Home Symptoms Anxiety

Anxiety — what to take?

Anxiety is a state of excessive unease with physical symptoms (palpitations, sweating, tremor) and psychological ones (fear, worry). Anxiety disorder affects 10-15% of adults.

Also known as: restlessness fear panic attacks anxious
5 recommended OTC drugs
8,258 pharmacies available

In short: anxiety usually improves with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. On HartaFarmacii there are 5 commonly used options: Magneziu, Ashwagandha, Valeriana, Passiflora, Sunatoare. For each one you can compare the price across the Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet chains and see which of the 8,258 pharmacies near you has it in stock, with prices updated daily. OTC treatment is suitable for mild, short-lived forms. See a doctor if signs such as frequent panic attacks; suicidal thoughts appear. This information is for general guidance only, is not medical advice and does not replace a specialist consultation — for a diagnosis, or if symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What you can take for anxiety

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Frequent panic attacks
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Extreme avoidance of social/professional situations
  • Severe physical symptoms (chest pain — rule out myocardial infarction)
  • Use of alcohol/drugs to cope

Common forms

Generalized anxiety disorder (chronic worry), panic disorder (acute attacks), social phobia, agoraphobia, anxiety associated with somatic illnesses, anticipatory anxiety.

OTC treatment / supplements

Magnesium, valerian, passionflower, St. John's wort (caution — interacts with many medications), L-theanine. Modest effects — useful in mild anxiety as an adjuvant.

Ashwagandha has the strongest evidence among herbs for reducing anxiety. CBD oil has emerging evidence.

Effective treatments (Rx)

SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine) — first line for chronic anxiety. Benzodiazepines (diazepam, alprazolam) — strictly short-term (max 2-4 weeks) for acute crises, risk of dependence. Buspirone, pregabalin — alternatives.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment with the best evidence — efficacy similar to medication, lasting effect. Techniques: breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, graduated exposure, cognitive restructuring.

What helps daily

  • Regular aerobic exercise — anti-anxiety effect comparable to SSRIs.
  • Reducing caffeine (it increases anxiety in sensitive people).
  • Quality sleep (anxiety and insomnia feed each other).
  • Meditation, yoga.
  • Avoid alcohol as self-medication — it amplifies anxiety in the long term.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a health professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for anxiety

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicines for anxiety

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for anxiety

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For anxiety most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for anxiety runs over weeks.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Stres

Stresul e răspunsul fiziologic la solicitări. Cronic — afectează imunitatea, cardiovascular, somn, digestie, sănătate mentală.

 Symptom

Insomnie

Insomnia = dificultate la adormire, menținerea somnului sau somn neodihnitor, cu impact asupra funcționării diurne. Afectează 10-30% dintre adulți.

 Symptom

Oboseală

Oboseala e lipsă persistentă de energie, peste ce e normal după efort. Cauzele variază de la lipsă de somn la anemie, hipotiroidie, diabet, depresie, boli cronice.

 Condition

Depresie

Depresia e tulburare afectivă cu dispoziție tristă persistentă, pierdere de interes, modificări în somn/apetit/energie. Afectează 15-20% din populație pe parcursul vieții. Necesită tratament medical.

 Condition

Tulburări anxioase

Tulburările anxioase includ: TAG (anxietate generalizată), tulburare panică, fobie socială, agorafobia, fobii specifice, PTSD, TOC. Afectează 15-20% pe parcursul vieții.

Frequently asked

What else do you want to know?

What can I take OTC for mild anxiety?
Magnesium, ashwagandha, valerian, passionflower. Modest effect. For severe anxiety, consult your doctor.
Does ashwagandha have adverse effects?
Rarely — digestive discomfort, drowsiness. Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, autoimmune diseases.
When is a prescription medication needed?
Anxiety that significantly interferes with life, frequent panic attacks, associated depression.
How do I stop a panic attack?
4-7-8 breathing, count the objects around you, accept that it passes in 10-20 min, cold water on the face.

See also

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