Relaxation Therapy Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Relaxation Therapy interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Relaxation Therapy is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Relaxation Therapy is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Relaxation Therapy against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Relaxation Therapy
0 medications have a known interaction with Relaxation Therapy, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Relaxation Therapy. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Relaxation Therapy combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Relaxation Therapy: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Relaxation therapy is a group of mind-body techniques—like deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation—used to reduce stress and promote calm. It is low-risk for most people and has moderate evidence for easing anxiety, stress, and some pain or sleep problems. It is best used alongside, not instead of, standard medical care.
- Part used
- Not applicable (mind-body practice)
- Common forms
- Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, autogenic training, biofeedback, meditation
- Anxiety and stress
- Trouble sleeping
- Chronic pain
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Calming before medical procedures
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
These techniques are generally very safe for most people.
When used appropriately. Relaxation therapy has been used in several clinical trials with apparent safety in pregnant women.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; however, there are no known reasons to expect adverse effects in lactating women.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Relaxation therapy is not an herb or supplement—it is a group of mind-body practices designed to calm the body and mind. Unlike a pill, you do not swallow anything. Instead, you use techniques to lower stress and ease tension.
Common forms include deep (diaphragmatic) breathing, progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and releasing muscle groups), guided imagery (picturing peaceful scenes), autogenic training, and biofeedback. Many of these methods overlap with meditation and yoga.
People use relaxation therapy on their own, through apps and audio recordings, or with a trained therapist. It is often used to manage everyday stress and as part of treatment plans for anxiety, pain, and sleep problems.
How it works
Relaxation techniques are thought to work by calming the body's "fight or flight" stress response. They activate what is sometimes called the relaxation response, which is linked to the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") part of the nervous system.
This can lead to slower breathing, a lower heart rate, relaxed muscles, and a sense of calm. Some research suggests regular practice may lower stress hormones like cortisol, though findings vary.
Because relaxation therapy targets the mind-body connection rather than a single chemical, its effects are broad and may differ from person to person.
Does Relaxation Therapy work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
Possibly Effective Angina
Practicing relaxation therapy may modestly improve angina frequency and exercise tolerance in patients with angina.
Possibly Effective Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Practicing relaxation therapy may modestly improve symptoms of anxiety in patients with GAD. However, it is unclear if it is as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Also studied for 42 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Some small, low-quality clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may modestly improve asthma symptom management; however, conflicting evidence exists.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Although there has been interest in the practice of relaxation therapy for eczema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of relaxation therapy for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Breast cancer
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy might improve medication adherence and reduce hot flash frequency in patients with breast cancer.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Burns
It is unclear if relaxation therapy is beneficial for reducing anxiety related to pain in adults with burns.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer-related fatigue
Some, but not all, clinical research suggests that relaxation therapy may reduce cancer-related fatigue.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer-related pain
Some clinical research shows that relaxation therapy reduces pain in adults with cancer.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
It is unclear if relaxation therapy is beneficial for reducing CINV.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with CFS.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with COPD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dysmenorrhea
It is unclear if relaxation therapy is beneficial for dysmenorrhea.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Epilepsy
Although there has been interest in the practice of relaxation therapy for epilepsy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of relaxation therapy for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fibromyalgia
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in adults with fibromyalgia.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Headache
While some conflicting evidence exists, several small, low-quality clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may modestly reduce the frequency and intensity of recurrent headaches in children and adults.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Infertility
Relaxation therapy has only been evaluated in combination with other interventions; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insomnia
Although there has been interest in the practice of relaxation therapy for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of relaxation therapy for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in adults or children with IBS.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in children with JIA.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Kidney failure
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial for reducing pain in adults undergoing hemodialysis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Labor pain
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may slightly improve pain during the latent phase of labor, but not during active labor.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Low back pain
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may modestly improve symptoms in patients with low back pain, although it does not appear to be as effective as massage.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Meniere disease
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with Meniere disease.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may modestly reduce hot flash frequency and improve other symptoms of menopause.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Multiple sclerosis (MS)
It is unclear if relaxation therapy is beneficial for patients with MS.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Myocardial infarction (MI)
While some conflicting evidence exists, several small clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may modestly improve outcomes in patients recovering from MI.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Small clinical studies suggest that relaxation therapy may modestly improve anxiety, depression, and feelings of anger or guilt in patients with PTSD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative pain
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy reduces postoperative pain. Clinical studies are conflicting and may vary depending on the type of surgery and the type of relaxation technique used.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postpartum depression
Relaxation therapy has only been evaluated in combination with other interventions; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pre-procedural anxiety
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial for reducing pre-procedural anxiety.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pregnancy-induced hypertension
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with PMDD.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with PMS.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Preterm labor
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may not reduce the risk of preterm birth, although it might reduce maternal anxiety during preterm labor.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psychological well-being
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial for improving psychological well-being.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in children or adults with RA.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Social anxiety disorder
Small clinical studies suggest that practicing relaxation therapy may modestly improve symptoms of anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder; however, relaxation therapy seems to be less effective than other modalities.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stress
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in otherwise healthy patients with stress.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with SLE.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
Small clinical studies suggest that relaxation therapy may modestly improve some symptoms in adults with TMD, although it may be most beneficial when used in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tinnitus
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in patients with tinnitus.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tourette syndrome
It is unclear if practicing relaxation therapy is beneficial in children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Urticaria
Relaxation therapy has only been evaluated in combination with other interventions; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Relaxation therapy is very safe for most people and has few risks. You can practice many techniques at home for free.
A small number of people feel more anxious, restless, or have unwanted thoughts when first practicing deep relaxation or meditation. If you have a history of trauma, severe anxiety, or certain mental health conditions, it is wise to start with guidance from a trained professional.
Relaxation therapy is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is often recommended for stress and labor preparation. Still, it is a good idea to let your doctor or midwife know what you are doing.
Importantly, relaxation therapy should not replace needed medical care. Always continue prescribed treatments and talk with your pharmacist or doctor before changing any therapy.
Side effects
Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Some people may feel sleepy, lightheaded (especially with deep breathing), or notice their mind wandering.
Rarely, focused relaxation or meditation can bring up uncomfortable emotions, increased anxiety, or intrusive thoughts. If this happens, stop and consider working with a trained therapist.
Because no substance is taken into the body, there is no risk of overdose or drug-like toxicity.
Dosing
There is no standardized "dose" for relaxation therapy. Many programs suggest practicing for about 10 to 20 minutes once or twice a day, but what matters most is regular, consistent practice.
You can use guided apps, audio recordings, classes, or work one-on-one with a therapist or biofeedback specialist. Start with short sessions and build up as you feel comfortable.
If you are using relaxation therapy for a specific health condition, ask your pharmacist or doctor how to fit it into your overall care plan.
Relaxation Therapy & Pregnancy
Relaxation Therapy & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 5 references that drive our Relaxation Therapy monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Hart S, et al. Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 1999;20(1):31-8. PubMed
- Janke J. The effect of relaxation therapy on preterm labor outcomes. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 1999;28(3):255-63. PubMed
- Little BC, Hayworth J, Benson P, et al. Treatment of hypertension in pregnancy by relaxation and biofeedback. Lancet 1984;1(8382):865-7. PubMed
- Khianman B, Pattanittum P, Thinkhamrop J, Lumbiganon P. Relaxation therapy for preventing and treating preterm labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(8):CD007426. DOI
- Smith CA, Levett KM, Collins CT, Armour M, Dahlen HG, Suganuma M. Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;3:CD009514. PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Relaxation Therapy: Common Questions
What is Relaxation Therapy used for, and does it work?
Does Relaxation Therapy interact with prescription medications?
How are Relaxation Therapy interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Relaxation Therapy with my medications?
Where does this Relaxation Therapy interaction information come from?
What is Relaxation Therapy used for?
Is Relaxation Therapy safe?
Can I do Relaxation Therapy while pregnant or breastfeeding?
How long does it take to see benefits?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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