7 Xanax Alternatives: How Else You Can Help Treat Your Anxiety

They do not produce immediate mood-altering effects, and users do not typically experience feelings of euphoria or intoxication, the way they might with benzodiazepines, for example. Melissa officinalis, more commonly known as lemon balm, is an herb with similar properties as valerian and appears to have cognitive benefits as well 20. It has been used for thousands of years as a calming and relaxing herb in traditional Chinese medicine.

Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications: Xanax Alternatives

And some studies suggest this combination can be particularly effective in alleviating anxiety (36-37). Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31). Some participants in these studies experienced a reduction in anxiety comparable to certain psychiatric drugs (29).

Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief. One of the simplest and most effective natural methods to alleviate anxiety is through deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing works by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress 26. When practiced consistently, it can help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm. Therefore, lemon balm extract is a natural Xanax alternative that putatively synergizes with other natural alternatives like valerian root and L-theanine. Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies.

Throughout this article, we’ll detail how prescription drugs like Xanax work and further detail these five Xanax alternatives. I have worked in the substance abuse treatment field and I sent my own Mother to Silver Ridge to recover. Xanax has two properties that make it more prone to cause dependence and addiction. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. The LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s are administratively led by LifeMD Southern Patient Medical Care, P.C., with registered office 1200 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324.

Psychodynamic therapy

In other words, it boosts the power of that brake pedal, making it even more effective at calming down the activity of neurons.
Here is a rundown of some of the top natural treatments that are frequently used for fear.
CBT works by helping you identify, understand, and stop negative thought cycles.
One site, which ranks very highly towards to top of the search results for the phrase “over the counter xanax” lists a product called ZenRX as the “best Xanax alternative”.
Even someone taking low doses may experience withdrawal after stopping the use of the drug.
The reason behind this is, just like with drugs like Xanax and Lorazepam, it seems to build a tolerance quite rapidly.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and delayed ejaculation. It’s used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa. But, it does have a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Typical side effects of Prozac for anxiety include sleepiness, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in libido or appetite. Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. However, some conditions may require treatment beyond our capabilities, and we reserve the right to medically discharge a patient for a higher level of mental health care.

Counseling and Other Therapeutics as Xanax Alternatives

If you have a valid prescription, your doctor can help you stay addiction-free. However, your risks for addiction increase if you ignore the restrictions that come with your prescription. This often happens when a Xanax user attempts to experience the medication’s drug effects at an accelerated pace. By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorise Paid Advertiser to contact you. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from Paid Advertiser.

So the Klonopin dosage frequency is reduced among Klonopin vs. Xanax. Alprazolam, however, leaves the body quickly, and so frequent consumption of Xanax pills is needed. The half-life contracts of Klonopin vs. Xanax are quite big; the half-life of Klonopin is longer, i.e., 30 to 40 hours. Both have the potential for dependence and addiction with long-term higher doses. It is important to note that the prescribed medication will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences and their healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Support

These natural alternatives to Xanax offer a range of options for those seeking to manage anxiety without relying on prescription medications. While they may not provide the same immediate relief as Xanax, their long-term benefits and lower risk of side effects make them valuable components of a holistic approach to mental wellness. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or herbal regimen, especially when transitioning away from prescription medications like Xanax. Xanax (alprazolam) is a popular prescription drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic disorders.

Regular practice of Tai Chi has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. As a result, individuals can experience decreased feelings of stress and anxiety (68). While Tai Chi does not function as a direct replacement for medications like Xanax, its integration of movement and mindfulness offers substantial benefits for those grappling with anxiety and stress. Deep breathing also lowers levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in the body, which then leads to reduced anxiety (64).

Learn About Amino Acids

Inositol can be found in pill or powder form at most health and vitamin shops. Valium also has a similar mechanism of action and is prescribed for the same conditions as other benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam. The half-life gap of Valium vs. Xanax is very big; Valium has a longer half-life, i.e., 48 hours, but it starts its action slightly faster. Effects of Valium do not show variations with race, health conditions, diseases, or use of alcohol. Anxiolytic medications are typically prescribed for short-term use, as they can be habit-forming and may lead to dependence if taken for extended periods.

Other benzodiazepines that treat anxiety

It is a prescription drug that works to block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety. By blocking the NMDA receptor, Spravato increases levels of glutamate. This neurotransmitter is involved in learning and memory and increases levels of glutamate, which may help restore neural pathways disrupted in depression and anxiety. Research has shown that high doses of vitamin B can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) options that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Breathing exercises

The allure of natural Xanax alternatives lies in their potential to alleviate anxiety without the accompanying risks of traditional medications like Xanax. At Talkiatry, we specialize in psychiatry, meaning the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Getting adequate sleep is extremely important for mental health, but sometimes anxiety makes alternative to xanax otc it hard to fall or stay asleep. This can create a vicious cycle, because anxiety itself can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality. One way to approach getting better sleep is taking steps to prepare yourself to get the best sleep possible.

Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.

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). In some research, the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender were found to be comparable to anti-anxiety medications (14). 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.

It all depends on the individual situation and the different side effects of alprazolam and its substitutes. Although the choice of switching to natural over the counter Xanax alternatives ultimately lies with the patients, the doctor’s insight on the best course of action should come into play. Deficiency in vitamins has been shown to be a precipitating factor for the development of psychiatric illnesses and dull response to antipsychotics. Thiamine acts as a cofactor in carbohydrate metabolism and other vital processes in the body. Supplementing vitamin B1 (thiamine) has been shown to ameliorate anxiety, nightmares, chronic fatigue, insomnia, depression, anorexia, nausea, headache, among others.