Medicine for Stress Relief

While stress can help you cope in the short-term, the effects of chronic stress can have negative mental and physical consequences in the long run. Stress is mostly subjective: often only the person experiencing it can confirm if it is present and how severe it is.

Since there is no specific family of medication used to decrease stress, a wide variety of options might be considered when seeking medicine for stress relief. Many of these may also be used to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Consider the following prescription and natural remedies if you are seeking medicine for stress or anxiety.

Sedatives (CNS Depressants)

Sedatives slow down central nervous system activity, reducing tension and anxiety, inducing relaxation, and slowing the breath.

Benzodiazepines

These are one of the most regularly prescribed groups of sedatives, including names such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and alprazolam (Xanax). They work by enhancing the effects of an inhibitory neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This substance has a calming effect and can counteract the overstimulation in the body associated with anxiety.

Recruiting benzodiazepines as medicine for stress comes with the risk of addiction and overuse long-term.

Other prescribed drugs with a sedative effect include antihistamines (medication to reduce allergic reactions) and sleeping tablets.

Bupropion

Known as BuSpar, bupropion is an anti-anxiety medicine used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety e.g. racing heartbeat, tension, or dizziness. It is typically prescribed for short patches of time and is not recommended as a long-term form of stress relief medicine.

Antidepressant Medications

Used primarily to address major depression, antidepressants are also prescribed as medicine for stress and anxiety relief.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a particular family of antidepressants most frequently utilized as anxiety and stress relief medicine. One of the brain’s neurotransmitters, serotonin, is thought to play an important role in susceptibility to depression, anxiety, and stress. By slowing down a process in the brain known as reuptake, SSRIs are able to increase levels of serotonin to help increase mood and decrease anxious feelings. Unlike benzodiazepines, SSRIs tend to be prescribed as a long-term medicine for stress, anxiety, or depression.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are prescriptions drugs that are typically used to manage high blood pressure and treat some heart problems. For some people, they also help control the body’s fight or flight stress response by blocking certain nerve impulses. Beta-blockers are not approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medicine for stress or anxiety relief as they do not prevent symptoms. However, they may help reduce some symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, or an increased heart rate.

Pregabalin

Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a form of anticonvulsant medication typically used to treat epilepsy. It may, however, also be recommended as an off-label form of medicine for stress relief – usually when individuals have not responded to antidepressants and benzodiazepines. If pregabalin works well, it can be prescribed as a medicine for stress, anxiety, or depression long-term.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional deficiencies in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), vitamin D, and vitamins B6 and B12 can contribute to increased levels of stress, anxiety, or depression. Meeting your daily recommended allowances of these nutrients may help to support symptoms.

Then, a handful of nutritional supplements may assist with symptoms of stress or anxiety:

• Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that regulates the effects of stress on the body.
• L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea believed to have relaxing effects while improving cognitive function.
• Lemon balm is considered a natural form of medicine for stress and anxiety, also assisting with sleep and gastrointestinal issues.
• Magnesium is an important mineral used to help regulate dozens of processes. Adequate intake can have a calming effect.
• Passion flower and chamomile are well-known for their benefits as calming agents and are included in many natural forms of medicine for stress.
• Valerian root and melatonin are widely touted as natural forms of sleep support, also contributing to reduced feelings of stress.

While these ingredients occur naturally, they still need to be used with care as they could interact with other medications or have unwanted side-effects. Stress can have negative mental and physical effects on a person’s health. However, both prescription and natural options may help if you are considering taking medicine for stress. It is advised that you proceed with caution under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner when taking stress relief medicine, as prescription options in particular incur side-effects and are often addictive.