In your brain, there are communication centers called neurons that send messages to each other using chemicals called neurotransmitters. One of these neurotransmitters is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It helps calm down the activity of neurons, which can prevent feelings of anxiety.
Breathing exercises for anxiety relief
It increases the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain – such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – to regulate mood and reduce stress. Stopping Xanax abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms — such as seizures, panic attacks, and psychosis — that may last weeks or even months. Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Root extracts from this herb contain kavalactones, which act within the limbic system to modulate GABA production.
Natural Alternatives to Xanax for Relieving Anxiety
Individuals with anxiety must work closely with their healthcare professionals to find the most suitable alternative based on specific needs and responses. Drugs like buspirone (BuSpar) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril) are non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics. They work differently from Xanax while still providing relief from anxiety. These alternatives may be considered for individuals seeking options with a lower risk of addiction. Nootropic supplements — commonly referred to as “smart drugs” — can improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety.
Prescription alternatives to Xanax
Let’s embrace these alternatives and work towards a safer, healthier future. These natural alternatives provide a holistic approach to anxiety relief, focusing not only on treating the symptoms but also improving overall mental health. Considering the risks tied to Xanax, exploring medical alternatives that can provide efficient anxiety relief without addiction or severe side effects potential is imperative. Antidepressants, buspirone, and beta-blockers are among the medical alternatives Xanax that can help manage anxiety. Several healthcare providers prefer to prescribe SSRIs to treat anxiety disorders because they’re less likely to be misused and cause dependency. Commonly used as antidepressants, SSRIs can also be effective in managing anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers are typically taken to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).7 However, they are also sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking or sweating. Two commonly prescribed beta-blockers for this off-label use are atenolol and propranolol. 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).
- Propranolol is an oral medication for high blood pressure, angina, migraine, and more.
- Explore how digital psychiatry is transforming mental health care with AI, real-time monitoring, and wearable tech for better patient support.
- Besides Alprazolam, other benzodiazepines can be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety.
- Effexor isn’t a controlled substance like Xanax, so there’s no risk of dependence.
- Over-the-counter remedies like the amino acid L-Theanine, melatonin, and magnesium are also frequently recommended as alternative anxiety treatments.
- There is a wide variety of herbal compounds, amino acids, and other supplements that can be tried to treat different mental health conditions.
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- Fick has been a physician for more than 30 years, and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
- KSM-66® Ashwagandha tends to be the most popular extract used in clinical studies.
- 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.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
- Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers.
- Studies corroborate that Xanax tends to be as effective as Valium (diazepam) for treating clinical anxiety disorders, but it’s not without drawbacks.
Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and kava are increasingly popular holistic options for treating anxiety. These natural remedies work by interacting with the body’s stress-response system or impacting neurotransmitters to offer a calming effect and reduce anxiety symptoms. Passionflower can have positive effects on symptoms of anxiety, and several studies suggest it may be a promising alternative to prescription drugs.
Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep, increase self-esteem, and reduce the symptoms of both anxiety and depression 28. Lemon balm extract and tea are often studied as treatments for anxiety symptoms, like panic attacks and stress-related eating behaviors. Indeed, there is substantial evidence that lemon balm extract has a potent calming effect by acting on GABA 21. Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11. Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
In other words, it boosts the power of that brake pedal, making it even more effective at calming down the activity of neurons. As a result, Xanax helps reduce feelings of anxiety, panic, or tension. SSRIs take around four to eight weeks to take effect and may produce side effects like headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
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. It’s worth noting that while antidepressants usually take a few weeks before noticeable results, they are much safer to take in the long term compared to benzodiazepines. Another type of medication used for anxiety is buspirone, in a class of medications called anxiolytics.
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. For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. Like SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have a lower risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction.
Our blog is a space dedicated to sharing information and expert advice to help you improve your overall mental health. Get helpful tips & strategies for better mental health delivered right to your inbox. If you’d like to ease off of Xanax in favor of a safer alternative, that is xanax alternative medication always an option. Just make sure you speak with a licensed professional to help you as it is unsafe to stop abruptly.
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