A review of 38 studies found that taking psychobiotics can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is one of the most beneficial things anyone can do for their mental health. Xanax can help people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, but it isn’t right for everyone. Due to Xanax’s addictive qualities, many people seek Xanax alternatives instead. It has a long history of use for relieving stress and tension and helping people feel calm and relaxed.
For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, our calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help. In some cases, alprazolam may be a better solution, and in others, a Xanax alternative may be better. It all depends on the individual situation and the different side effects of alprazolam and its substitutes. Although both are fast-acting, when comparing Ativan vs. Xanax, Ativan takes longer to start its action. In a comparison of Ativan vs. Xanax, Ativan has a longer half-life.
Holistic Therapies: Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety
It’s also available as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia in the US and many other parts of the world. There are over 550 prescription medications that should not be taken along with Xanax. Other withdrawal symptoms are restlessness, insomnia, nausea, blurred vision, muscle tightness, and irritability. Here’s a look at the biggest problems with Xanax and similar anti-anxiety medications. This brain supplement meets all 12 of my requirements for a high-quality brain supplement, including effectiveness, safety, purity, and value.
Treatment
- There are several alternatives to consider for people with a history of substance abuse and those concerned about Xanax’s side effects.
- Your treatment team, professionals in their field, will customize your program uniquely for you.
- In doing so, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs) can help with mood regulation, sleep, and emotional health.
- Xanax is addictive, and if a person thinks they are depending on Xanax to cope with day-to-day life, they should contact an addiction support service for more information and assistance.
- From sudden bouts of panic to prolonged periods of unease, anxiety affects millions worldwide.
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 xanax natural alternatives with small amounts. Regular exercise can help regulate and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69). Despite all the great research behind yoga, I’m personally not a big fan of it.
Regular exercise
Consuming plenty of magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can help ensure adequate levels and support overall mental health. Magnesium is involved in the release of GABA and is needed to activate neuronal GABA receptors. Without adequate magnesium concentrations, GABA’s inhibitory and calming effects may be blocked, which can induce symptoms of anxiety. Another important consideration when taking psychopharmaceutical medications such as benzodiazepines is the potential for interactions with other drugs and substances. These anti-anxiety medications have potent sedatives, muscle-relaxing, and anticonvulsant effects that can help alleviate agitation, tension, and panic attacks.
Natural Alternatives to Xanax: Safe and Effective Options
Xanax is in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medication. This prescription medication works by binding to the GABA-A receptor to raise neurotransmitter levels in the brain, creating a calm, relaxed state. Several alternative medications for Xanax work well to alleviate anxiety, both in the same and different classes of drugs.
The Role of Diet in Managing Anxiety – Natural Xanax Remedies
As a result, it can also improve cognitive performance and increase alertness (12). It has been used for thousands of years to treat various conditions. It also has the potential for dependency, which prompts many to seek more natural solutions.
Second, by this time, addiction has set in and it becomes extremely hard to quit. Xanax comes with a long list of side effects that range from unpleasant to life-threatening. Besides Xanax, there are several other drugs in this group that you may have heard of such as Valium, Librium, and Ativan. Experiencing a Xanax addiction is challenging, and it may feel overwhelming to consider switching from Xanax to an alternative on your own. Some people find individual therapy to be the most helpful, while others prefer group or family therapy.
Its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress is backed by a wealth of scientific evidence, and it’s an attractive natural alternative to medications like Xanax. A systematic review of these studies indicated that Kava is a beneficial and effective treatment for anxiety. The researchers concluded it has positive effects similar to the effects of standard anti-anxiety medications (20-22). This empowers individuals to take control of their mental health in diverse ways, from dietary shifts to mindfulness practices.
It takes longer to act, i.e., several weeks compared to Alprazolam (a benzodiazepine), but among Buspirone vs. Xanax, Buspirone is more effective for long-term treatment of anxiety. The half-life of Buspirone vs. Xanax is different; that of Buspirone is 2 to 3 hours. Xanax is available in its brand form, and its generic form, alprazolam, but buspirone is only available in its generic form. In comparative studies, it has shown a significantly lower risk of dependence and addiction.
- Both activities encourage mindfulness and can significantly reduce anxiety levels when practiced regularly.
- He is uniquely Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
- By modulating the activity of NMDA receptors in the brain, magnesium can help regulate neural excitability, preventing overstimulation and promoting calmness (32).
- Alprazolam is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A, and so any drug interacting with this compound can alter the rate of clearance of Xanax from the body.
- Benzos often help, but there are alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety.
- These calls are offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment.
- Much like Valerian and Passion flower, lemon balm is believed to positively influence GABA levels in the brain.
Seven Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Health
The hypnotherapist uses positive affirmations and visuals to promote physical and mental wellbeing. St. John’s wort may also counter the effects of medications such as oral contraceptives and antidepressants, and should also be avoided by pregnant and nursing women. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers.