For someone under great stress, smoking more, drinking more and with a previous heart problem, is there something available over the counter in a pharmacy that is non addictive to act as a relaxant?

Atarax 25 mg

As with all medications, read up on side effects and contraindications first.

Do not mix with alcohol, and do not drive after taking

Unless the stress is do to an obvious and temporary cause, you would be best served by trying to address it rather than mask it with drugs (or use medication as a temporary measure while working to eliminate/reduce the stress itself)

Short-term therapy (see pinned notice)

Meditation

Both can help

Thank you Sheryl.

I wouldn't recommend Atarax personally - I usually take either Rohypnol or Valium, but I couldn't get it here, so was given Atarax instead.

It didn't help so much in de-stressing me, but did make me feel awful the next day.

I wouldn't recommend Atarax personally - I usually take either Rohypnol or Valium, but I couldn't get it here, so was given Atarax instead.

It didn't help so much in de-stressing me, but did make me feel awful the next day.

Valium??? No chance whatsoever. They are highly addictive. As hard an addiction to break as opiates are. I have a friend currently on Valium 5 mg for 2 years here. Dispensed by only 1 doctor at 'Chula University to my friend and they turn crazy when they do not have them.

Besides the topic was specifically for something non-addictive.

Sure - my point was I can take those ok (which are stronger), but Atarax made me feel awful!

Really groggy and a seriously dry mouth / throat.

Besides atarax their are several other antihistamines that can be used for taking the edge off.

As to atarax you may want to start with the 10mg dose which may reduce the physical after effects.

Dimenhydrinate - Known in the US as Dramamine for travel sickness may help but may be slower to take effect.

C.P.M. (chlorpheniramine) is another over the counter sold in bulk at Makro (I believe at 4mg.) which also may help.

As Sheryl suggests check up on usages and warnings but the above under most circumstances should be safe.

Then there is the old standby Chrysanthemum Tea which I have no idea where it is available. Been a stress cure for centuries.

And lastly along with Sheryl's meditation try deep breathing exercises that can have an immediate beneficial effect. Good to use also whenever you start to crave a cigarette as it will, if done correctly, alleviate the craving to a large extent (from one who knows and managed to quit after 40 years).

Remember that these will only take the edge off - it is up to you to fix whatever is causing your stress.

Good luck

Besides atarax their are several other antihistamines that can be used for taking the edge off.

As to atarax you may want to start with the 10mg dose which may reduce the physical after effects.

Dimenhydrinate - Known in the US as Dramamine for travel sickness may help but may be slower to take effect.

C.P.M. (chlorpheniramine) is another over the counter sold in bulk at Makro (I believe at 4mg.) which also may help.

As Sheryl suggests check up on usages and warnings but the above under most circumstances should be safe.

Then there is the old standby Chrysanthemum Tea which I have no idea where it is available. Been a stress cure for centuries.

And lastly along with Sheryl's meditation try deep breathing exercises that can have an immediate beneficial effect. Good to use also whenever you start to crave a cigarette as it will, if done correctly, alleviate the craving to a large extent (from one who knows and managed to quit after 40 years).

Remember that these will only take the edge off - it is up to you to fix whatever is causing your stress.

Good luck

I do appreciate yours and Sheryl's replies.

The sources (plural) of the stress will be dealt with but that can take time sometimes. There are occasions when we do need a little something to tide us over that point in time until the removal can take place.

I'd rather have something to take the edge off than resort to heavier smoking and drinking that excess stress can lead to

Some people also find Valerian helpful.

I just wanted to say, taking the Atarax for three days now and they do help take the 'edge' off, especially during the daytime. I feel more relaxed but not too dopey. The 'anger & frustration' are not there so much now. That helps keep the stress levels down and has to be better for the heart. This also has to be better than drinking in the daytime.

A couple of beers before bed - and I do mean a couple - gives a good nights sleep too.

I am not smoking as much as I was either, nor do I feel the urge to chain smoke and it was reaching that level .

I am not getting any side effects apart from a little drowsiness. No dry mouth or other problems. Maybe this is because I am limiting taking the Atarax to when I feel I need them as opposed to X amount per day.

The advice given here and the PM I received have been helpful and I hope to be back to my old self in a while. Then it will be 'sex and drugs and rock n roll again'

edit typo

Edited May 13, 201115 yr by electrozebra

I'm happy to hear that What dosage are you taking?