How to Get Anxiety Medication Over-The-Counter?

Anxiety is a natural, human response to stress. We all feel it from time to time and for many people, that's normal. But for others, anxiety can become more than just an occasional feeling of worry or fear. Instead, it can become a debilitating condition that affects daily life.

Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter (OTC) medications approved to treat anxiety. Medications approved for anxiety can only be obtained with a prescription, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers. However, some OTC options, such as herbal supplements, may be useful for mild symptoms of anxiety.

Before deciding on an OTC or prescription medication, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best choice. Keep reading to learn more about options for anxiety medication over-the-counter.

Can You Get Anxiety Medication Over-The-Counter?

If you’re wondering when you can get anxiety medication over-the-counter, the answer is it depends. If you experience mild anxiety symptoms, some OTC options, such as herbal supplements or minerals, may be useful. However, in most cases, if you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, prescription medications are your best bet for managing symptoms of anxiety.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient holistic healing system from India. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including anxiety and stress. Ashwagandha is believed to work by reducing the body's stress response and promoting relaxation. Studies have shown that supplementation with ashwagandha may help improve stress levels and overall well-being.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in a wide range of bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, blood pressure regulation and bone health. Some research has suggested that magnesium may also be beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms. Studies have found that magnesium may have beneficial effects on anxiety.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Lavender oil is commonly administered for aromatherapy. Studies have shown that lavender aromatherapy can have beneficial effects on anxiety and depression.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Anxiety

Lifestyle changes can also be helpful for managing symptoms of anxiety. These lifestyle changes include:

• Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress and anxiety. It can help reduce stress, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
• Meditation. Meditation can help you stay calm and focused when you're feeling anxious, as well as improve your overall mental health. If you want to learn how to meditate but don't know where to start, try Headspace or Calm or check out this beginner's guide from Mindful.org.
• Journaling, talk therapy or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). These approaches involve learning techniques for becoming more aware of what's happening in your body and less caught up in thoughts about the past or future, which may help reduce anxiety symptoms over time.
• Relaxation techniques. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and yoga can help reduce stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure and promote feelings of calm and relaxation, which can be beneficial for managing anxiety.

How to Find the Right Anxiety Medication for You

When it comes to finding the right anxiety medication for you, there are several things to consider, especially if you’re thinking about anxiety medication over-the-counter. First, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the options that are available. They have the expertise and can offer advice on which treatments will work best for your symptoms.

It's important to consider the ingredients in the medication. Many natural supplements and herbal remedies are marketed as anxiety medications, but they may not be regulated by the FDA. It's essential to research the ingredients in any medication you are considering and to ensure that they are safe and effective for reducing anxiety symptoms.

Another factor to consider when choosing anxiety medication is the type of anxiety you are experiencing. Different types of anxiety, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder, may respond differently to different types of medication. For example, some supplements and remedies may be more effective for reducing physical symptoms of anxiety, while others may be more effective for reducing psychological symptoms.

Inside Rx is Here to Help

If you're looking for a way to manage your anxiety, it's important to know that there are many options available. However, you should always consult a healthcare provider before considering any treatment options for anxiety, including anxiety medication over-the-counter. OTC and prescription treatment options may be available to help treat anxiety symptoms, but they may differ in effectiveness, cost and side effects.

If you’re looking for ways to save on prescription anxiety medications, you can try using a discount or savings card. Inside Rx offers a free savings card you can use to save up to 80% on brand and generic medications. It can be used at nearly 60,000 pharmacies across the nation, and there are no limits to how often it can be used. If you are prescribed medication for your anxiety, search your medication name at InsideRx.com to compare prices at pharmacies near you.