Effect of sedatives
Depending on their composition and action, sedative tablets are divided into two groups: those sold with a prescription and those sold without it. This article will focus on the latter.
Effect of sedatives:
- Relieves tension in the nervous system;
- Relieves manifestations of aggressiveness, irritability, and a tendency to shed tears without serious reasons;
- Helps reduce the rate of heartbeat, sweating, reduce tremors of the limbs, spasms;
- Favors easier falling asleep and restful sleep due to inhibition and relieving nervous and psycho-emotional stress.
Sedatives are used to stabilize the psycho-emotional background, treat neuroses, neurasthenia and other diseases of the nervous system.
Tablets are produced on the basis of herbal, chemical components and in a combination of these options.
You can read more about pills for rapid heartbeat here
Sedatives for pregnant and lactating women
During a difficult period for every woman and unborn baby, it is worth being especially careful with therapy. Not all drugs that have the ability to calm and help with insomnia are safe for expectant mothers. If a woman’s psyche has become very sensitive during this period, tearfulness appears every now and then, sleep is disturbed, then we recommend starting with herbal teas.
Safe plants for expectant mothers and babies are:
- Melissa;
- mint; chamomile;
- Linden blossom;
- hawthorn;
- nettle leaves.
Based on these medicinal herbs and plants, you can make your own herbal infusions or buy ready-made soothing teas.
The best sedatives from the pharmacy chain for pregnant women are:
- herbal teas;
- person;
- passionflower (extract).
Can I take it without a doctor's prescription?
Sedatives are best used as prescribed by a doctor. A nervous breakdown can be triggered by an incipient mental disorder; irritability can occur due to hormonal imbalance or disease of internal organs. In this case, negative manifestations will go away only after the root cause of their appearance is eliminated.
Often people who have experienced a stressful situation or negative emotions cannot cope with depression, irritability, and insomnia. They decide to take sedative pills without a doctor’s prescription.
The safest drugs are those made from herbal ingredients. They have virtually no side effects and do not burden the excretory system.
What can you buy without a prescription?
In the modern world, it is very important to know for sure which sedatives can be purchased at the pharmacy without presenting a special doctor’s prescription.
Such lists are subject to careful study in order to protect yourself as much as possible from possible allergies or immunity to a particular drug.
So, the best sedative pills that can be purchased without prescriptions are our top list of 10 effective drugs:
- Afobazole;
- Adonis Brom;
- Glycine;
- Adaptol;
- Tenoten;
- Zyprexa (Olanzapine);
- Bromocamphor;
- Engonil;
- Seroquel;
- Triftazin.
It is worth remembering contraindications and possible side effects. Almost all drugs on the list have them. The cardiovascular, endocrine, and digestive systems may be affected.
List of over-the-counter sedatives
The table provides an overview of herbal anti-anxiety tablets sold without a prescription:
Review of sedative combination drugs:
Even herbal-based preparations have contraindications in the form of allergic reactions and individual intolerance. Caution should be taken when taking sedatives during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
There are over-the-counter drugs that are not only plant-based; they are made from synthetic ingredients with a sedative effect.
The most powerful sedatives without a prescription are taken for severe manifestations of nervous disorders, irritability, depression, and anxiety. These drugs include: Glycine, Afobazol, Phenibut, Corvaltab, Sedasen, Corvalol, Adaptol, Atarax, etc.
Almost all drugs based on synthetic components have many side effects that negatively affect the cardiovascular, endocrine systems, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Some drugs cause drowsiness, decreased performance and concentration.
People suffering from low blood pressure should take some sedatives with caution, as they lead to hypotension. If the pressure is already reduced, a hypotensive crisis may occur.
Medicinal sedatives should be taken with caution. To prevent nervous and mental disorders, you need to lead an active lifestyle, control your psycho-emotional state, and eat right.
Why is tachycardia dangerous?
For any manifestations of tachycardia, whether they are strong or mild, a person needs immediate help and examination by a physician.
If the etymology of the attack is physiological, then it does not pose a threat to human life. But regular manifestation of this type of tachycardia can lead to changes in the heart muscle, its deformation, the development of hypertension and the occurrence of vegetative-vascular dystonia.
If tachycardia is pathological in nature, then untimely first aid and lack of medication can lead to stroke, heart attack and even death of the patient.
Even in cases where tachycardia is rare, and its attacks are short-term and can be easily managed without the use of medications, you should immediately consult a doctor. The fact is that this symptom may indicate a serious illness, and timely diagnosis is the main key to successful treatment.
Calming (sedative) drugs of plant origin - review of remedies
Sedatives have been used for a long time to treat diseases of the nervous system. The mechanism of their action is a regulatory effect on the brain - inhibition of excitation processes and activation of inhibition. These drugs have moderate sedative and anti-anxiety effects. This group of drugs does not have a hypnotic effect, but they facilitate the onset and promote deeper and more restful sleep. Well tolerated by patients without any serious side effects. Do not cause addiction, physical or psychological dependence. They enhance the effect of certain groups of drugs, such as painkillers, sleeping pills and others that have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Due to the beneficial effects of sedatives and the minimum of adverse reactions to them, these drugs are widely used in everyday medical practice, especially in the treatment of elderly people.
According to the classification, there are several groups of sedatives, the leading of which are herbal medicines. We'll talk about them below.
Alcohol based solutions
Sedatives in liquid form act faster than tablets. In emergency cases, the drops will quickly restore normal condition. Before use, you must add the prescribed dosage of the solution to the water.
Valocordin
The alcohol tincture contains hop and mint extract along with phenobarbital and other components. The product is recommended for anxiety, sleep problems, and neuroses.
Long-term use of the medication leads to the development of depression, dizziness, conjunctivitis, and runny nose. The medication is prohibited for use during gestation and kidney and liver diseases.
Corvalol
The composition of the drops is similar to that of Valocordin. The drug has a gentle effect on the nervous system.
The advantage of Corvalol is its ability to reduce blood pressure and eliminate heart pain. The product provokes dizziness and allergies.
Zelenina
The drops contain tincture of lily of the valley, belladonna, and valerian. Indications for use include stomach cramps, vegetative-vascular dystonia, excitability, and cardiac pathologies.
Interesting! In Soviet times, the product had a different name - Kremlin drops. They were used by people in high positions.
The medicine is prohibited for ulcerative inclusions, glaucoma, prostatitis, and brain diseases. The drug can provoke allergic reactions, diarrhea, muscle weakness, heartburn, dry mouth.
Valoserdin
The drops contain oil of oregano, peppermint, and phenobarbital. The medication effectively calms the nerves and slows the heart rate.
The medicine is prescribed for neurasthenia due to pain from heart disease and increased heart rate. Valoserdin is used for sleep problems, arterial hypertension, and intestinal colic.
Valosedan
The medicine contains extracts of valuable plants along with sodium barbital. The active components help inhibit nervous activity. As a result, nervous tension and excitability are eliminated.
Valerian preparations
The roots and rhizomes of valerian contain many active substances that have medicinal properties such as reducing the excitability of the central nervous system and reducing spasm of smooth muscles (antispasmodic effect).
Indications for taking valerian preparations are insomnia, increased nervous excitability, and neurocirculatory dystonia.
Available in various dosage forms:
- tincture with 70% alcohol - recommended doses for adults are 20-30 drops 3-4 times a day;
- thick valerian extract in the form of tablets or capsules - 0.02–0.04 g (1–2 tablets) 3–4 times a day;
- capsules containing a hydrophilic complex of valerian (Valevigran), take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals;
- dry raw materials in filter bags and in a common pack - used for brewing tea and preparing a decoction (2 teaspoons of crushed dry raw materials are poured into 200 ml of cold water and boiled for 5 minutes, then filtered), recommended doses - 15–30 ml (1 –2 tablespoons) 3-4 times a day.
A contraindication to taking valerian preparations is only the patient’s individual hypersensitivity to them.
It is generally well tolerated by patients. In some, extremely rare cases, drowsiness, increased fatigue and dizziness are observed.
Paeonia officinalis preparations
They contain active components that have a moderate sedative effect on the human body.
Indications for taking peony medications are neurasthenia, sleep disorders, and neurocirculatory dystonia.
Available in tincture form in 100 ml bottles. It is recommended to take 30–40 drops of tincture 3 times a day. The course of treatment is long – 3–4 weeks.
Contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity.
The only side effects that should be noted are the occurrence of allergic reactions in case of hypersensitivity to this drug.
Types and characteristics of sedatives
Sedatives differ not only in composition, but also in pharmacological properties. Among them are:
- sedatives;
- tranquilizers;
- antipsychotics;
- normothimics.
The sedative group includes products made from natural products, as well as combination drugs. These also include bromine-based sedatives.
A group of tranquilizers are dosage forms that have an effect on the psyche.
Neuroleptics are substances designed to calm people down. This group of drugs is used in psychiatry.
Normotemic drugs are intended for the treatment of persons with mental disorders.
To choose the best sedative, it is necessary, first of all, to understand the full clinical picture of the disease. Be able to distinguish the signs of overexertion, insomnia, and serious mental illness. Only a doctor can do this.
Motherwort preparations
The herb of this medicinal plant includes substances that, in addition to a moderate sedative, also have a hypotensive (lowering blood pressure) effect.
They are used for neuroses, increased nervous excitability, neurocirculatory dystonia, as well as in the early stages of hypertension.
They are produced in the form of an infusion in bottles of 25 and 50 ml, as well as in the form of dry raw materials in a total pack weighing 50 and 100 g.
It is recommended to take the tincture 3-4 times a day, 30-50 drops before meals. An infusion is prepared from dry raw materials: 15 g of crushed herbs are poured with 150–200 ml of water at room temperature and placed in a water bath. Heat over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and squeeze. Take 15 ml (1 tablespoon) 3-4 times a day before meals.
Motherwort preparations are contraindicated if the patient's body is hypersensitive to them.
Possible side effects are drowsiness, increased fatigue, dizziness. However, they are extremely rare.
Passionflower extract (passion flower) – Alora preparation
The components of the drug reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, producing a sedative effect. While taking the drug, patients' mood improves, manifestations of anxiety and mental stress decrease, and sleep quality improves. In addition, Alora also has an anticonvulsant effect.
Indications for taking this drug are:
- neurasthenia and depression;
- anxiety states;
- psycho-emotional stress;
- increased irritability;
- sleep disorders;
- menopause and premenopausal period;
- post-infectious asthenia syndrome.
It is also used in the complex treatment of pathological conditions such as vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypertension, and cerebral vascular crises.
Available in the form of tablets and syrup.
Tablets are taken 3-4 times a day, 1-2 pieces before meals. In case of sleep disorders - 2-3 tablets 1 hour before planned sleep. The duration of treatment is determined individually and depends on the initial severity of the patient’s condition and his response to the therapy.
The syrup is taken 1-2 teaspoons (this is 5-10 ml) three times a day before meals. To improve the quality of sleep - 2 teaspoons (10 ml) an hour before bedtime.
Alora is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
When taking the drug in recommended doses, the development of any undesirable effects is unlikely. Allergic reactions are extremely rarely diagnosed.
In case of severe organic pathology of the digestive tract, the drug is used with caution. Alora has not been tested on pregnant or lactating women, so possible negative effects on the fetus and infant are unknown. The drug in syrup form is not recommended for use by patients with diabetes mellitus because it contains sucrose. When treated with this drug, working with dangerous machinery and driving vehicles should be avoided. It is also not recommended to drink alcohol during the treatment period.
Combination drugs
Most sedative herbal preparations contain several active ingredients at once - due to this, their positive effects are potentiated and the expected effect is achieved faster.
Dormiplant
Contains dry extracts of valerian root and lemon balm leaves. It has a calming effect on the body as a whole, and also improves falling asleep and quality of sleep. Indications for use are a state of nervous overstrain and sleep disturbances arising from this background. Take the drug 2 tablets 30 minutes before bedtime - for the purpose of normalization. For anxiety conditions - 2 tablets 2-3 times a day. Take the tablets without chewing, with water. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Contraindications: depressive conditions, as well as hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Side effects are rare. Nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, intestinal spasms, and allergic reactions are possible. Of the special instructions, it should be noted that experimental studies of the drug have not been conducted on pregnant and lactating women, therefore there is no data regarding the safety of taking it during these periods. Since side effects include confusion and drowsiness, caution should be exercised when taking Dormiplant by persons whose work involves driving vehicles or operating heavy machinery.
Capsules containing lipophilic complexes of valerian (50 mg) and peppermint (25 mg). Has a mild sedative effect. Helps you fall asleep quickly. It is used for mild neuroses, manifested by nervous overexcitation, decreased concentration, feelings of anxiety and restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Take 1 capsule three times a day half an hour before meals or 1-2 capsules an hour before bedtime. Adverse reactions are extremely rare, develop with prolonged use of the drug, and are reversible. These are side effects from the central nervous system, characteristic of the entire group of sedatives, as well as a decrease in blood pressure, a feeling of palpitations and compression behind the sternum, heart rhythm disturbances, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, bitterness in the mouth and pain in the right hypochondrium, allergic reactions. It is not recommended to take Menovalen during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Features of the use of drugs
If it is necessary to urgently relieve the effects of stress, take Diazepam, Seduxen. Tranquilizers have a powerful effect on the brain, triggering inhibition processes.
Pregnant women are recommended to choose sedatives based on natural ingredients: motherwort, chamomile, valerian, lemon balm. Plants have a calming effect without harming the fetus. It is allowed to take Glycine and Persen.
Medicines containing ethanol are contraindicated during gestation and lactation.
During menopause, there is a dramatic change in hormonal levels, which increases susceptibility to irritants. During menopause, women should use Klimaktoplan, Grandaxin. The products normalize the emotional background, eliminating symptoms of depression.
Baby sedatives
Drug treatment of stress and neuroses is required for both adults and children. Often even infants need to be calmed through pharmacological products. Doctors prescribe herbal medicines for children.
The choice of a specific medication depends on the age of the small patient. Since a child under 3 years of age is not able to take pills correctly, sedatives are prescribed in the form of syrup or powder.
If necessary, eliminate nervous attacks and sleep disorders in children, you can prepare a medicinal decoction. You need to brew mint and chamomile and drink the drink instead of tea. To improve the taste, it is recommended to add a little natural honey to the broth. This drug has an antidepressant and anti-stress effect.
In cases of severe nervous tension, the child is given Persen in tablet form. Children over 6 years of age are allowed to take Citral. The medicine contains motherwort extract, valerian, sodium bromide. Stronger sedatives have been developed for adolescents: Elenium, Phenazepam, Tazepam. They can only be used after a doctor's prescription.
Novo-passit
It contains valerian extract, St. John's wort herb and guaifenesin. In addition to the hypnotic and antidepressant effects of medicinal herbs, guaifenesin also has an anti-anxiety and smooth muscle relaxing effect. Indications for taking this drug are standard - like all sedatives. Available in the form of tablets and oral solution. Recommended doses: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) or 1 tablet orally 3 times a day. If necessary, the dose can be doubled. The interval between taking the drug should not be less than 4 hours. Contraindications are hypersensitivity to the components of Novo-passit, epilepsy and myasthenia gravis. Side effects are similar to those of other sedatives. While taking Novo-passit, it is not recommended to be exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time. Use with caution in persons with severe liver dysfunction. The safety of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is unknown. When taking the drug, absent-mindedness and a decrease in the speed of reactions are possible - patients should refrain from activities that require high concentration and coordination of actions.
Persen and Persen forte
Contains extracts of valerian, lemon balm and peppermint. Available in the form of tablets and capsules. Properties, indications, contraindications and side effects are standard. Recommended doses of Persen: 3-4 tablets three times a day, for sleep disorders - 3-4 tablets an hour before bedtime. Persen Forte take 2 capsules 2 times a day or 2 capsules 1 hour before bedtime. Taking the drug does not depend on food intake. Tablets/capsules should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water. The course of treatment is not limited. Of the special instructions, it should be noted that this drug contains lactose - it is contraindicated in patients with intolerance to this substance. During pregnancy and lactation, Persen is used after a benefit/risk assessment.
Persen cardio
Available in the form of capsules containing extracts of passionflower herb and hawthorn leaves and flowers. The mild sedative effect of passionflower in this preparation is combined with the cardioprotective (improves heart function) effect of hawthorn. It is used for vegetative-vascular dystonia, increased nervous excitability, functional disorders of the heart, and neuroses. It is recommended to take 1 capsule orally once a day. If necessary, the dose can be doubled. The drug should be taken before meals with water. Duration of treatment – at least 1.5 months. Persen cardio is contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity to its components, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Side effects are standard. Contains lactose - should not be taken by persons intolerant to this substance. There are no data on safety during pregnancy and lactation. During treatment with this drug, it is not recommended to work with serious machinery or drive vehicles.
The composition and properties are similar to Persen. Available in capsules. It is recommended to take 2 capsules 2 times a day or 1 hour before bedtime.
Contains a complex of plant extracts (valerian, hawthorn, St. John's wort, mint, hop cones), pyridoxine and nicotinamide. Available in the form of tablets and oral solution. The active substances of medicinal plants have sedative, anti-anxiety, cardioprotective effects, reduce feelings of fear and mental stress. Vitamins normalize metabolism in nervous tissue. Indications are conditions of constant neuropsychic overstrain, neurasthenia, neurocirculatory dystonia, asthenic syndrome, stage 1 hypertension, menopausal syndrome and mild forms of dysmenorrhea. Tablets are used 2 pieces 3 times a day. Swallow whole with liquid. If necessary, the single dose can be increased to 3 tablets. If adverse reactions from the nervous system occur, reduce the dose to 1 tablet at a time. The solution is taken 1 teaspoon (5 ml) orally 3 times a day. The dose can be increased to 10 ml per dose. Contraindications to taking the drug are: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, bronchial asthma, spasmophilia, arterial hypotension, myasthenia gravis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, severe liver pathology, gout, diabetes mellitus that cannot be corrected, urolithiasis. Side effects occur in isolated cases, they are standard. Persons with hereditary pathologies of carbohydrate metabolism are not recommended to take this drug, since it contains lactose and sorbitol. While taking Sedavit, you should not expose your skin to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Sedariston
Available in the form of drops containing alcoholic extracts of St. John's wort, valerian and lemon balm, and capsules consisting of dry extracts of St. John's wort and valerian. The effects, side effects, indications and contraindications are similar to those of previously described drugs with similar composition. Recommended doses of drops: 20 drops. three times a day before or 2 hours after meals, first diluted in liquid. The recommended daily dose of the drug in capsule form is 4 pieces (2 capsules twice a day or 1 capsule 4 times a day) - before meals, with plenty of liquid.
Sedasen and Sedasen forte
Contains dry extracts of valerian, mint and lemon balm. The “forte” form differs from the simple one by containing 2.5 times more valerian extract. We will not repeat ourselves regarding the properties, indications, effects and side effects of these drugs - they are standard. It is recommended to take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times a day or 1 hour before bedtime, swallowing the capsule whole and drinking plenty of liquid. The duration of treatment varies, ranging from several weeks to 12 months. If no improvement in the patient's condition is observed within 2 weeks of taking the drug, treatment should be reconsidered.
Tablets containing thick extracts of valerian, motherwort and hawthorn. Has a sedative and cardioprotective effect. A single dose for an adult is 1–2 tablets, the maximum daily dose is 6 tablets.
Trivalumen
Capsules containing dry extracts of valerian, peppermint, hops and bean tree. It has sedative, hypnotic and a number of other, less pronounced properties that are not related to the nervous system. Does not cause addiction, does not depress psychomotor functions, and does not impair work ability. Used for insomnia due to nervous and mental fatigue, neurocirculatory dystonia of the cardiac type (accompanied by palpitations, increased heart rate, arterial hypertension, pain in the heart), decreased appetite.
It is recommended to take 1 capsule 2-3 times a day or 1-1.5 hours before bedtime. Duration of treatment is 1–2 weeks. After 10 days, the course of treatment can be repeated. In the vast majority of cases, the drug is well tolerated. If recommended doses are exceeded, side effects such as drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, decreased ability to work and the ability to concentrate, and decreased blood pressure may develop.
Contraindicated in case of increased individual sensitivity, cholelithiasis, hypotensive conditions, depression. It is not recommended to use this drug when working with serious machinery or driving vehicles.
Listed above are the most commonly used sedatives of plant origin in medical practice. We draw your attention to the fact that even taking into account the safety of this group of drugs, if you develop symptoms for which they are indicated, you should not self-medicate, but should immediately seek qualified medical help - only under this condition will the prescribed treatment bring maximum results !
Alternative methods of calming down
If you do not want to use drug treatment, you can resort to traditional methods. To normalize the state of the nervous system, you should prepare a tincture that has a sedative effect. To do this, you need to combine 5 grams of oats, valerian, hop cones, peony and lemon balm. The resulting mixture is added to 500 ml of alcohol and infused for 14 days. You need to take the medicine one teaspoon twice a day for a month.
Herbal teas are no less effective. You can make your own sedative tea. Motherwort, lemon balm, chamomile, mint, valerian, linden are suitable for the drink. You need to brew the herbs by adding a little honey to the solution. It is recommended to drink this tea at night. It eliminates nervous tension and helps normalize the process of falling asleep.
