About Natural Anxiety Medication

Anxiety is a common condition that affects roughly 40 million American adults, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Symptoms can range from mild to disabling, and tend to increase during times of stress. While there are many prescription medications available to help treat and manage anxiety disorders, most of these medications are not well tolerated. Natural anxiety medications provide an alternative to anxiety sufferers who cannot or will not take prescribed medications due to side effects or other concerns.

While some herbal and mineral supplements are scientifically proven to be beneficial when taken for anxiety disorders, others have little evidence supporting their claims. Because of this, and due to the potential for side effects and drug interactions, all natural anxiety medications should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Identification

• Identifying which natural anxiety medications to purchase and take can be confusing. Because dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, labeling of natural products varies depending on supplement type and manufacturer. Moreover, some natural anxiety supplements may contain different forms of the active ingredient, making then more or less effective than other products. It is vital to research all natural anxiety medications carefully before purchasing, and to consult a doctor or pharmacist if any concerns or questions arise.

Types

• Numerous types of natural anxiety medications are currently on the market, but not all of those products have been proven effective. Certain herbs, such as Valerian extract, kava and passion flower have been shown to reduce the symptoms of anxiety in scientific studies. L-theanine, an amino acid sourced from Green Tea, has also shown a marked anti-anxiety effect when taken in doses greater than 100 mg. Gamma-aminobutyric Acid, or GABA, is another amino acid that has been linked to anxiety, and supplements containing GABA have been shown to reduce anxiety in some people. Other natural anxiety medications include products containing calcium, magnesium, B-complex and chamomile.

Function

• Natural anxiety medications are believed to function in similar ways to prescription medications. Some alter the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, while others slow down the central nervous system and provide a systemic calming effect. Natural anxiety medications work to reduce the common symptoms of anxiety, such as insomnia, worry, and difficulty concentrating. Although natural anxiety medications may not be as potent as prescription medications, they typically cause fewer side effects and are not habit forming like some prescription medications. Natural anxiety medications should be used in conjunction with therapy or lifestyle changes to be effective long-term. They should never be combined with other medications, either over-the-counter or prescription, due to the risk of severe neurological complications.

Benefits

• Natural anxiety medications offer numerous benefits over traditional, prescription medications. Antidepressants, which are commonly prescribed to treat ongoing anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, may cause significant side effects in some people. Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, may result in physical dependency and often require increasing doses over time to obtain the desired effects. Natural anxiety medications, although not completely free of side effects, generally are not habit-forming and do not result in increased tolerance. They decrease symptoms of anxiety gently, improving quality of life and allowing sufferers to work and take care of their daily responsibilities.

Considerations

• Herbs and other natural anxiety medications can have potentially serious side effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration, products containing kava may result in liver damage when taken long-term or in high doses. Because herbal and natural supplements are not regulated by the FDA, they should not be taken by anyone with a pre-existing medical condition and should never be given to children. Natural anxiety medications may interact with certain prescription medications, sometimes with severe consequences, and it is therefore vital that both the treating physician and pharmacist are aware of every medication being taken, natural or otherwise.