Benzodiazepines help a person fall asleep by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms brain activity, which can help a person relax and fall asleep. Xanax is an addictive medication, so if a person feels they are becoming dependent on it, they should reach out to an addiction center or talk to their doctor. People should also seek guidance from a doctor if they plan on stopping Xanax or reducing the amount of Xanax they are taking.
- The American College of Physicians also recommend CBT as a first-line treatment for insomnia.
- Loved for its soothing, pleasant scent, lavender is commonly used in essential oils for anxiety, sachets, diffusers, and candles.
- From sudden bouts of panic to prolonged periods of unease, anxiety affects millions worldwide.
- Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health.
- Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants as they enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
- If you’re interested in CBT and medication management, you can take Talkiatry’s online assessment to get matched with one of our doctors.
- Many people today are turning to Ashwagandha as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax.
The Benefits of TUDCA
If you’re considering natural Xanax alternatives, L-theanine should be near the top of your list. L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves. Instead of being incorporated into proteins like other amino acids in the body, theanine exerts nootropic effects by crossing the blood-brain barrier and regulating brainwaves and GABA receptors 5. The term “natural Xanax” is somewhat misleading since alprazolam is not a naturally occurring chemical, nor does it refer to any specific natural substances. Many Xanax users report significant sedative and hypnotic effects, thereby helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension. Taking any of these natural remedies could potentially help to reduce anxiety.
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. Prescription psychiatric medications that are used to treat anxiety often quell excessive neuronal firing and reduce levels of GABA in the brain, thereby promoting calm and relaxation. 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. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your anxiety management strategy, especially if you’re currently taking medication.
Throughout this article, we’ll detail how prescription drugs like Xanax work and further detail these five Xanax alternatives. 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. This is another herbal Xanax alternative, also referred to as Indian pennywort.
Safer alternatives to Xanax: What you need to know
All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health. In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. Exercise is a highly effective non-medical solution to preventing and treating anxiety. This is especially true for cardiovascular exercise, but don’t worry if you’re not a runner. You can reap the benefits of exercise for your mental health with just committing to a brisk walk a few days a week, a bike ride, or even a dance class (or a dance party in your living room).
Treatment & Support
- Discontinuing the use of long-term benzodiazepines like Xanax should happen under the supervision of a doctor.
- If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
- 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.
- Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
- However, dizziness and dryness of the mouth have been reported in those using this herb.
- By boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin, exercise is known to improve mood, ease tension, and reduce irritability.
- Xanax is an addictive medication, so if a person feels they are becoming dependent on it, they should reach out to an addiction center or talk to their doctor.
You don’t need to spend any money or enroll in alternatives to xanax a class to start meditating. Statements regarding supplement benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Transparent Labs products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Hold this position for about seconds before gently releasing your breath. This technique can help activate the vagus nerve and enhance parasympathetic activity, thus alleviating anxiety. To implement deep breathing, start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position.
SSRIs
Due to these risks, Xanax has a boxed warning from the FDA, its most serious warning for medications. Xanax is a benzodiazepine, a type of central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Benzos as they’re called, boost a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It also relaxes your muscles, creating a calming effect in your mind and body. Xanax kicks in fast — in 1 to 2 hours — making it an effective treatment for relieving intense anxiety or panic attacks. Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications available.
SSRIs and SNRIs, the first-line medications for anxiety, are considered safer alternatives to non-controlled substances. Rooted in a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, it’s a condition that can drastically reduce one’s quality of life. But what amplifies its impact is its deceptive nature; it often remains cloaked, concealed behind daily stresses, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge. A study published in 2022 compared meditation and the antidepressant Lexapro for anxiety and found that the two were equally effective at managing symptoms. The researchers say that meditation works because it combines breathwork with an emphasis on staying present—so you’re not dwelling in worries about the past or the future.
Xanax’s Misuse Potential
In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs (24). Many people today are turning to Ashwagandha as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax. For instance, when paired with Valerian root, the combination can be particularly effective in treating insomnia and restlessness. Research indicates that lemon balm can elevate mood, ease nervousness, and counteract anxiety-related stress (9). As a result, Valerian root is an attractive natural sedative and compelling alternative to drugs like Xanax.