COVID Pandemic is pushing more people to buy illegal sleeping pills and anxiety drugs online, evidence suggests Figures show a rise in the number of diazepam and alprazolam tablets being bought illegally in the UK.
Adele Robinson news correspondent SkyNewsAdele. Fill 2 Copy 11 Created with Sketch. Tuesday 2 March , UK. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Why you can trust Sky News. More on Covid Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram. Additionally, a diet consisting of whole foods and limited sugars and caffeine has anxiety-reducing properties.
In conjunction with a healthy diet, alcohol should be avoided or greatly reduced in an effort to combat symptoms of anxiety. Regular alcohol use has an effect on GABA, the neurotransmitter needed for balanced brain chemistry. Exercise may be the most important adjustment for reducing anxiety. Physical activity triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain such as endorphins and serotonin.
Yoga and other meditative activities are especially helpful in elevating mood and reducing stress. Benzos and other d rugs like Xanax are not sold over the counter for anxiety treatment. However, OTC antihistamines i. While there is likely not any harm in taking an occasional OTC antihistamine as an over-the-counter Xanax alternative , the sedating side effects are not ideal for regular use.
In addition, rather than self-medicating, any symptoms of anxiety should be discussed with a mental health professional in case better options are available. Some non-addictive alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety available by prescription include:. Usually, SSRIs are the first line of defense in anxiety treatment. However, they can take up to a few weeks to work. On the other hand, beta-blockers can be used off-label to reduce the physical side effect of anxiety, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness.
Buspirone is an older anti-anxiety medication that is coming back into use, but as seen with antidepressants, this anxiety medication could take a few weeks to work. Hydroxyzine Vistrial is the only medication in the above list that could be used as needed. It is dangerous to suddenly stop using benzos if you have been taking them regularly. Get medical support. Do not suddenly stop using them with support as withdrawal can be unpredictable. New HSE poster on new benzodiazepines in Ireland.
HSE update dated August for professionals about new benzodiazepines. Information for professionals dates August HPRA 'Dangers of buying prescription medication online'. English Gaeilge. Type of drugs About drugs Drugs and mental health Drugs and pregnancy Drugs and the law How long do drugs stay in your system? Prevention How can I tell if my child is using drugs?
I am worried that my teenager might be using drugs What should I do if I find out that my child is using drugs Intervention Talk about drugs and new drug trends For teens Cannabis Know the score The teen brain Worried about someone For teens: Drugs and mental health Getting help Drug trend updates and warnings. As their body becomes used to benzodiazepines the effect diminishes. People can experience withdrawal effects which can be life threatening if they try and stop suddenly.
If someone is taking benzodiazepines regularly for more than 4 weeks, it could be fatal to stop taking them. If you have been using for a shorter period, it can greatly reduce any unpleasant milder withdrawal effects by reducing gradually over a few days. More advice on benzodiazepine withdrawal is available from We Are With You.
Tablet strengths vary dramatically and some take a while to have an effect. Try a small test amount, such as half a tablet, and wait at least 2 hours before taking any more.
Benzodiazepines can increase the risk of drowsiness, problems with movement, balance and speech and disturbances of consciousness if taken with some prescribed and over the counter drugs. Put some away in a safe place if you have a large amount.
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