Are there effective over-the-counter anxiety medications, and when is prescription treatment necessary in Europe?

Over-the-counter anxiety options explained: herbal supplements, antihistamines, beta blockers (prescription), evidence limits, and safety considerations.

In this episode, we clarify what can realistically be purchased without a prescription for anxiety symptoms in the EU and what the clinical evidence supports.

You’ll learn:

• Which products are sold OTC (e.g., valerian, magnesium, L-theanine)

• The limited clinical evidence for many herbal supplements

• Why antihistamines may cause sedation but do not treat anxiety disorders

• The difference between short-term symptom relief and diagnosed anxiety conditions

• When SSRIs or SNRIs are considered first-line (pre ...