Taking antihistamines to treat anxiety and depression can be effective, but there are some drawbacks to consider. Major advantages of using commonly available antihistamines are their generally lower cost and readier availability than prescription anxiety drugs.
As an antihistamine, hydroxyzine blocks the effects of histamine in your body, which makes you sleepy. (Think about how you feel after taking Benadryl or Nyquil.) Serotonin is a chemical that affects your mood. Hydroxyzine's unique effect on serotonin is likely why it's the only antihistamine used for anxiety.
Does Benadryl Help Anxiety? Although some people say that Benadryl helps their anxiety, it is not approved by the FDA for anxiety symptoms. Therefore, do not take it for anxiety unless your healthcare provider specifically recommends it. The only FDA-approved antihistamine for anxiety is hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril).
Benadryl is an antihistamine that may cause you to feel sedated and drowsy. This doesn't mean it calms anxiety symptoms, though. There's simply no scientific evidence to support its use for anxiety. In fact, it's not recommended for this purpose.
Major advantages of using commonly available antihistamines are their generally lower cost and readier availability than prescription anxiety drugs. Antihistamines are also generally less likely to cause dependence and addiction than other sedatives.
For immediate relief from anxiety, stand up, pull your shoulders back, plant your feet evenly and widely apart, and open your chest. Then breathe deeply. This posture, combined with deep breathing, helps your body remember that it's not in danger right now, and that it is in control (not helpless).
Magnesium reduces stress hormones in the brain to lessen anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, memory loss, depression, insomnia, and a host of other mental health issues. Magnesium limits the release of cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone, and prevents it from reaching the brain.
The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, shaking (tremor), mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, nervousness, restlessness), weakness.
Of note, symptoms of magnesium deficiency and stress are very similar, the most common being fatigue, irritability, and mild anxiety [5,6,7]; further symptoms are shown in Table 1.
Vitamin B12 is considered an important brain and nervous system micronutrient and is often used for anxiety. It helps to ensure normal function for your nerves, which can help combat physical symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety can be caused by a variety of things: stress, genetics, brain chemistry, traumatic events, or environmental factors. Symptoms can be reduced with anti-anxiety medication. But even with medication, people may still experience some anxiety or even panic attacks.
One important step in reversing the anxiety cycle is gradually confronting feared situations. If you do this, it will lead to an improved sense of confidence, which will help reduce your anxiety and allow you to go into situations that are important to you.
B vitamins like B12 and B6 may help relieve stress, support cognitive function, and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety [2, 3, 4]. An Oxford study found that optimal B12 levels support brain health.
Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is thought to be one of the best herbs for anxiety. It works by lowering cortisol levels and minimizing adrenal-associated stress.
Benzos and other drugs like Xanax are not sold over the counter for anxiety treatment. However, OTC antihistamines (i.e., Benadryl/diphenhydramine) have been recommended as a short-term solution for anxiety symptoms.
Antihistamines reduce or block histamines, so they stop allergy symptoms. These medicines work well to relieve symptoms of different types of allergies, including seasonal (hay fever), indoor, and food allergies. But they can't relieve every symptom.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are known to cause extreme drowsiness; however, in certain people, they can cause insomnia, excitability, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate.