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If you suffer from stress and anxiety, you’re not alone. In today’s hectic and uncertain world, more and more people find themselves having trouble sleeping, suffering from tension headaches, and other problems that are stress-related. While you can seek a doctor’s help and receive prescription medications, there are also many over-the-counter medications that have been shown to help relieve stress. If you wish to find out what’s available, here are four you may want to consider.
Magnesium
If you are lacking important nutrients such as magnesium, this may be exacerbating your stress and anxiety. To help, you may want to consider taking magnesium supplements. Having been proven to help reduce anxiety due to their relaxing effects on the nervous system, these supplements are natural muscle relaxers that can decrease your irritability or restlessness. Though they likely won’t relieve your symptoms altogether, they may help more than you expected.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
Commonly known as 5-HTP, this supplement is perhaps one of the best over-the-counter medicines you can get to help relieve stress and anxiety. 5-HTP has been shown to increase levels of serotonin, which is the hormone responsible for helping to regulate your mood, appetite, and other related functions. It is not found in foods and thus must be taken in supplement form. However, since there can be side effects, speak with a pharmacist at your pharmacy prior to using 5-HTP.
Melatonin
If you are under stress, chances are you’re having trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep. To conquer this, consider taking melatonin. A hormone created by the pineal gland, melatonin helps your body recognize when it’s time to wake up or go to sleep. By taking it, you may be able to sleep much better, which will aid tremendously in helping to reduce your stress and anxiety.
Herbal Supplements
Finally, many different herbal supplements have also been shown to help reduce anxiety and stress. Very popular with people who want all-natural methods to help ease their stress levels, you may want to try such herbal supplements as chamomile, kava, passionflower, and lavender, all of which have been shown to help with anxiety. However, since the effects can be different from one person to the next, it is best you discuss the use of herbal supplements with your doctor prior to giving any of these a try.
Most pharmacies carry all of the products listed above. As long as you go to your pharmacy while a pharmacist is on duty, you’ll have access to a professional for any questions you may have about the effect of each supplement or medication. In addition, your pharmacy may have posters or product sections specifically labeled with “stress” so it is easier to find the products you’re looking for.
Rather than continue to suffer from issues related to your stress and anxiety, such as not being able to sleep or concentrate, consider giving these over-the-counter medications a try to see if they will help.
