Calming pills for nerves and stress: list. The best pills for nerves: name

Updated: 03/13/2019 11:07:22

Expert: Natalya Shneider

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Contrary to the popular phrase, not all diseases are caused by nerves. But we have to admit, the level of stress in the life of a modern person is literally off scale. Consequences: insomnia, high blood pressure, unexplained anxiety, decreased immunity. And this is not to mention the fact that a “nervous” person is rarely able to keep emotions to himself, “discharging” on loved ones and maintaining the cycle of stress in society.

The trouble is that the popular advice “don’t be nervous” and “pull yourself together” is completely useless in practice. Stress, anxiety, negative emotions trigger a complex chain of biochemical interactions in the body, the release of special hormones, neurotransmitters - substances that change the activity of the nervous system. It is impossible in principle to interrupt chemical reactions by force of will. But sedatives successfully cope with this.

When compiling a rating of the best calming pills, we paid attention, first of all, to affordable medications that do not require regular medical supervision when used. Those who need “heavy artillery” will have to turn to a specialist: a neurologist or psychiatrist.

Important warning!

It is necessary to clearly understand that pills for nerves and stress should only be prescribed by a doctor. It is highly not recommended to take such medications on your own. They can provoke consequences dangerous for the human body.

It is allowed to use medications if the discomfort is temporary. For example, if these are worries about entrance exams or an upcoming wedding. But in cases where stress and depression persist for a long period, it is imperative to consult a doctor. Independent selection of medications is strictly prohibited.

Liquid forms based on alcohol solutions are used in drops dissolved in water

Valosedan - used to inhibit the central nervous system during neuroses or stress. The effect of the drug is enhanced by small doses of sodium barbital. In addition, the medicine contains tinctures of hawthorn, rhubarb, hops, valerian extract, and ethyl alcohol. Valocormid is the drug of choice for cardiac neuroses with bradycardia (pulse rate less than 60). A medicine based on tinctures of lily of the valley, belladonna, valerian, menthol and sodium bromide. Valoserdin is a mixture of phenobarbital, ethyl ester of bromoisovaleric acid, oregano and peppermint oils. In addition to the calming effect, the medicine reduces the heart rate, relieves intestinal spasms. It is used for cardioneurosis with heart pain and increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, intestinal colic, and sleep disorders. Available without a prescription. Sedariston - (St. John's wort, valerian, lemon balm) is an effective drug for vegetative manifestations of neuroses. Nervoflux - prescribed for chronic stress and insomnia. This is a herbal tea mixture consisting of orange blossom, lavender, mint leaves, licorice root, valerian rhizome extract and hop cones.

Types of drugs

Tablets for nerves and stress are a broad group of medications that provide a positive effect on the activity of the nervous system. They ensure restoration of the balance between the processes of excitation and inhibition.

According to their pharmacological effects, all nerve pills are divided into groups:

1. Tranquilizers. Such drugs relieve anxiety, emotional discomfort, and fear. However, they do not impair cognitive functions. A person is able to speak, think, perceive information. The drugs do not cause various psychological manifestations (hallucinations, delusions). This group includes medications: Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Lorazepam, Bromazepam, Phenazepam, Atarax. However, such drugs can be addictive. That is why tranquilizers can only be used under strict medical supervision and in short courses. Sometimes they can cause side effects such as muscle weakness, finger tremors, and slow mental reactions.
2. Sedatives. These are medicines that are made from bromine or plants. Compared to the group described above, they have less pronounced sedative properties. These drugs have a gentle effect on the human body. In addition, they have virtually no side effects. The most popular medicines are based on motherwort, lemon balm, and valerian rhizomes. Sedatives are often taken for palpitations and hypertension. This group includes the following medications: “Validol”, “Valerian”, “Barboval”, “Valocordin”.
3. Neuroleptics. These are very strong pills for nerves and stress. List of drugs included in this group: Sonapax, Tiapride, Azaleptin. Such medications are used in psychiatric practice. They are prescribed by a doctor for serious illnesses.
4. Normotimic medications. Psychotropic medications. They are aimed at stabilizing the mood of sick people. Such drugs can soften the phases of mental disorders and inhibit the development of attacks. Prominent representatives of the group are the drugs “Carbamazepine”, “Oxcarbazepine”, “Lamotrigine”, “Sodium Valproate”, “Risperidone”, “Olanzapine”, “Quetiapine”.

Anti-anxiety medications without prescriptions

Ideally, any sedative for nerves should be prescribed by a doctor. After all, behind an ordinary nervous breakdown there may be the onset of a serious mental disorder, and ordinary irritability can hide a hormonal imbalance or a serious illness of internal organs.

However, it is common among people to buy and take sedatives on their own, the list of which is expanding every year. Therefore, it is better to familiarize readers in detail with the features of various sedatives offered by pharmacies today.

Medicines from the sedative group have a small number of side effects, which occur relatively rarely. Rebound and withdrawal syndromes are not typical for sedatives; they do not cause addiction or drug dependence. Therefore, most sedative medications are sold in pharmacy chains without a prescription.

Contraindications to taking sedatives

It is important to understand that not all people are allowed to take anti-nerve pills. It is best to consult your doctor before using such medications.

The following conditions require special attention and caution:

1. Pregnancy. Many women face anxiety and stress while carrying a child. However, such people should not take pills or brew potions. Sedative medications should be prescribed by your doctor. As a rule, products based on valerian and motherwort are allowed.
2. Individual sensitivity. If a person has a tendency to allergies, then sedative medications should be selected very carefully. It is necessary to carefully study the instructions and be sure to consult a doctor.
3. Childhood. It is strictly forbidden to independently use sedatives for children. Such medications can be prescribed by a doctor only in the case of psychological illnesses. You should absolutely not use sedatives for children whose emotional state and nervous system are in order. In addition, we should not forget that all guys can be capricious and throw tantrums. Such manifestations are not a reason to use medications.
4. Traumatic brain injuries. It is not recommended to take sedatives in case of mechanical head injuries. Doctors say that these drugs often provoke adverse reactions.

Calming pills for nerves should not be taken by people who have been diagnosed with:

• brain tumors;
• epilepsy;
• drug and alcohol addiction.

Givers of peace

Anti-anxiety drugs are also called sedatives.

• They are designed to enhance inhibition in the nervous system and weaken excitation in it.
• In parallel with pacifying the violence of the subcortex: irritability, aggressiveness, quarrelsomeness, cursing, tendency to tears.
• These remedies also put the autonomic nervous system in order: they slow down the heartbeat, reduce sweating, hand tremors, and ease intestinal spasms.
• Another big advantage of sedatives is that they help with falling asleep. While not hypnotics and not causing a slowdown in the rhythm of the cerebral cortex, these drugs nevertheless normalize physiological sleep and make it easier to fall asleep, removing increased sensitivity to external or internal stimuli.

In combination with sedatives, strong pills such as sleeping pills, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, and painkillers enhance their effect. Therefore, by combining these medications with sedatives, their dosages can be reduced and side effects reduced.

Sedatives are used in the treatment of neurasthenia and neuroses. As an aid, strong sedatives are suitable for eliminating sleep disorders. In combinations, drugs are used to treat the early stages of hypertension, neuroses of the cardiovascular system, menopausal syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.

The best pills for nerves

The doctor will be able to select the most effective medications after reviewing the medical history, finding out the causes of the ailment and analyzing the contraindications of the medications. Below are popular nerve pills.

List of the best drugs:

• "Afobazole".
• "Validol".
• "Valoserdin."
• "Glycine".
• "Nitroglycerine".
• "Donormil."
• "Persen."
• "Phenozepam".
• "Novo-Passit".
• "Tenoten."
• "Phenibut."
• "Cytoflavin".

The range of effective means is very extensive. Finding a safe and high-quality medicine is not easy. Therefore, when thinking about which nerve pills can relieve anxiety, be sure to study their instructions. For example, strong medications are strictly contraindicated for people whose activities require concentration. They can pose a real threat to human life.

Names of the best sedatives

It is difficult to say what the best sedatives help each person; everything is quite individual and depends on the causes of anxiety, increased irritability, and sleep disorders (see how to fall asleep quickly). Below we will list several names of drugs and a brief description of them, which you can try and choose based on individual reaction and effect, as well as a person’s financial capabilities (see also sedatives for children).

Medicine "Afobazol"

The active substance of the drug is a selective anxiolytic. This remedy reduces mental discomfort characteristic of anxiety states, eliminates concern, irritability, negative premonitions, and fears. The medicine perfectly relieves the effects of overexertion. It eliminates tearfulness, timidity, helps to get rid of insomnia and causeless fears. The drug "Afobazol" allows the patient to relax.

In addition, the medication has a beneficial effect on the general condition. It corrects cardiovascular, muscular, sensory, respiratory and digestive disorders caused by somatic problems. The drug is able to cope with some autonomic disorders, such as dizziness, sweating, dry mouth. The medicine provides concentration and has a beneficial effect on memory.

A positive effect can be observed 5-7 days after the start of therapy. The medicine is usually prescribed at 30 mg per day. This dose is taken in 3 doses. Therapy can last 2 weeks. In some cases it is extended to 3 months.

Effective herbal sedatives

Preparations based on herbal raw materials are as safe as possible, environmentally friendly, and place less strain on the pancreas, bile ducts and liver. Humanity has accumulated thousands of years of experience in treating nervous disorders with herbs. Of course, today's capabilities of chemical analysis of plant materials fully confirm the effectiveness of both single-component medicinal herbal products and herbal infusions.

Preparations based on valerian are prepared from rhizomes and roots, less often leaves and stems. Alcohol tincture, tablets and extract of valerian, Valevigran (capsules), briquettes from the rhizome, filter bags for making tea reduce nervous excitability, improve sleep, enhance the effect of sleeping pills, and reduce intestinal spasms. Alcohol tincture is more effective than tablets. Forty drops may work in an 80-kilogram man suffering from neurasthenia, provided he is not an alcoholic or taking psychotropic drugs. High dosages can slow down the heartbeat and even cause bradycardia.

• Medicines based on passionflower incarnate (passion flower). This vine is used to facilitate falling asleep and increase the depth of sleep, in the complex treatment of neurasthenia (unmotivated fears, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, increased irritability). These effects are realized due to the alkaloids and flavonoids contained in the passionflower herb. Passionflower also has an antispasmodic and mild anticonvulsant effect (can reduce trembling of the hands and head). Also based on this herb, medicines for menopause have been created (Alora in tablets and syrup), which, in addition to the sedative effect, reduce heartbeat and help with headaches.
• Sedatives from motherwort are alcohol tincture and lily of the valley-leonurus drops, as well as motherwort herb or tablets with motherwort extract.
• Peony tincture is very effective for neurasthenia and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• St. John's wort preparations (tablets Negrustin, Neuroplant, Deprim, etc., see instructions in the article sedatives for children) combine the properties of a sedative and antidepressant.

The drug "Persen"

These are quite effective pills for nerves. The name of the drug is well known to the population, since the medicine is very popular. After all, it has a minimum of contraindications. In addition, the medicine is made from plant components.

The medicine has a mild sedative effect. It effectively eliminates irritability, significantly improves mood and helps the patient calm down. The medication effectively copes with agitation and psycho-emotional stress. It relieves insomnia. At the same time, it does not provoke drowsiness during the day.

It is recommended to take 2-3 tablets 2-3 times a day.

The best calming dietary supplements

In this section of the rating we included dietary supplements that help normalize processes in the central nervous system. Their sedative effect is somewhat similar to herbal preparations - it develops relatively slowly, but persists even after the end of use of the product. This kind of dietary supplement is gentle and rarely causes side effects.

Tryptophan

Rating: 4.1

This is an essential amino acid from which the body produces serotonin necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Tryptophan, often called the feel-good amino acid, must be supplied to the body through food. Most of it is found in red and black caviar, hard cheeses, peanuts, almonds, and cashews. In short, in products that are not available to everyone and not every day. Therefore, there is often a need for additional tryptophan intake.

Serotonin, which is produced from tryptophan, is often called the “happy hormone.” This substance creates a consistently good mood, an even positive emotional background. By participating in the synthesis of melatonin, serotonin ensures healthy and restful sleep.

Tryptophan may help with conditions such as:

1. depression,
2. increased anxiety,
3. increased irritability, aggressiveness,
4. chronic fatigue syndrome,
5. premenstrual syndrome,
6. sleep disturbance.

Tryptophan has another interesting side effect: it reduces the need for sweets and reduces appetite, so it can be specifically recommended for people who tend to “eat” stress.

The daily dosage of tryptophan is from 500 mg to 2 grams, depending on the general condition. To restore sleep, it should be taken at night, in all other cases - evenly throughout the day. You need to start with minimal dosages, since if there is an excess amount of tryptophan, side effects such as nausea may appear. dry mouth, drowsiness.

In no case should you combine it with “pharmacy” antidepressants prescribed by a doctor - this can lead to an excessive increase in the level of serotonin in the blood.

Tryptophan can be purchased both in pharmacies that sell Russian-made products and in foreign online stores.

Advantages

• gently and naturally regulates mood,
• helps in the fight against excess weight.

Flaws

• cannot be combined with antidepressants.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid

Rating: 4.0

Trade names: Aminalon, GABA, GABA.

This is one of the most powerful inhibitory neurotransmitters of the central nervous system or, more simply, a substance that calms nerve cells. In addition, GABA improves blood circulation and normalizes metabolic processes in the brain. By the way, modern doctors associate the calming effect of valerian with the fact that it increases the level of GABA in the brain.

The product reduces the level of general anxiety and prevents the occurrence of panic attacks. By reducing the overall level of excitability, it improves sleep and speeds up falling asleep. Reduces symptoms of PMS. Helps improve attention and memory. Has a mild hypotensive effect.

The initial dosage is 250 mg 3 times a day; with normal tolerance, the dose can be increased to 1.5 g per day.

Possible adverse events are nausea, blood pressure fluctuations, and a feeling of heat.

An interesting side effect: GABA stimulates the production of growth hormone. therefore, practicing bodybuilders often take it (at a dosage of up to 3 grams per day) to increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of fat tissue.

GABA is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with severe renal failure, and under the age of 3 years.

The product can be purchased both in Russian pharmacies (with a doctor’s prescription) and in foreign online stores in the form of an over-the-counter dietary supplement.

Advantages

• overdose is impossible: the body effectively neutralizes the excess substance,
• improves metabolic processes in the brain.

The drug "Tenoten"

Calming tablets are an excellent homeopathic remedy. They cope well with anxiety, anxiety, eliminate excessive irritability and emotional lability.

The drug "Tenoten" helps improve memory and concentration. This drug increases the body's resistance to various stresses.

The drug is prescribed 4 times a day, 1-2 tablets. The pill should be kept under the tongue until it is completely dissolved. It is recommended to carry out this procedure 30 minutes before eating. Treatment with Tenoten can last from 1 to 3 months.

Effective herbal sedatives

Sedatives, developed entirely from natural ingredients, are ideal for the nervous system. They act more gently, therefore they are considered safe and do not require the approval of a specialist.

No. 1. Calm down

Price – 90 rubles. The sedative effect is accompanied by muscle relaxation, a slight feeling of drowsiness, and an increase in mood. Alcohol enhances the effect of the drug, so it is better to avoid alcohol during treatment. The product is safe, it is dissolved under the tongue up to 3 times a day in the amount of 0.5-1 tablets. Therapy lasts 3 weeks.

No. 2. Neurosed

Price – 180 rubles. The sedative is an excellent remedy for nerves and emotional stress. The drug eliminates sleep disorders, increased excitability, and insomnia. It is not recommended to drive after taking the medicine. Take 8 capsules three times a day half an hour before meals. Dissolve under the tongue until completely dissolved.

No. 3. Alora

Price – 350 rubles. It is recommended to drink the product for causeless insomnia, stress, depression, irritability, and disturbed sleep. Take 1 tsp. up to 3 times a day. If you have difficulty falling asleep, drink 2 tsp. for the night. The active composition is not addictive.

No. 4. Nervochel

Price – 550 rubles. The antidepressant has a hypnotic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effect. The drug is often used to treat stuttering and tremors. A positive effect is achieved by improving the functioning of all systems and organs. Dissolve 1 tablet under your tongue three times a day.

No. 5. Alvogen

Price – 400 rubles. A sedative that helps with nerves is made on a plant basis. Drugs such as Alvogen are available without a prescription. The base contains natural ingredients that have a pronounced calming effect. Take 1 capsule up to 3 times a day after meals.

Phenibut product

Such calming tablets for nerves will provide an excellent effect. They contain an active substance - a tranquilizer.

The medicine helps cope with fear, anxiety, and feelings of tension. In addition, the product improves sleep. The medication "Phenibut" can relieve the patient from headaches, irritability, and emotional lability.

The drug perfectly improves performance, attention, memory, and speed of sensorimotor reactions.

The patient is prescribed 250-500 mg of the drug three times a day. This therapy can last 1-1.5 months.

The most effective sedatives

Since many different medications can be used to calm your nerves, relieve stress and bring your psyche back to normal, let’s look at the most popular ones. We have compiled a rating that will help you make a choice with all the variety of sedatives.

No. 1. Tenoten

Price – 325 rubles. Relieves nervous tension, controls the stability of the psycho-emotional environment, relaxes and elevates mood (stimulates the production of endorphins). A distinctive feature of Tenoten is the absence of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. The drug can be combined with other medications, but it is prohibited to take it along with alcohol. Drink a sedative for nerves during a meal in the amount of 1-2 tablets. Frequency: twice a day. If there is no desired effect, you can increase the frequency of doses up to 4 times. Treatment lasts at least a month.

No. 2. Afobazole

Price – 420 rubles. Good pills for nerves, aimed at combating severe nervousness, causeless anxiety, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. "Afobazole" helps relieve the symptoms of smoking cessation, but can provoke weakness and headaches. Take 1 unit of the drug three times a day. Treatment lasts for at least a month. During this period, the functioning of the nervous system is normalized, the person becomes immune to extraneous stimuli.

No. 3. Phenibut

Price – 220-450 rubles. A very powerful sedative, which is prescribed for nerves and increased excitability. Additional indications for use include: hand tremors, poor memory, sleep problems and frequent awakenings at night, obsessive thoughts, a tendency to depression, apathy and poor memory. Phenibut eliminates emotional disorders caused by stress and lack of sleep. Reception is carried out three times a day. Treatment lasts a month.

No. 4. Noxiron

Price – 160 rubles. For some, this is the best sedative that is almost impossible to find on sale. Reviews confirm the effectiveness of the drug in the fight against sleep disorders, overexertion, stress, causeless anxiety, outbursts of aggression and other troubles of this kind. The drug is largely aimed at normalizing night rest. A person does not wake up broken, he rests. After agreement with the doctor, take the medicine 0.5-1 tablet half an hour before going to bed.

Medicine "Phenazepam"

These are very strong nerve pills. The drug is a tranquilizer. The drug perfectly eliminates anxiety, fear, emotional instability, and increased irritability. The medicine effectively copes with various psychopathic, neurosis-like, neurotic conditions. Its use allows you to get rid of panic reactions and insomnia.

However, this remedy has an intense sedative effect. It is absolutely not recommended to use this medication without a doctor's prescription. This remedy is most often prescribed two to three times a day, 0.25-0.5 mg.

Homeopathic medicines

Contain a negligible amount of active substance. In addition, medications in this group have not undergone acceptable clinical trials and their effectiveness has not been proven. It is permissible to use them with a slight degree of psycho-emotional stress, monitoring the dynamics of the patient’s condition. If the drug used is apparently ineffective, you should switch to medications that are sufficiently effective. Homeopathic compositions include Gepar Sulfur, Hamomilla, Ignacia.

Even products with no actual effectiveness sometimes help achieve the expected result. Such cases become possible due to the placebo effect. The person believes that the treatment will help him, so he calms down.

Most herbal and combination drugs that have a mild sedative effect can be purchased without a prescription. They are freely distributed through pharmacies. A doctor's prescription will be required when purchasing Phenobarbital, Reladorm, as well as potent antipsychotic medications not described in the article.

Similar drugs

The homeopathic drug “Calm” (tablets) has very different reviews from patients. Some people praise it for its effectiveness, others talk about the uselessness of this medicine. For this remedy, you can find similar preparations not only in the range of homeopathic remedies, but also in traditional pharmacology.

For example, drops or tablets of valerian extract, tincture of motherwort and lily of the valley have an anxiolytic and antispasmodic effect. In pharmacies you can also purchase complex drugs similar to the drug “Calm”. These are “Novopassit”, “Afobazol”, “Persen” and many others.

Which of the many drugs with a sedative effect to choose will be decided by the attending physician, taking into account the patient’s medical history, condition and the causes of increased nervous excitability.

Overview of SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants have long been used in the treatment of serious anxiety disorders. Although they have given way to SSRIs, they are still used today. They have a very solid evidence base; the therapeutic power of DH is quite high. Previously, this was the main group of antidepressants, but gradually they were replaced by more modern drugs, but some of them have not lost their importance, especially in the treatment of long-term and severe anxiety.

Tricyclics are relatively inexpensive, they can be purchased at any pharmacy, naturally with a prescription, and we remind you that according to the law, the prescription remains in the pharmacy and is not issued back. Also, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are convenient because it is well known at what concentrations they treat and at what concentrations they can exhibit toxic effects. In addition, many laboratories determine the concentration of tricyclic antidepressants in the blood and even their metabolites. Among such drugs, clopyramine, better known as Anafranil, is used in the treatment of severe anxiety.

Another group of drugs are the so-called selective reuptake inhibitors of not only serotonin, which has already been mentioned, but also norepinephrine (SNRIs). Otherwise, they are also called dual-action antidepressants. The advantage of this group is a fairly low severity of side effects, good tolerability and high potency. They are even stronger than drugs from the first group (SSRIs), but are slightly less than tricyclic antidepressants. They are used as drugs that have a higher level of safety. Such drugs, according to modern recommendations, include the drugs venlafaxine and duloxetine. These three means will be discussed below.

Clopyramine (Anafranil)

Popularity rating*: 4.9

The tricyclic antidepressant Anafranil is indicated for the treatment of anxiety and depression, including in old age. It is also used to treat chronic pain, and in children over 5 years old - to treat nocturnal enuresis.

For anxiety, Anafranil is first prescribed in a minimum dosage of 75 mg, and a maximum daily dose of 200 mg. Moreover, the dose is increased after a few days, and by no more than 25 mg. The dose cannot be increased daily. When the condition improves, they switch to a maintenance dose, going down to a lower dose. The average duration of treatment is about 6 months. Anafranil is produced by Novartis Pharma, and a pack of 30 tablets of 25 mg costs an average of 326 rubles. Therefore, with an average dosage of 100 mg per day, such a package will last for a little over a week.

Advantages and disadvantages

Anafranil has all the standard side effects of tricyclic antidepressants. There are quite a lot of them, and not everyone tolerates this medicine well. In case of an overdose, symptoms of intoxication may occur, and in the elderly there are a large number of contraindications to the use of TCAs. The drug is strictly prohibited during pregnancy, as it can cause congenital deformities of the fetus. Finally, there is the phenomenon of cross-resistance. If the patient was ineffective with any tricyclic antidepressant that he took before, then Anafranil will not help him either. But if it helps, it really relieves anxiety, since the strength of the therapeutic effect of TCAs is one of the highest.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Popularity rating*: 4.8

This medicine is used not only for depression and anxiety, but also for patients with diabetes mellitus if their legs hurt very much due to diabetic polyneuropathy. You must first take Cymbalta one tablet once a day, and according to the doctor’s decision, the dose can be doubled, 120 mg is the maximum dose. Cymbalta capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed under any circumstances. The fact is that the drug is absorbed only after entering the intestines, and gastric juice destroys this expensive drug. Cymbalta is produced by the Swiss company Eli Lilly, and one blister of 14 tablets of 60 mg costs 1,850 rubles. Thus, two weeks of treatment with original duloxetine will cost almost 2,000 rubles. But peace of mind is more valuable...

Advantages and disadvantages

Cymbalta is certainly better tolerated than Anafranil, and the most common side effects are mild dizziness, sometimes dry mouth, possibly drowsiness or, on the contrary, insomnia. Under no circumstances should this drug be taken together with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and this should be checked with your doctor.

Venlafaxine (Velaxin, Velafax, Venlaxor, Newelong, Efevelon)

Popularity rating*: 4.7

Velaxin is another drug from this group. It is indicated in its pure form for the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression, as well as for the prevention of their relapses. It is recommended to take the drug one capsule 1 time per day with meals. In some cases, you can increase the daily intake to 2, and even up to 3 (maximum) capsules, but only by the doctor’s decision in connection with severe anxiety disorder, and the dose should be increased no more often than after 2 weeks. Once clinical improvement and regression of anxiety are achieved, the dose is again slowly reduced to maintenance.

In the case of depression, continuation of treatment is at least 6 months, in the case of anxiety disorders - at least 3 months. The drug Velaxin is produced by the Hungarian company Egis, and a package of 28 capsules of prolonged action costs 1,110 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Patients taking this drug should tell their doctor about any suicidal thoughts (for depression), and taking it may cause the need to move, restlessness, and inability to sit still in some cases. This peculiar form of psychomotor agitation may occur during the first few weeks after the start of therapy. There are also side effects. Patients often experience unusual dreams, sometimes rapid heartbeat, increased sweating, and in some cases joint pain. Therefore, treatment should be carried out under close medical supervision.

Soothing syrup for children Hare: release form, composition

The product is available in the form of syrup in a 100 milliliter container.

On pharmacy shelves the product can be found in syrup form.

Soothing syrup Hare includes vitamin C, B, lemon balm, motherwort, valerian rhizome, thyme, hawthorn, chamomile, caraway and barberry. 97% of the drug consists of fruit syrup.

100 grams of the drug contain 260 calories, 65 grams of carbohydrates, no proteins or fats.

How to improve your sleep and get enough sleep?

Cassia did not solve her problems with falling asleep. And since I am a “fan” of wandering until 2-3 o’clock in the morning, I felt overwhelmed. She could toss and turn for hours without sleep, the phases of deep sleep were disrupted, all this needed to be corrected.

By the way, if your Rem and Non-Rem sleep mode is not working correctly, then even after sleeping for a large amount of time you will not feel that you got enough sleep.

The Ram and Non-Ram phases mean the short and deep phase of sleep. Usually there are 5 of them. The slow phase alternates with the fast one, and if everything works as it should, the person gets enough sleep. If the phases of short sleep prevail over the deep phases, you are not getting enough sleep.

A “smart” watch worn at night or a passed test will help you check this:

Do you wake up from any rustle or sound? Do you get up at night (smoke break, toilet), several times a night? Does it take you a long time to fall asleep, and if you wake up, is it difficult to fall back to sleep?

Then your long sleep phases are also disrupted.

What does lack of sleep lead to?

• The brain function responsible for coordination, speech, and control deteriorates.
• Immunity declines. Lack of sleep increases the risk of disease by 3 times. If you don't get enough sleep, the immune system doesn't produce a protein called cytokine, which prevents infections from entering the body.
• Lack of sleep leads to overeating and obesity
• If a person sleeps little and poorly, he works poorly, then an action that usually takes 1 hour stretches out for 3 hours.
• Lack of sleep leads to loss of motivation, depression, and irritability.
• Lack of sleep is the best breeding ground for bad habits and stimulants - alcohol, nicotine, drugs, energy drinks.
• A sleep-deprived person is angry at everyone, offended, irritable
• Collagen and elastin production ceases, lack of sleep negatively affects the skin and causes premature aging

These reasons are an excellent reason to reconsider your life and put your sleep and rest in order.

The best safe sleep aid

I won’t languish, the tincture of evasive peony helped me normalize sleep and increase the phase of long sleep.

tincture of peony evasive

My God, it costs 2 kopecks, but this is a brilliant remedy that solves sleep problems from the first day of use.

Peony evasive - Indications for use and benefits

You need to take an alcohol tincture. Not tablets, not capsules - tincture. In a Russian pharmacy it costs about 25 rubles per bottle.

Peony evasive in the annotation is recommended as a sedative, a mild sedative.

But it's not quite like that. Peony won't help with anything else. Neither for stress, nor for anxiety, nor as a sedative. Only as a drug that helps you fall asleep quickly and easily and get quality sleep.

What do doctors and patients say about the product?

The homeopathic drug “Calm” (tablets) has different reviews: from extremely negative and absolutely negative, to laudatory and recommendatory. Most patients note that if the drug has a calming effect, it is only a few days after a course of regular use of tablets or granules. Although for many, almost instant action is important in order to calm down, stop being nervous and irritated.

But those who evaluate its effectiveness thank the drug for helping to normalize nervous excitability, albeit after some time. Many of those who leave feedback about the product note as a plus that the drug is taken sublingually. That is, tablets and granules do not require drinking water, which means you can take them almost on public transport. In addition, the shape of the pills is very convenient.

Negative reviews about “Calm” tablets and granules are based only on the fact that for a particular patient they turned out to be a pointless purchase and did not have the desired effect. Many note that it is better not to purchase an incomprehensible homeopathic remedy, but to purchase traditional, time-tested drops, for example, the same “valerian” or “motherwort”. In any case, a medicine, even a homeopathic one, should be prescribed by a specialist.

Homeopathic medicines are subject to much controversy regarding their effectiveness. You should decide which treatment method to choose only after making a diagnosis and consulting with a specialist. Most likely, homeopathy is just an assistant to traditional medicine. These drugs should not be substituted for drugs that have undergone clinical trials.

SSRIs – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Medicines with such a complex name are a group of real antidepressants, modern third-generation drugs. They are specifically designed to treat depression and severe forms of anxiety. Global practice has accumulated significant experience in treating these diseases with SSRIs, and they have replaced older drugs from the group of tricyclic antidepressants.

Their predecessors had significant side effects associated with drug sedation. There was a drop in blood pressure when standing up suddenly, or orthostatic hypotension, and anticholinergic side effects were also pronounced. These included difficulty urinating, dry mouth, constipation, tachycardia, and erectile disorders. These side effects are remembered by everyone who at one time took old antihistamines, such as Diphenhydramine, Suprastin or Pipolfen.

Antidepressants from the SSRI group do not have such severe side effects. The mechanism of action of these drugs is that they retain serotonin, which is called the “good mood hormone,” between neurons in the synaptic cleft and prevent it from being destroyed. Therefore, the “good mood hormone” acts longer than under physiological conditions. This made it possible to use these drugs, including for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Paroxetine (Paxil, Rexetine, Adepress)

Popularity rating*: 4.9

Rexetine is a typical representative of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and has a psychostimulating effect. In addition to treating generalized anxiety disorder, it is also used for panic attacks, and especially when a person is afraid to be in an open and crowded place, or in a crowd. This phenomenon is called agoraphobia. Rexetine also helps to cope with the syndrome of obsessive thoughts and actions, that is, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), as well as depression of various origins, when they are accompanied by anxiety. The use of Rexetine helps prevent relapses of anxiety disorders.

For an anxiety disorder that is of such a long-term and generalized nature, the recommended dose of the drug starts with one tablet, that is, 20 mg. In some cases, it can be doubled, but naturally, according to the decision of a psychiatrist. The maximum daily dose a person can take for this type of anxiety is 2 and a half tablets, or 50 mg per day. Rexetine is produced by the Hungarian company Gedeon Richter, and the cost of a package of 30 tablets of 20 mg is 765 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Rexetine and Paxil is the fact that, compared to tricyclic antidepressants, they are much smaller and less likely to cause their side effects, such as drowsiness and dry mouth, but the drug cannot be suddenly discontinued. This can cause various unpleasant symptoms, such as a feeling of fear, tingling in the fingers, tremors, and sweating. Therefore, after a long course of use, the doctor must warn that a period of slow dosage reduction begins. Every second day the dose is reduced. In some cases there may be side effects, but, as a rule, they go away over time and only occur at high enough doses. Most often, the patient experiences nausea, but not more often than 12% of cases. Sometimes sweating occurs, in 9% of cases, and dry mouth is noted by 7% of all subjects.

Escitalopram (Cipralex, Selectra, Lenuxin, Elitsia)

Popularity rating*: 4.8

Cipralex is also an SSRI antidepressant and is indicated for the same disorders. Cipralex is used to treat depressive episodes of any severity, and this drug should usually be prescribed for anxiety disorders once a day, 10 mg. In some cases, depending on the patient’s perception of the drug, the dosage can be doubled, but this will already be the maximum dose.

Cipralex should be treated for a long time, the shortest duration of treatment is 3 months. But in order to avoid relapses of chronic anxiety, you can use the remedy for six months, according to the decision of a psychiatrist. This drug is produced by the Lundbeck company from Denmark, and its price is quite high: for a package of 14 tablets, which is enough for two weeks of treatment, you should pay, on average, 2,200 rubles. If this price is not affordable, then you can choose a domestic analogue, escitalopram produced by Canonpharma Production. Then a package of 28 tablets, designed for a whole month of use, will cost 551 rubles. But the question of comparative effectiveness remains open.

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the advantages of this drug is that if side effects occur, they occur only at the very beginning of treatment, in the first or second week, and then their profile smoothes out, and they may even disappear altogether. The most common change in appetite occurs; it can be either decreased or increased. The patient may have unusual dreams, sometimes a slight tingling in the fingers like paresthesia, and bouts of yawning may occur. Quite often, mild nausea may be observed, as well as changes in stool, and sweating increases. It is separately noted that if the patient used St. John's wort preparations, this may increase the frequency and severity of side effects. However, escitalopram and Cipralex are highly effective drugs and are used throughout the world for the treatment of severe anxiety disorders.

Sertraline (Zoloft, Aleval, Asentra, Serenata, Sirlift, Stimuloton)

Popularity rating*: 4.7

The last representative from this group in the review is the drug Zoloft. It is also used to relieve various depressive episodes, to prevent depression, to treat obsessive-compulsive neuroses, or obsessive-compulsive disorders. This remedy copes well with panic attacks and various forms of social phobia.

The drug must be used once a day, regardless of food intake, and, what is especially convenient, it does not need to be taken at any specific time. So, Paxil and Rexetine need to be taken only in the morning, but Zoloft can already be taken whenever you want, the main thing is not to miss the deadline. The recommended dosage for generalized anxiety disorder starts with a dose of 50 mg per day, and if necessary, according to the doctor’s decision, it can be increased to 150 mg, but this will already be the maximum dose.

In this case, the dose increase should be gradual: the interval should be at least a week before the next increase. Zoloft is produced by Pfizer, and a package of 28 tablets, designed for a month of use at an average dosage of 100 mg, costs 1,250 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Zoloft is quite safe, it can also be used in child psychiatry, starting from the age of six. For the treatment of the elderly, there is no need to specifically adjust the dose, but if there is chronic liver disease, then the drug must be taken in a lower dose, or the patient must be monitored with extreme caution. The big advantage of sertraline in general, and Zoloft in particular, is the fact that it has virtually no overdose symptoms, even when prescribed in large doses.

But it is strictly forbidden to use alcohol during the treatment of anxiety disorder with sertraline, as this can lead to the development of severe poisoning, even to a coma. If the patient is taking sertraline, then he should not take other drugs that affect serotonin metabolism. The case may end in neuroleptic malignant syndrome. These drugs include triptans, which are used to treat migraines, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a very serious disorder that can be fatal, which is why treatment with serious prescription drugs that are highly effective must be prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor.

Soothing syrup Hare: instructions for use

If you decide to calm down your active baby a little, to relieve the consequences of the stress suffered after the first visit to kindergarten, then a soothing syrup will help you with this, the most important thing is to read the information on the dosage, because it is very important not to exceed it.

Directions for use and dosage

Before pouring the required amount of syrup, be sure to shake the bottle to distribute the drug evenly.

The required amount of product is given in measuring spoons.

The drug is prescribed to children from three years old, 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 milliliters of the drug) three times a day with meals. Please note that it must be dissolved in any drink. It could be tea, juice or compote.

Duration of treatment is two weeks. After this, a break is taken and, if necessary, the course is repeated.

Special instructions for taking syrup

If you want to double the benefits and effect of taking the soothing syrup, then additionally do actions that will have a positive effect on the child.

The effect of taking the product can be seen immediately.

• Communicate with your child not loudly, calmly. He should feel supported and cared for at any time, even if it’s not easy for you right now. Do not raise your voice or shout under any circumstances, try to explain everything as patiently as possible.
• Before putting your child to bed, you can give him a bath with foam or salt, then the body will relax even more, and good sleep is guaranteed.
• Do not forget to ventilate the room, then the child will actually get enough sleep, and therefore feel more cheerful and calm.

The syrup should not be given to children under three years of age; it contains sedative components that can cause allergies in children.

Essential oils to combat stress

An excellent remedy to help cope with unequal disorders is aromatherapy. This healing method came to us from the east and has recently gained enormous popularity. Essential oils for stress improve mood, strengthen the immune system, have a beneficial effect on the blood vessels of the brain, and relieve fatigue. This method of treatment is simple to perform and does not require significant financial expenditures; moreover, aromatherapy can be combined with any other treatment methods. What essential oils are best for combating stress?

1. First, orange aroma oil. This fruit has a pronounced, memorable aroma that copes well with a bad mood, improving your state of mind.
2. Secondly, lavender oil. This is an effective remedy that will easily help you get rid of depression, loss of strength and apathy, and will give you vigor and energy.
3. Thirdly, bergamot and cedar ether.

These oils have an excellent healing effect on the entire body. Relieve fatigue, give strength and normalize emotional state.

Essential oils for stress

There are two ways to use essential oils for nerves. Buy an aroma pendant for yourself - a small clay decoration (usually in the form of Greek vases), into which 1-3 drops of oil are added. By inhaling the healing aroma throughout the day, a person unnoticed recovers and gains energy. You can also use an aroma lamp, which is a very popular accessory today and will fit perfectly into your home or work interior. One aromatherapy session lasts from 15 to 25 minutes.

Homeopathic sedatives

If there is no pronounced neurasthenia, it makes sense to drink homeopathic remedies. As active substances accumulate in the body, a stable therapeutic effect is ensured.

Most often these are records. They contain a sugar base and an active substance. You just need to dissolve the plate, and the substance begins to “work”. The advantage of such plates is that the substance is absorbed already in the oral cavity, therefore it acts almost immediately.

Remember, in official medicine homeopathy is considered a pseudoscience. The effectiveness of homeopathic remedies has not been proven by science. These drugs are not drugs. They are best used in combination with medications.

The most popular homeopathic sedatives:

• Edas;
• Avenacombe;
• Rest in peace;
• Neurosed;
• Valerianahel et al.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicines are a special area of ​​alternative medicine. It originated more than 200 years ago and over these decades has remained a controversial area of ​​human treatment.

Such drugs cause a lot of controversy, because the principle of homeopathy - to treat like with like - often causes serious criticism. Treatment is delayed and a favorable outcome becomes impossible. This effect is especially often manifested in the treatment of serious diseases - oncology, cardiovascular diseases.

Modern medicine requires careful testing of all aspects of the use of a substance so that its effectiveness is proven. But homeopathy operates on very controversial components for an hour in order to believe in their effectiveness. Although many substances, especially of plant origin, have many years of scientifically proven experience. They are successfully used as additional or complex components of the treatment of certain health problems.

For example, herbal-based sedatives and sedatives can be bought at any pharmacy; they have undergone clinical trials and have proven effectiveness. It is with these components that the drug “Calm” (tablets) was created, reviews of which vary widely - from laudatory to extremely negative.

Sedatives for children

Before giving your child pills for irritability and nervousness, you need to find out for sure if he has symptoms of a nervous disorder or behavioral abnormalities. Only a specialist can make such a conclusion after examining the patient.

Frequent tantrums, moodiness and constant mood swings are quite normal for children.

A sedative for a child must meet the following requirements:

• Soft action;
• Small dosage of active substance;
• Harmlessness;
• No addiction.

All of the above parameters correspond to the drugs from this list:

• Phenibut : you can take these tablets for increased anxiety, depression, fears, and stuttering. The medicine also normalizes the child’s sleep: speeds up falling asleep and makes sleep deeper;
• Motherwort and Valerian decoction : calms the child, reduces sensitivity to irritating factors;
• Nervochel : a harmless sedative, allowed even during breastfeeding.

What sedatives can you take during pregnancy?

Changes in hormonal levels due to pregnancy can provoke psychological discomfort and nervous conditions in a woman.

In this case, the attending physician may prescribe medications such as:

• Glycine suppresses the functioning of those areas of the brain that are responsible for anxiety.
• Persen - based on mint, valerian and motherwort, relieves irritability and improves sleep.
• Magne B6 – serves to stabilize the central nervous system;
• Tenaten – improves the condition of the nervous system, does not cause drowsiness.

There are many sedative tablets available for stress and anxiety; their correct use leads to positive results. The effect will be more noticeable if you adhere to the right lifestyle: exercise, have a hobby, and be able to let go of the situation.

Article design: Vladimir the Great

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

The syrup does not cause any side effects, because it is considered a food additive, not a medicine, and includes only natural substances. Sometimes a slight allergy may occur, which manifests itself in the form of itching, redness and rashes.

The required dosage should be observed to avoid negative consequences.

Strictly follow the dosage to avoid undesirable consequences that may occur if you drink a large amount of the drug. If this happens, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo symptomatic treatment.

Don’t forget to also consult a specialist and carry out the necessary tests to rule out allergies to the components of the syrup. It is also possible that your child has an individual intolerance to any plant in the composition.

Be sure to observe your baby’s behavior and reaction after starting to take the product.

Combination drugs

To make the drug as effective as possible, manufacturers make a combination of several components at once. If the medicine is correctly selected, an effective dose and dosage regimen are established, it will be safe and effective.

Combination medications are very appropriate for combating stress and anxiety.

Among the combination products that are now especially popular:

• Persen Forte. It is considered one of the most effective and safe. Contains herbal ingredients. Has a pronounced sedative effect. It will calm you down and help you fall into a healthy sleep. Makes it deep. Relieves cramps a little. It is good for mild neuroses, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. May be used when discontinuing certain medications. Does not lead to addiction, does not reduce attention. Some patients do not tolerate its components well. Constipation may occur. Persen is not used when treating children under 3 years of age. Persen-Forte is used after 12 years.
• Phytosed. It is of plant origin. Eliminates anxiety, tension, helps you relax, relieve fatigue.
• Dormiplant. It will help you sleep and relieve stress.
• Novo-passit. Created based on natural ingredients. Quickly eliminates anxiety and relieves tension. Good for neurasthenia, high anxiety, absent-mindedness, fears, excitability. Can be taken during menopause to reduce symptoms. Less commonly used for allergies. Within half an hour after administration, a pronounced effect occurs. May cause side effects such as nausea, dyspepsia, dizziness. Since Novo-Passit reduces attention, it is not recommended for drivers or doctors. Accepted from 12 years of age.
• Algoven relaxation. This is a dietary supplement. It will relax you and help you sleep.

Notes before reviewing drugs

There will be many unfamiliar names in this drug review. This should not be feared, since all drugs comply with official clinical recommendations. Accordingly, after reading this review, a person will know how to treat anxiety disorder seriously and professionally, and the article is written for educational purposes only.

Since these drugs are sold only by prescription, this review cannot be called a rating. The rating is a list of popularity. There is no concept of “popular” or “unpopular drugs” in the treatment of a disease. There is a concept of “indications” and “contraindications”.

In the list of drugs, the international nonproprietary name, INN, is given first. In brackets are the various commercial versions of this drug, and usually the original drug, which was the first to be developed, comes first. As a rule, the original drug is always more expensive than its commercial copies. But at the same time, the original drug always has the largest evidence base, and it is the drug with the fewest side effects and the purest medicinal substance. The manufacturer of the original drug always strictly monitors its business reputation.

It should be warned that treating generalized anxiety disorder with the original, best remedies is not a cheap endeavor. The drugs are quite expensive by Russian standards, but this is a price to pay for quality, for a minimum number of side effects, and, most importantly, for the result. Of course, it is always the patient who decides which drug to buy. But insisting and advising to choose quality or cheapness is the doctor’s task. So what medications do professionals use to treat severe anxiety disorders, and what are their pros and cons?

The use of herbal medicine in the fight for peace

Tea is the simplest means of supporting the nervous system. Plants are famous for their medicinal properties and have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Many herbal infusions and infusions will help you calm down and return to a normal lifestyle. For vegetative-vascular dystonia, neuroses, panic attacks, insomnia, the following medicinal plants are excellent:

• hop;
• chamomile;
• mint;
• lavender.

All these herbs can be purchased in packaged form and combined into a single drink according to your own recipe. Or choose a ready-made sedative herbal mixture at the pharmacy.

Herbal remedy for stress

Regular green tea will help you cheer up and overcome depression, which, by the way, contains a lot of useful flavonoids and antioxidants. Honey and lemon are an excellent addition to any herbal tincture. When choosing tea for yourself, remember that it is important to accurately assess your psycho-emotional state. Don't forget about possible allergies to plants. If you need to work and stay active during the day, not all herbs will be suitable. Some teas are best consumed before bed.

How does the drug work?

One of the homeopathic medicines that can be purchased at almost any pharmacy is “Calm” granules and tablets. The instructions for use of this drug describe its action as a sedative that relieves emotional tension.

It contains homeopathic substances of natural origin included in Hahnemann's list. When taking the drug, anxiety and irritability are reduced, manifestations of chronic stress are stopped, which potentiates the improvement of overall well-being. The drug is manufactured in Russia and does not cause lethargy or drowsiness.

Sedatives for children

One of the frequently prescribed sedative medications is Glycine. The amino acid reduces emotional stress, improves brain function, and normalizes sleep. Children are also prescribed tablets:

• Tenoten;
• Magne B6;
• Pantogam;
• Citral.

If the child is very excited, the neurologist will prescribe:

• Sibazon;
• Phenazepam;
• Tazepam;
• Phenibut.

The drugs will eliminate overexcitation, panic, and anxiety. Such sedative pills lead to addiction, so they are taken under the supervision of a specialist for a short period of time.