exercise – Aerobic exercise releases endorphins that improve mood.
- Meditation – Practices like mindfulness meditation reduce stress.
- Yoga – Poses, breathing and meditation promote relaxation.
- Healthy diet – Eating more whole foods and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sugar.
- Getting enough sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Social support – Talking to friends, family and support groups.
Lifestyle changes and learning coping strategies can help manage anxiety long-term without medication.
How can you tell if over the counter medicine is working for anxiety?
Here are some signs that an OTC medication or supplement is effectively relieving anxiety:
- You feel calmer and less worried
- You’re less irritable or on edge
- Your mind feels clearer and more focused
- Physical symptoms improve – like rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling
- You’re sleeping better
- Your mood improves
- You’re able to confront anxiety-provoking situations more easily
Keep in mind effects may be subtle. track your symptoms to determine if a medication helps. Discontinue use if symptoms don’t start improving within 1-2 weeks. See your doctor if OTC options aren’t providing enough relief.
What precautions should you take with anti-anxiety medication?
When taking OTC or prescription medication for anxiety, important safety tips include:
- Take the lowest effective dose.
- Follow dosage instructions carefully.
- Don’t take for longer than directed without consulting a doctor.
- Don’t stop medications suddenly – taper off slowly under medical supervision.
- Avoid combining medications or supplements without approval.
- Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery if a medication makes you drowsy.
- Avoid alcohol while taking anti-anxiety medication.
- Be aware of possible side effects like headache, nausea, fatigue.
- Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve or side effects are concerning.
Inform your doctor of any other medications, supplements or health conditions you have. Proper usage and close monitoring can help minimize risks.
Conclusion
While anxiety is a common problem, there are many potentially helpful solutions available without a prescription. Antihistamines, NSAIDs, herbal supplements, and lifestyle changes may provide relief for mild symptoms. For more severe anxiety, prescription medications like SSRIs, benzodiazepines and buspirone can help – but should be taken under medical supervision. Always discuss options with your doctor to find the safest, most effective treatment plan for your individual needs. With the right approach, anxiety can be successfully managed.