Hydroxyzine

[Yenn]

"Hydroxyzine's predominant mechanism of action is as a potent and selective histamine H1 receptor inverse agonist.[44][45] This action is responsible for its antihistamine and sedative effects.[44][45] Unlike many other first-generation antihistamines, hydroxyzine has a lower affinity for the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and in accordance, has a lower risk of anticholinergic side effects.[41][45][46][47] In addition to its antihistamine activity, hydroxyzine has also been shown to act more weakly as an antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, the dopamine D2 receptor, and the α1-adrenergic receptor.[36][44] Similarly to the atypical antipsychotics, the comparably weak antiserotonergic effects of hydroxyzine likely underlie its usefulness as an anxiolytic.[48] Other antihistamines without such properties have not been found to be effective in the treatment of anxiety.[49]"

Many Peaters know about cyproheptadine but it can be sometimes hard to access, I recently learned about the existence of hydroxyzine and that it's a lot easier to find for me, as it exists on every street pharmacy, is OTC and costs less than 2 euros a pack. It seems to me very similar to cypro, being primarily anti-histamine but also anti-serotonin. It lacks the appetite increase and instead has a very potent anti-anxiety effect and sedation.

"Hydroxyzine is not a cortical depressant, so its sedative properties likely occur at the subcortical level of the CNS. These sedative properties allow activity as an anxiolytic. Antiemetic efficacy is likely secondary to activity at off-targets."
^ means no addiction/downregulation similar to that of benzodiazepines

Prevention of “Learned Helplessness” in the Rat by Hydroxyzine