Over the counter anxiety medicine

Hi, @littleonefmohio -- that is a very interesting question, and I'm guessing some of our members who've talked about anxiety may have tried over-the-counter anxiety medications or have a thought about them, like @jlor @Cathln @jkiemen @bekinprogress @stressedmesseddepressed @sophee @overcomer11 @sandytoes14 .

Have you tried any of them, @littleonefmohio? If so, what was your experience?

Hello @littleonefmohio

Outside of sleep aids and some supplements that are marketed for depression, I'm really not familiar with OTC products that are used for anxiety. Is there any supplement or product in particular that you are considering?

Teresa

@hopeful33250 No Teresa, I had just noticed an ad for OTC products for anxiety and was wondering if anyone tried them.

I can say I am not familiar with OTC's for anxiety. There are herbal OTC's and I do not recommend some of the concoctions I have seen due to allergies and asking a MD about such is not something I would do either. There are many scams so buyer beware.
Interesting topic for discussion.

@littleonefmohio

I would have to agree with @parus, in that you need to use extreme caution with OTC and supplements that are marketed for anxiety and depression. Please don't overlook other remedies such as exercise, music, art (@parus has done some great art work, poems, etc.) socialization, volunteer activities, keeping a journal, support groups, counseling, etc.

Here is a discussion about activities to alleviate depression, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/doing-things-to-relieve-depression-motivation-and-ideas/

I would like to hear from you again. Let me know how you are doing.

Teresa

@littleonefmohio Hello, like parus and Volunteer Mentor Teresa, I have not heard of OTC anxiety treatment. The only thing I was ever given for anxiety that is an OTC is Benadryl. It calmed me, but I got sleepy
I too suffer with anxiety and panic attacks. When I get a panic attack, I now practice what I describe as mindful breathing. I focus on an object in the room such as a picture on the wall. Then I take a series of deep breaths. When I first started this process I could barely get 2 deep breaths in. Now I can take breaths from the beginning. The most important thing is
breathing in your nose and blowing out your mouth.
Littleonefmohio, can you share with us if there is something that triggers your anxiety? Have you been treated for anxiety by any medical personnel in the past?

Jen
Volunteer Mentor

For me personally, I would be hesitant to take anything that might interact with my antibiotics.Things like St John's Wort can cause cardiac arrhythmia, so I would not take that. I think Benadryl dries up mucus so it could make mucous harder to cough out. I think having all of you helps. Prayer, distraction a sunny day are about all I seem to able to use.

@sandytoes14 The first panic attack I had was when I was going on my first vacation ever at 40 yrs of age. We were on the highway and I had to tell my husband to pull over. I was about to open the door. I had no idea what it was. Since then I noticed any new happening in my life I would get them. Most the time I can handle them but this last few times have been from trying to quit smoking. I am on the nicotine patch and after about two weeks I had my first one from that. My chest gets tight and its hard to breathe. I have been on depression and anxiety medication most my adult life because of a bad childhood. Being in a car causes panic attacks all the time. Short trips if I am driving is ok. Short trips like a mile or two. No highways. Its hard because I have to keep all my appointments as close to home as I can. Raising my grandbaby has caused some panic attacks, mostly anxiety from nervousness.

Grandbabies give me panic attacks too. Especially Infants and especially if Mom asks me to have them overnight. Can't do it.

I see I’m in the right place! I suffered panic attacks in my 30s but now it’s bouts nervousness and waves of nausea virtually every day. I find that a sublingual vitamin B-12 under my tongue can help. I’ve had so many tests - all deemed “normal” — and I try my best to control this anxiety. But it is a miserable way to live. Let’s continue to share experiences and support each other. Thank you all!