Alternatives to tranquilizers

Before moving on to anxiolytics, you should know that there are other drug-based solutions to stress and anxiety. None of them are without risk, of course, but compared with benzodiazepines, the risks are lower, and their efficacy is similar in some cases.

For example, beta-blockers (available only on prescription) significantly reduce stress symptoms by blocking the beta receptors of adrenalin. If the stress is really great, just before taking an exam, it's true that this can help. But beware: it's not without risk either: it puts you to sleep, it can provoke asthma attacks, and it can even cause depression when used chronically. And anyway, these products also lead to dependency ! The calming effect can also be achieved with certain antihistamines, which have the advantage of being less addictive. On the other hand, they are very sedating. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies, but some are also used as anxiolytics. Here too, however, it's a doctor's decision whether or not to prescribe them.

Finally, there are more natural solutions: herbal remedies. Certain plants, such as valerian, linden, hawthorn, passionflower and hops, are used to effectively combat anxiety or to help people fall asleep. They can be found either in preparations made by the pharmacist (yes, they still exist today!), or in specialties such as Sedinal®, Sedanxio®, Seneuval®, Dormiplant®, Natudor® and others. Note that these herbal specialties can be obtained from pharmacies without a prescription. Here again, we must be vigilant: these same plants are also used in products known as "dietary supplements", which are not controlled like real medicines, either for their efficacy or their toxicity!

Whatever you decide to swallow, first talk to your doctor or at least your pharmacist! And don't forget that there are non-medicinal solutions to your anxiety or stress.