Over-the-Counter Stress-Relief Pills

Stress in small doses can be a helpful response to pressure-filled situations. According to HelpGuide.org, stress under pressure can make you perform better as it increases your awareness, mental focus and clarity. However, the prolonged symptoms of stress can eventually lead to a number of severe conditions that negatively affect your mental and physical well-being. In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can also use over the counter stress relief pills such as Stresstabs and Proloftin.

Stresstabs

• Stresstabs are a multivitamin supplement meant to increase the nutrients and vitamins that your body quickly absorbs during a stress response. The problem with stress is that when it occurs, your body reacts with a "fight or flight" response. The "fight or flight" reaction kicks your body and mind into high gear, believing the situation is a life or death event. This response increases your metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure. Because long-term stress can take a toll on your body's physiological responses, multivitamin-based supplements such as Stresstabs can replenish the nutrients lost during a particularly stressful day.

Proloftin

• Proloftin is a supplement formed of herbs, minerals and inert ingredients used to lower stress levels by replenishing diminished nutrients and boosting a sense of well-being and calm. Proloftin.com states that the medication can begin working in as little as five to 20 minutes, but is intended for long-term use to cumulatively reduce the severity of the body's stress response. One of the primary ingredients in Proloftin is a supplement known as Phosphatidyl Serine, a chemical that has shown some promise in improving cognition and memory in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. However, the trials that showed improved memory were based on a Phosphatidyl Serine supplement derived from the brains of cows, and in recent years have been extracted from plant sources. Although Proloftin is marketed as a safe, all natural medication, you should consult your primary care physician or another medical professional before taking the supplement. If you have an allergic reaction to the supplement: rash, swelling, fever, throat tightening, or other symptoms, discontinue use and consult a medical professional as soon as you can.

Considerations

• While Stresstabs and Proloftin are marketed as effective ways to treat the symptoms of stress, keep in mind that stress is a natural part of living. Too much stress is what can cause additional problems such as difficulties sleeping, relationship problems, irritability, sexual dysfunctions and a host of other conditions. In addition to using supplements, you should also see what lifestyle changes you can make. A healthy lifestyle of proper diet, exercise and rest can also greatly and quickly reduce the negative symptoms of stress. Consider taking a few minutes out of your day to breathe deeply and calmly and without focusing the thoughts running through your head. Consider listening to relaxing music while you're in the car or traveling by bus, train or walking. Taking time out for yourself can be one of the most healthy choices you can make to relieve stress and improve your quality of life.