SSRIs take longer to work than Xanax and are considered a long-term treatment for anxiety. Numerous studies show that L-theanine can simultaneously enhance mental acuity and reduce stress 6. Xanax is a medication commonly prescribed for those who experience anxiety and panic disorders. As a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication, people may seek Xanax as a quick fix for their symptoms. However, antidepressants and therapy can be a safe alternative to Xanax and a more effective treatment. Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and kava are increasingly popular holistic options for treating anxiety.
Safer Xanax Alternatives Looking for a Better Way?
Researchers have found that certain strains can alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood (57). Omega-3s, especially EPA, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can then benefit brain health and alleviate symptoms of anxiety (46). Theanine has gained attention for its calming and cognitive-enhancing properties.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an oral antidepressant that can be prescribed off-label for anxiety. Wellbutrin treats anxiety by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness. Wellbutrin carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
As a result, it’s a compelling natural option for those seeking relief from stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs I took to reduce stress and anxiety as I came off my psychiatric medications. Multiple clinical studies have investigated the effectiveness of Kava in treating anxiety. Clinical trials have shown that Silexan is effective at reducing anxiety. It even compares favorably to some conventional benzodiazepines and antidepressants, but without the potential for addiction or significant drowsiness (15).
Side Effects Of Xanax Use
Along with Passion flower, Valerian was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety. This empowers individuals to take control of their mental health in diverse ways, from dietary shifts to mindfulness practices. This article will delve into these natural Xanax alternatives, presenting a holistic approach to managing anxiety and stress. The allure of natural Xanax alternatives lies in their potential to alleviate anxiety without the accompanying risks of traditional medications like Xanax.
Since Xanax and other benzodiazepines such as Ativan are habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence, you should take some precautions when deciding to stop using them. Be sure to talk with your provider about how you can decrease your dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Generally, antidepressant medications are just as effective and can be more effective in the long term. These medications can treat depression and anxiety, which is helpful since symptoms of both commonly occur at the same time, making them a good substitute for Xanax. Additionally, because Xanax increases the activity of GABA, neurons adapt to the presence of the drug and become underactive when withdrawn. As a result, it is common for people to develop a physical dependence on Xanax and other similar medications over time.
What is the best benzodiazepine for anxiety?
- Despite having a similar name as the stimulant alkaloid caffeine, caffeic acids are unrelated to the former in their structure and mechanisms of action.
- While Xanax has gained widespread recognition for its immediate relief against anxiety, relying on it isn’t without its pitfalls.
- Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.
- If a person is taking Xanax, they may be at a greater risk of an opioid overdose, as many people have a prescription for both drugs.
- The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
It helps calm down the activity of neurons, which can prevent feelings of anxiety. Alternatives to Xanax include SSRIs, SNRIS, and propranolol, which don’t have the same potential for misuse. Natural Xanax alternatives aren’t always clinically proven to work as a substitute.
- It also alters wakefulness and sleep-wake cycles by regulating brainwave activity.
- It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain and nervous system.
- It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax.
It’s believed to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, promoting a sense of relaxation (2). Xanax, also known as alprazolam, has undoubtedly provided relief to countless individuals who struggle with anxiety. To combat these feelings, many turn to medications like Xanax, a widely prescribed drug that offers temporary relief. If your treatment plan includes medication, your psychiatrist will prescribe and manage it.
It is a melatonin receptor agonist, which helps to balance chemicals in the brain. It has recently been approved for long-term use, so it is safer and likely to come with fewer side effects when compared to Xanax. Canadian scientist David Suzuki describes one such chemical that is now banned in the US but not alternative to xanax otc elsewhere, called Triclosan. Triclosan is used in thousands of common household products like bedsheets, garbage bags, toys, and even hand sanitizer and mouthwash. This chemical does not easily degrade but does easily pass through human skin. It is suspected of endocrine disruption, which means it may interfere with hormones and neurotransmitters.
Baclofen for Opiate Withdrawal & Addiction Treatment
This may reduce cortisol production, helping to lower stress levels, and increase serotonin and GABA levels to create a more relaxed and calm mental state. This non-sedative effect makes L-theanine a gentler alternative to medications like Xanax which may cause sleepiness and dependency. Studies have shown that L-theanine can reduce stress responses — such as increased cortisol levels (a hormone linked to stress) — without causing drowsiness, making it suitable for daily use.
Alternatives to Xanax: What are some safer options for anxiety?
Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed). While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments. Natural treatments can range from movement therapy to herbal supplements. Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing short-term anxiety or stress. Breathwork has been proven to improve anxiety symptoms, both on a day-to-day basis and in acute episodes of anxiety, like panic attacks.
For example, if you have mild anxiety, L-theanine or mindfulness practices may be helpful. But if your symptoms are severe, SNRIs or SSRIs will likely offer longer-term benefits. A balanced diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters. By boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin, exercise is known to improve mood, ease tension, and reduce irritability.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, Brightside Health is here to help. We can connect you to a therapist, or to a medical provider that can help you reduce anxiety and get feeling better. Before digging into the Xanax alternatives, though, a quick reminder that medical advice from a qualified mental health provider is always your best source of information about your treatment program. Mindfulness and meditation practices have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. These techniques focus on bringing attention to the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, are primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions.
Much like Valerian and Passion flower, lemon balm is believed to positively influence GABA levels in the brain. As a result, it promotes relaxation and reduces overactivity in the nervous system (10). The term “therapist” can apply to a range of professionals including social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts.
Stimulating this nerve can rapidly promote feelings of calm and reduce anxiety symptoms. Techniques for vagal stimulation include cold exposure, humming, and the practice of certain yoga poses, all of which have been shown to engage the parasympathetic nervous system 27. Therefore, lemon balm extract is a natural Xanax alternative that putatively synergizes with other natural alternatives like valerian root and L-theanine. KSM-66® Ashwagandha tends to be the most popular extract used in clinical studies. You can find this specific ingredient in Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha capsules. By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of anxiety and depression.
By modulating the activity of NMDA receptors in the brain, magnesium can help regulate neural excitability, preventing overstimulation and promoting calmness (32). Along with its anxiety-reducing properties, chamomile also exhibits antidepressant activity (30). As a result, it has been a staple in traditional medicine across various cultures, and it’s a potential alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax.
This medication typically starts improving anxiety symptoms in three to four weeks. SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Stopping Xanax abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms — such as seizures, panic attacks, and psychosis — that may last weeks or even months. This type of brain activity leads to symptoms like an increased heart rate and hypervigilance. Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness. Many people in recovery from substance abuse have found yoga to be a great method for building healthy habits and reducing drug or alcohol cravings.