It has strong muscle-relaxing, sedative, and calming effects, so it is sometimes used as a pre-anesthetic before surgery. If you’re considering stopping the use of Xanax, seek the medical advice of your doctor and ask what they recommend as an alprazolam alternative. Cutting back or eliminating caffeine can serve as a natural approach to reducing anxiety, making it a lifestyle alternative to medications like Xanax. Deep breathing also lowers levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in the body, which then leads to reduced anxiety (64). 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.
A comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Individuals with anxiety must work closely with their healthcare professionals to find the most suitable alternative based on specific needs and responses. Numerous studies have evaluated CBT’s impact on conditions ranging from mental and physical disorders to behavioral problems. Research suggests that CBT can be effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns 8. Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties.
The Benefits of Natural Alternatives to Xanax
It works by enhancing GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and produces a calming effect. It is important to note that the prescribed medication will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences and their healthcare provider’s recommendations. Medication is often used with other therapies, such as psychotherapy, to treat anxiety disorders effectively. Anxiolytic medications, also known as anti-anxiety drugs, are psychiatric medications used to prevent and treat anxiety disorders. Anxiolytic medications target key neurotransmitters in the brain, which serve as chemical messengers that send signals between different nerve cells in the brain. The primary neurotransmitter involved in anxiety is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases nerve cell activity in the brain.
If Xanax is not taken properly or is used for longer than prescribed, it may lead to a high risk of misuse and physical dependence. Xanax binds to GABA receptors to amplify the calming effects of the neurotransmitter. This slows neuron activity down, which creates a relaxing effect and eases anxiety symptoms. Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness. If you’re looking for a safe AND effective over the counter Xanax alternative, these are DEFINITELY your best options. I’ve done a ton of research on the subject and tested dozens of anti-anxiety supplements, and the vast majority are garbage.
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Strong arguments abound for avoiding benzodiazepines, and SSRIs have good reasons to be the go-to drug class for most cases of anxiety. However, there is a chance you may not like either, and an SNRI antidepressant/anti-anxiety drug like Cymbalta could be preferable. SNRIs avoid the controlled substance designation and provide a long-acting steady state of relief.
- Inhaling lavender essential oil has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, and even improved sleep (16).
- Many other well-known pharmaceuticals also fall within the class of benzodiazepines.
- 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.
- Valerian can be combined with other natural remedies, such as lemon balm, to create synergistic effects, making it more potent than using it on its own.
- Aromatherapy massage combines the therapeutic touch of massage with the healing scents of essential oils to create a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety.
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Who can prescribe medication?
Many of Xanax’s side effects are also experienced as withdrawal symptoms after stopping Xanax too quickly. Even someone taking low doses may experience withdrawal after stopping the use of the drug. While Xanax has many practical uses related to mental health, its use also comes with some concerning side effects and risks. While it might offer short-term relief from anxiety for some individuals, the long-term relationship between alcohol and anxiety is more complicated. Keep in mind that individuals metabolize caffeine at different rates and have varying thresholds for its effects. Some people might be particularly sensitive to caffeine and experience heightened anxiety even with small amounts.
These drugs work by acting on two key messenger chemicals in the body, adrenaline and noradrenaline. When the body gets anxious, these chemical messengers cause certain unwanted side effects, such as sweating, shaking, and elevated heart rate. Beta-blockers block the effects of these chemical messengers, reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety and partially helping with psychological symptoms as well. For this reason, Xanax is often taken to treat sudden-onset symptoms or short-term anxiety. Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed). Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
Alprazolam (Xanax) alternatives: What can I take instead of alprazolam?
These coping mechanisms can teach people effective stress management techniques, potentially minimizing the need for prolonged medication use. Working with a mental health professional through CBT is a great way to address the root cause of your anxiety — often while you treat symptoms with medication. This allows mood-regulating chemicals to stay active in the brain longer, balance emotional responses, and improve anxiety symptoms. Unlike Xanax — which provides quick, short-term relief — SSRIs are meant for long-term anxiety management.
What is the best benzodiazepine for anxiety?
- Unlike with Kratom, you generally have to take VERY large dose to get the anti-anxiety effects you’re looking for.
- It virtually eliminated all feelings of anxiety, lifted my mood, and increased my confidence.
- As the name implies, antidepressants are designed to treat depression, but they can be effective against anxiety as well.
Bipolar depression is a mental health condition with a complex history and unique treatment approach. Discover effective and evidence-based approaches to managing ADHD that go beyond prescription medications. They will be able to help you find the best option based on your medical history, the severity of your anxiety symptoms, and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative with you.
Incorporating these natural Xanax alternatives into your lifestyle can offer a holistic approach to managing anxiety. However, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some experimentation to find the right combination of activities and practices that suit your needs. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or even just taking a walk in the park can have tremendous benefits for mental health. Physical activity helps release endorphins which are our natural mood elevators, while being in nature can reduce feelings of isolation and put your troubles into perspective. Scheduling regular aromatherapy massages can result in reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved sleep, and increased feelings of relaxation and calmness.
Mental health is personal.So is our approach to psychiatry.
In the next sections, I’ll explore these natural Xanax alternatives in depth. Natural solutions can often be gentler on the body and mind, with fewer side effects. They can also promote overall well-being instead of just simply suppressing symptoms. It’s these potential pitfalls of Xanax that lead many to search for alternatives.
Accessing Effective Anxiety Treatment in California
Melatonin is a hormone that the brain uses to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. One safer long-term alternative to Xanax is trazodone, an SARI antidepressant that does not have the addictive qualities that Xanax does. Xanax what to take instead of xanax and Klonopin share many of the same side effects, but Klonopin stays in the body’s system much longer. It’s not as strong as Xanax, but it does still carry many of the same side effects and dependency risks.