Over-the-counter anxiety medication: What to know

Medications to treat anxiety need a prescription because these drugs, such as antidepressants, can produce some side effects that medical professionals must carefully monitor. But some OTC medications may help address some anxiety symptoms.

OTC anxiety medications

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety is one of the world’s most common mental health conditions, with 301 million people living with the condition as of 2019. Of these, 58 million are children and adolescents. 

Anxiety medications are typically prescription only, but some OTC products can address particular anxiety symptoms, such as mood changes, stress, and sleep difficulties. 

Below, we look at some OTC medications that address some anxiety symptoms.

5-Hydroxytryptophan

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a drug and supplement that helps increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood. Low serotonin levels link to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

If you have anxiety, you may experience mood changes. Some people take 5-HTP supplements, made from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, to regulate their moods. 

However, a 2021 study found that while 5-HTP showed a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms, the supplement could also aggravate anxiety as a side effect.  

Talk with a doctor or healthcare professional if you’re considering taking 5-HTP to address some of your anxiety symptoms.  

Antihistamines

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is common in treating allergies, but as an antihistamine, it has sedative effects that can serve as a sleep aid. People with anxiety may take diphenhydramine to manage sleep difficulties. It is known as off-label use when people use antihistamines in this way.

Off-label means that while some people use diphenhydramine for anxiety symptoms, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve it for this condition, as some people may experience worsening symptoms with this drug.

A 2017 study also found that diphenhydramine wasn’t as effective in promoting calmness as other medications.

Learn more about the connection between Benadryl and anxiety.

The only antihistamine that’s FDA approved to treat anxiety is hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax), which is a prescription-only medication. However, an older 2014 study found that hydroxyzine negatively affected mood. 

Be sure to speak with your doctor if you’re thinking of taking antihistamines to manage anxiety. 

Inositol

Inositol is a type of sugar that can help regulate dopamine and serotonin levels. 

Inositol supplements may help decrease anxiety symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling sensations.

However, more research is necessary to confirm the effects of inositol on anxiety. 

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound of the Cannabis sativa plant.

Legally, OTC CBD products must contain less than 0.3% dry-weight tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is the plant’s psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” feeling people can experience with cannabis use. OTC CBD products do not have this effect.

A 2020 review found that CBD could be effective in managing the symptoms of anxiety-related disorders. However, the FDA does not approve the use of CBD products for anxiety and does not regulate CBD products in the same way as prescription medications.

Learn more about CBD for anxiety.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Natural remedies for anxiety

There are natural alternatives that may help with anxiety symptoms, from herbs and essential oils to roots and minerals.

Please note, however, that some natural remedies may cause severe drowsiness or interact with prescription anxiety medications.

You should always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before taking supplements or using other home remedies.

Examples of natural alternatives include:

• Kava kava: Kava kava is a plant with stress-reducing and calming properties. Older research shows its effects in reducing anxiety. Please note that this can cause drowsiness, so please use it with care.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that may help reduce anxiety by improving brain function. 
• Valerian root: Valerian root may improve sleep quality. A 2019 study found that taking valerian root improved areas of the brain linked with anxiety. Please note that this can cause drowsiness, so please use it with care.
• Holy basil: Holy basil is a plant that acts as an adaptogen — a natural substance that helps you manage stress. A 2016 literature review shows that holy basil may reduce anxiety symptoms.  
• Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha, also an adaptogen, is a herbal supplement that may help reduce stress and anxiety, according to studies.

Other options to treat anxiety

The first-line treatment for anxiety disorders involves a combination of therapy and prescription medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Learn more about prescription medications for anxiety.

But beyond medications — prescription or OTC — and natural remedies, other options can help treat anxiety.  

Therapy

For treating anxiety, some therapy types include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that may lead to anxiety. 
• Talk therapy or psychotherapy: Talk therapy can help you understand the root of your anxiety. 
• Exposure therapy: This is a type of behavioral therapy that encourages you to face fears or the things you’re anxious about under the supervision of a mental health professional. 

Lifestyle strategies

Some lifestyle strategies may also alleviate anxiety, such as:

• identifying and managing stressful triggers
• eating a balanced diet
• exercising
• practicing meditation and mindfulness
• getting quality sleep 
• building and nurturing a support network

When to talk with a mental health professional

If anxiety symptoms disrupt your day-to-day life, don’t hesitate to seek help. A doctor or mental healthcare professional can help if you feel the following:

• shortness of breath due to anxiety
• worsening anxiety symptoms
• difficulty completing daily tasks

Summary

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions globally. Treatment often involves prescription medication and therapy. 

Some OTC medications may address anxiety symptoms, such as sleep difficulties and mood changes. There are also natural remedies, like herbs and oils, proven to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

If you’re considering taking OTC drugs or natural remedies to address some of your anxiety symptoms, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional to figure out the best treatment plan for you and ensure there are no serious drug interactions. 

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.