Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is a flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and introduced into North America. Studies in clinical samples (in subjects with anxiety disorder) are needed. The combination of L-lysine and L-arginine was effective at reducing anxiety symptoms in healthy adults (Smriga et al., 2007), and modified hormonal responses to psychosocial stress in healthy subjects (Jezova et al., 2005). L-lysine is an essential amino acid, whereas L-arginine is a conditionally nonessential amino acid. L-lysine and L-arginine are taken in combination to help with anxiety. More studies are needed to confirm these findings. One study revealed that Passionflower was as effective as oxazepam for generalized anxiety disorder, and that oxazepam caused impairment in job performance (Akhondzadeh et al., 2001). Passiflora, commonly known as passionflower, is a flowering plant, and has a pantropical distribution. Another study showed that lavender oil was as effective as lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder, and does not have the sedative or addictive potential of benzodiazepines (Woelk and Schläfke, 2010). A study found that lavender oil was more effective than placebo for anxiety, had fewer side effects than paroxetine, and had a side effect profile similar to placebo (Kasper et al., 2014). Lavender, also known as lavandula angustifolia, is a flowering plant in the mint family, and is native to the Old World. Inositol is a natural compound with few side effects, which makes it an attractive alternative to prescription medications for anxiety which have significant side effects. One study found that inositol was as effective as fluvoxamine for the treatment of panic disorder (Palatnik et al., 2001). Inositol can be found in fruits and lechitins. Inositol is a carbohydrate which is sweet in taste. Natural supplements for anxiety include inositol, lavender, passionflower, L-lysine and L-arginine, valerian, L-theanine, galphimia glauca, omega 3 fatty acids, GABA, ginkgo biloba, chamomile, magnesium, lemon balm, melatonin, and skullcap. Natural supplements have research studies showing preliminary effectiveness and safety for anxiety. Other OTC medications to consider for anxiety include natural supplements, which include dietary and herbal supplements. Although Benadryl does not have research studies for effectiveness in anxiety, it is commonly recommended by doctors to their patients with anxiety. It is best to use Benadryl on an as needed basis, rather than a daily medication for anxiety. The disadvantages are that Benadryl can lose its effectiveness with long term use and with regular daily use…this phenomenon is known as tolerance. Benadryl has advantages as it is non-addictive and available as generic diphenhydramine, so the generic form is relatively inexpensive. For temporary relief of anxiety during the day, taking Benadryl will help you to sleep, and this will help to make you less anxious. However, if you have anxiety during the day and take Benadryl during the day, it will make you sedated. Because of sedation, Benadryl is usually taken at night. Benadryl dosed at 25mg to 50 mg will help to reduce anxiety, mainly by helping you get rest and sleep, as Benadryl is quite sedating. Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Benadryl For AnxietyĪlthough most of the medications for anxiety disorder are only available with a prescription, a few OTC medications could be considered for anxiety. Why not take control of your own mental health and anxiety? Why should you suffer any longer, waiting for someone else’s opinion? We are used to going to the pharmacy to obtain OTC medications for our physical symptoms…but what about for mental symptoms like anxiety? The good news is that there are research studies showing that OTC medications can help for anxiety.

In addition, you don’t need a prescription, which requires a doctor’s visit, and that entails calling the office, waiting a few days (or few weeks) for the appointment, and accepting the doctor’s treatment which you only have a minority voice with regards to the decision for treatment. It’s the convenience of going to the pharmacy and picking an OTC medication to treat any symptom you may have, be it a headache, muscle pain, fever, or cold. As many people suffer from anxiety, the appeal of OTC medications is understandable. Using over-the-counter (OTC) medications and natural supplements for anxiety is a relatively new development when compared to using OTC medications for physical symptoms.

Medication for anxiety