Over The Counter Anxiety Medications (2026)
For those who are seeking an alternative to prescription drugs to treat anxiety symptoms, there are several over-the-counter anxiety medications that may be helpful.
At Time Wellness Arkansas, we believe that more moderate to severe cases of anxiety benefit from comprehensive intervention. If you or someone you love has been struggling with anxiety, we are available to help. Contact us to learn more about effective anxiety disorder treatment options in Arkansas.
Popular Over-The-Counter Anxiety Medications
It’s common to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat problems such as the common cold, aching muscles, and allergy symptoms. But the potential benefits of OTC meds aren’t limited to minor health concerns. Some substances within this category may also be useful for alleviating psychological distress.
It’s important to remember that regulatory oversight of OTC meds in the U.S. isn’t as stringent as the standards that prescription drugs must meet. If you’re considering taking any of the over-the-counter anxiety medications discussed in today’s post, you should consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional before starting.
With that caution in mind, here are seven OTC drugs that may provide relief from anxiety symptoms:
Magnesium
If you’ve done much online research on this topic you may already be familiar with magnesium. It is frequently included in lists of the most effective over-the-counter anxiety medications.
According to an April 2017 systematic review in the open-access journal Nutrients, an assessment of 18 studies revealed “modest support” for the belief that magnesium can be helpful to people who been experiencing mild to moderate anxiety.
However, the authors of that review cautioned that higher quality studies, including randomized controlled trials and the use of placebos, is needed to accurately determine magnesium’s effectiveness at easing anxiety symptoms.
L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine, which is often referred to simply as tyrosine, is an amino acid that is present in high-protein foods such as fish, meat, milk, peanuts, and soybeans.
As noted in a November 2015 review in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, the body uses tyrosine in the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is involved with functions such as mood, learning, pleasure, and memory, while norepinephrine plays a key role in the “fight or flight” response to perceived threats.
Several sources identify l-tyrosine as an effective over-the-counter anxiety med, but others have cast doubt on such statements. For example, a November 2019 Scientific Reports study determined that l-tyrosine can reduce expressions of fear, but it does not appear to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) benefits.
Chamomile
Can a cup of tea ease your anxiety? If it’s chamomile tea, research indicates that it may.
An April 2024 systematic review in the journal Clinical Nutrition Research found that “oral consumption of chamomile was effective in reducing anxiety in most of the available trials.” The authors of this study found that daily consumption of chamomile may be helpful to several population segments, including:
- Individuals who have a diagnosed anxiety disorder
- Women who experience anxiety during menstruation
- Postmenopausal women with anxiety
- People who have insomnia and anxiety
The review also noted that studies involving people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with co-occurring depression suggest that chamomile may also have antidepressant properties.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, which is sometimes also called Indian ginseng, is an evergreen shrub that is native to parts of Southeast Asia, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), it has been used in traditional medicine for several centuries in some areas.
According to the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) studies have found that the effects of ashwagandha can include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased sense of calm
- Decreased depression
- Improved sleep quality
- Heightened mental clarity
Melatonin
The human body naturally produces melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is also available as an over-the-counter supplement for people who have been experiencing insomnia or other sleep problems.
In December 2022, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences published a study that evaluated melatonin’s potential as an anti-anxiety medication. That study noted that:
- Melatonin has demonstrated anxiolytic benefits in experiments involving animals.
- Prior research has found that melatonin was effective at reducing pre- and post-operative anxiety in children and adults who underwent several types of surgical procedures.
“Since melatonin is freely available, economically undemanding and has limited side effects,” the study’s authors wrote, “it may be considered an additional or alternative treatment for different conditions associated with anxiety.”
Valerian root
Valerian is an herb that is indigenous to several regions across the globe, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
An article on the American Family Physician website reported that valerian root can improve sleep quality when taken on a nightly basis for one to two weeks, and it appears to be a safe sedative option for people with mild to moderate insomnia.
Though valerian root is often promoted as an over-the-counter anxiety medication, the AFP article noted that there is “minimal amount of scientific data” to suggest that it is effective when used for this purpose. However, the authors wrote that a 2002 study found that taking valerian for seven days led to decreased blood pressure and diminished self-reported stress.
Also, a separate small study from 2002 found that participants with GAD who took 50mg of a valerian extract three times per day made improvements as scored on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale.
B Vitamins
There are eight B vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B4), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12).
The primary role of most of these vitamins is to help the body convert food into energy. Two of them, B6 and B12, may also have anti-anxiety properties.
A September 2022 article in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery reported that young adults who took high doses of vitamin B6 supplements for more than a month experienced decreased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Participants who took B12 supplements as part of the same study experienced minor improvements in anxiety and depression when compared to the placebo group. However, their improvements did not match the gains made by those who took B6.
Learn More About Anxiety Treatment in Arkansas
If over-the-counter anxiety medication hasn’t produced the results you had hoped for, please know that other options are available.
Time Wellness Arkansas offers multiple levels of customized outpatient care for adults. We treat anxiety, depression, other mental health concerns. Treatment options at our center in Fayetteville, AR, include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and virtual (online) care.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.