Stress, insomnia and increased anxiety are frequent “side effects” of modern life. And if they bother you or your child, we will help you choose best sedativewhich has a minimal amount of side effects.
In this rating, we have collected effective sedatives, which have received many good reviews on specialized medical resources such as WebMD and Healthline, and review sites (Otzovik and iRecommend). All are sold over-the-counter and ranked according to the ratio of positive and negative reviews.
Sedatives for the adult nervous system
5. Phytosedan - collection No. 2
Average price: 85 rubles.
This is a good sedative with a natural composition, low price and a pronounced herbal taste. The active components of Phytosedan are: motherwort, mint, hop cones and licorice root. All of these herbs (except licorice) are known for their sedative effect. However, licorice is not in vain present in the composition. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tonic effect and is a natural antidepressant.
This collection helps during premenstrual syndrome, during high psycho-emotional stress and in sleep disorders.
According to reviews, it is better to buy the “Fitosedan” collection in filter bags, and less to tinker with them, and the taste is not as bitter as the “loose” collection.
4. Afobazole
Average price: 354 rubles.
This is a synthetic monocomponent preparation. The active substance (fabomotizole dihydrochloride) is an anxiolytic, or a tranquilizer. Afobazol tablets do not act immediately, but after a few days of regular use.
The effect comes smoothly and gently, mood improves, sleep normalizes and, as one of the reviews said, “the head becomes clearer”. When taking, there is no drowsiness, and after stopping the intake there is no withdrawal syndrome.
3. Theanine
Average price: 441 rubles.
In capsules of the drug "Theanine" from the company "Evalar" contains L-theanine. This amino acid found in green tea leaves helps fight anxiety that interferes with sleep. A 2007 study found that L-theanine lowers heart rate and immune responses to stress.
- L-theanine closely resembles glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. However, L-theanine produces the opposite effect in the brain. It binds to the same brain cell receptors as glutamate, and blocks them until the effects of arousal. This inhibits excessive brain activity and has a calming, relaxing effect, in which anxiety disappears.
- In addition to blocking excitatory stimuli at the glutamate receptors in the brain, L-theanine also stimulates the production of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This amino acid inhibits mental arousal.
- Unlike prescription drugs that are prescribed for stress, L-theanine does not put you to sleep or fine motor skills. Therefore, Theanine can be called the best sedative for those who need calm and concentration instead of falling asleep quickly.
Of particular interest are studies showing that supplementation with L-theanine prevents a sharp increase in blood pressure due to stress. For many people, normal resting blood pressure levels are replaced by dangerously high levels in stressful situations. This leads to a sharp deterioration in well-being and is bad for the condition of the heart and blood vessels.
2. Persen
Average price: 275 rubles.
One of the fast-acting non-addictive sedatives. Available in the form of tablets and capsules. It contains natural ingredients: extracts of peppermint, valerian and lemon balm.
- A 2002 study by the Brazilian Federal University of Parana suggests that valerian reduces anxiety.
- Peppermint helps with muscle and headaches, improves digestion and relieves bloating.
- Melissa relieves anxiety and improves mood.
Like most other herbal preparations, Persen acts as long as you take it. Therefore, it can be recommended to adults and adolescents who need to cope with emotional stress and insomnia in a short time, and for a short time (the course of admission is a month). People with severe depression or chronic insomnia will need strong sedatives, which can be prescribed by a neurologist or psychiatrist.
1. New Passit
Average price: 232 rubles.
This remedy has a rich composition, which includes: extracts of lemon balm, valerian, St. John's wort, hop, elderberry, passionflower (passion flower) and hawthorn.
- Hawthorn reduces pressure, reduces fatigue and reduces symptoms in cardiovascular diseases.
- Elderberry black useful for coughing and respiratory viral diseases. It contains flavonoids-antioxidants, such as rutin and quartzetine.
- Hypericum perforatum used in medicine to treat various types of depression. It stimulates the production of the “hormone of happiness” -serotonin.
- Meat-red passionflower helps with anxiety disorders and insomnia.
- Also in tablets and Novo-Passita solution there is guaifenesin - An agent with an expectorant (mucolytic) and anti-anxiety effect.
- Valerian - A recognized fighter with nervousness, excitement, sleep disturbances and stress.
- Melissa - also a well-known sedative, improves mood, and relieves spasms.
- Hop improves sleep and normalizes circadian rhythms.
“I take Novo-Passit in tablets. It helps me a lot. These miracle pills not only soothe, but also reduce the level of anxiety and aggressiveness. Now I normally fall asleep and sleep without awakening until morning. She became more tolerant of family members and work colleagues. In general, it’s easier for me to live with Novo-Passit. His composition is completely natural, so his reception will certainly not be worse. I and daughters of 12 years sometimes give it. He also tolerates it perfectly. ”
– Marina, Moscow.
Thanks to a well-chosen composition, Novo-Passit is one of the most effective non-addictive drugs if you need to quickly put your nerves in order. In addition, his list of indications includes migraine, menopause, itchy dermatoses and irritable bowel syndrome.
Sedatives for children
5. Glycine
Average price: 40 rubles.
This amino acid (its other names are aminoethanoic acid and aminoacetic acid) is necessary for various muscular, cognitive and metabolic functions in the human body. It helps break down and transport nutrients such as glycogen and fat, which the body cells will use to generate energy. Without glycine, neither the digestive system nor the nervous system will function normally. Some neuropathologists call this substance a “vitamin for the brain.”
According to studies at the University of North Carolina, glycine can be used to reduce unpleasant symptoms in people with ulcers, arthritis, leaky gut syndrome, diabetes, kidney and heart failure, neurobehavioral disorders, chronic fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Glycine is not a medicine and, judging by the reviews, has a cumulative effect. It gently and gradually reduces increased irritability, aggressiveness in children, normalizes sleep, improves concentration and can be used during adaptation to new conditions. Glycine tablets can be given even to children under one year of age (but only on the recommendation of a pediatrician or neurologist).
4. Magnesium
Average price: 150-210 rubles.
Magnesium is a natural mineral and an important nutrient necessary for the human body. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help normalize sleep.
The recommended daily limit for older children and adults is 350 mg. More is not always better, and if you take too much magnesium, it can cause abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and lowering blood pressure. The type of magnesium in supplements can also make a big difference. Magnesium supplements are often obtained by combining magnesium with organic substances and amino acids to make them more chemically stable and improve absorption. The type of substance magnesium is mixed with can affect the effects of the supplement.
- For example, magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide, as a rule, have a laxative effect, which may not be required by the child.
- Magnesium glycinate has the least laxative effect, and this may be a good choice for people with a sensitive digestive system.
- Other common forms of magnesium include: magnesium malate, magnesium aspartate, and magnesium threonate.
3. Bai Bai
Average price: 136 rubles.
This means of the Russian production (LLC Kurortmedservis) is issued in the form of drops and is intended for children from three years. It contains plant components: extracts of mint, lemon balm, linden, chamomile and oregano. Also in its composition is magnesium sulfate.
Drops help children fall asleep better and can be used during periods of increased emotional stress (for example, before an exam or important competitions). A good night's sleep is vital to the mood and normal functioning of the brain. Studies show that lack of adequate rest can worsen ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, leading to a loss of emotional control. It can also negatively affect working memory.
On a monthly course "Bai-Bai" (subject to three meals a day) will require 4 bottles. According to reviews, the bottle is not a very convenient dispenser.
2. Babyline bath salt with chamomile
Average price: 69 rubles.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita) is one of the most popular traditional medicine. It is used to treat a wide range of childhood ailments: from colds, teething and colic, to indigestion, anxiety and irritability. It is an ideal herb for moody babies and children who cannot calm down to fall asleep. Bathing in a bath with the addition of sea salt will help relieve itching and irritation from prickly heat and mosquito bites. And chamomile has a relaxing effect and is a good natural antiseptic. Such baths are suitable for children from the first months of life (unless there is an objection from the pediatrician), they are easy to use and inexpensive.
Chamomile can be used not only as part of salt baths, but also as an independent tool. It can be added to tea and drunk with a little honey. However, such a sedative with honey is suitable for children older than 12 months in order to avoid the so-called infant botulism.
Chamomile is considered very safe, but since it is part of the Asteraceae family (aster, Asteraceae), it should not be given to anyone who is allergic to other plants from this family.
1. Little hare
Average price: 233 rubles.
It is a sedative on Russian-made herbs (Alkoy LLC). It is available in the form of syrup and is intended for children 3 years of age and older. The “Hare” contains many natural components: extracts of lemon balm, fennel, oregano, chamomile, thyme and peppermint. It also has vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin B6, the combined use of which reduces anxiety and aggression, and promotes healthy sleep. Due to the content of vitamins, the product is excellent for use in the autumn-winter period.
In the reviews of the syrup it is said that it helps well nervous and poorly sleeping children, prone to tantrums. However, it tastes sugary, it has a lot of sugar and apple-cherry juice. Therefore, the "little hare" is not suitable for children with diabetes. However, it can be diluted in an unsweetened liquid, for example, in warm water or tea.
Due to the natural composition, the syrup is stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, and you need to take it for 2 weeks. That is, 2 packages are required for the course of admission.
“If the situation does not require serious medications, then the Hare Syrup is quite suitable as a mild sedative. After it, the kids do not become lethargic, just the usual activity does not turn into a hurricane. And in the evening - a sweet deal, for a good sleep of children and peace of mind of parents. ”
– Oksana.
Before taking any of the means described in the list, you must always consult with a general practitioner. The fact that the drug contains natural ingredients does not mean that it is completely safe for all people.
