Over-the-counter sedatives: What you can find at the pharmacy without a prescription

In times of stress and anxiety, our body produces a rapid pulse, hyperarousal, and shallow breathing. It secretes stress hormones and adaptation hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which help activate our survival mechanism. When we are under stress and pressure, there is an unpleasant feeling that often makes it difficult to focus on unrelated tasks. Sometimes this is accompanied by physical reactions like sweating, increased feeling of heat or cold, dizziness, accelerated heartbeat, or chest pain.

Simple Actions to Reduce Stress That Anyone Can Do at Home:

Relaxation: There are various relaxation techniques through breathing, meditation, yoga, guided imagery, and other relaxation techniques. There are online classes for adults and children that can be watched at home. The different methods combine muscle relaxation, which contracts and stretches during stress, and regulating breathing to achieve calmness.

Exercise: Physical activity can help relieve stress and, at the very least, help maintain fitness. Besides recommending running or walking, for those living in areas where they need to stay near a safe space regularly, there are various workouts that can be done at home through instructional videos.

Water: When in water, the body mimics the return to the womb, which helps reduce stress levels. A hot bath or a cold and invigorating shower can greatly improve mood and overall feeling.

Over-the-Counter Medications That May Help Reduce Stress and Pre-Anxiety:

There are a variety of sedatives without a prescription that can be found in any pharmacy. These medications are intended for mild symptoms of stress and tension.

Herbal Extract-Based Medications:

Relaxin: Contains the active ingredient valerian, which aids sleep and reduces tension and stress.

Nervin Tablets: Contain valerian, passionflower, and hops, which calm in situations of stress and nervousness and induce sleep.

Easy Day and Easy Night Tablets: Reduce tension and stress.

Bach Flower Extracts: For example, Rescue Drops, which induce calm in temporary stress and tension situations.

Sedatives for Children - Calmenervin Syrup: Contains passionflower extract, valerian extract, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin B6, which help reduce stress and pre-anxiety states.

It is important to note that in relatively mild cases of stress and tension, over-the-counter medications and natural calming products can help alleviate unpleasant symptoms. If the level of stress and tension is high and cannot be resolved with over-the-counter medications, it is recommended to consult a doctor for additional solutions, such as prescription medications.

The author is a pharmacist, head of pharmacy laboratories at Super-Pharm.