It’s crucial to consult with a health-care professional before starting any holistic treatment. Long-term Xanax use is also linked to serious side effects, including memory issues, loss of coordination, worsening depression or anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication. This is why some medical professionals recommend using 5-HTP to improve serotonin levels, and potentially treat some cases of anxiety and depression naturally. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or even just taking a walk in the park can have tremendous benefits for mental health.
Overall, I definitely see the massive potential benefits of using kratom as an alternative to Xanax. But, I also see too many potential problems with the herb to recommend it at this time. This is because phenibut is an extremely potent and effective compound that temporarily eliminates practically all feelings of anxiety. Phenibut is a common recommendation for people who suffer from anxiety. And, serotonin is one of your most important brain chemicals, as it can play a major role in your mood and overall level of happiness.
Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness. Might be good to add the expected effect too, so people aren’t required to dig through the paragraphs of everything to find what they might want to try. Some seem to be calming while others seem to be anti-depressants or adaptogens (more stimulating for me). Though magnesium might be hard there (it’s needed for stimulating neurotransmitter creation, but often has calming effects).
- They all have slightly different effects and are used to treat various mental and physical ailments.
- In contrast, the plant roots commonly extracted for herbal remedies have a pungent, putrid odor that’s tough to subdue with masking agents and flavoring.
- While I normally get my daily dose of L-theanine by drinking green tea – it’s sometimes more convenient to take L-theanine in capsule form.
- Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication.
- Worldwide, roughly 260 million people have an anxiety disorder, and a third of us will experience one sometime during our lifetime.
- Exercise is a universal remedy with a myriad of benefits for both the body and the mind.
Exercise
Its mild sedative effect is one reason why chamomile tea is a popular bedtime drink (27). As a result, it has been a staple in traditional medicine across various cultures, and it’s a potential alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax. Ashwagandha also possesses neuroprotective characteristics, supporting brain health, enhancing mood, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (26). In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs (24). Beyond supplements and teas, lemon balm is also used in essential oil form for aromatherapy.
How do benzodiazepines work?
It helps calm down the activity of neurons, which can prevent feelings of anxiety. 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. One of the other most popular natural alternatives to Xanax is CBD oil, or technically CBD in any form. Rhodiola Rosea is a naturally occurring herb native to cold mountainous areas of Europe and Asia.
Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their role in brain health, have been linked to decreased anxiety levels. The thought of battling anxiety only to fall prey to addiction is daunting. This underscores the importance of exploring xanax alternatives, safer ways to manage anxiety that don’t pose such alarming risks. When it comes to managing anxiety, it’s important to note that benzodiazepines are not the only option. While they can be prescribed for anxiety, it’s crucial to consider their negative effects that can occur in the long term.
Valerian root
- Valium is used to treat anxiety as well as seizures and alcohol withdrawal.
- If you talk to your doctor about your anxiety, you will likely go home with a prescription for Xanax or similar medication.
- The benzodiazepine alternatives we provide are targeted to correct underlying causes of symptoms as well as to obtain immediate relief from symptoms.
- But does come with a risk of misuse and serious drawbacks that can put your health at risk, which is why some prefer not to prescribe it.
- Phenibut is a common recommendation for people who suffer from anxiety.
- Meditation can also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, all of which play roles in the mitigation of anxiety (62).
One particular study revealed that participants who consumed lemon balm reported improved mood and significantly reduced levels of anxiety (11). For instance, combining it with lemon balm or natural alternative to xanax valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect. 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.
Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Addiction
These over-the-counter treatments are commonly used for anxiety, depression, fatigue, or sleeplessness. Although used to treat anxiety, trazodone may not treat panic attacks as effectively as Xanax. Other antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety not listed here include Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and buspirone. While Xanax has many practical uses related to mental health, its use also comes with some concerning side effects and risks.
In addition, vitamin B12 and folate are needed for the expression of GABA receptors within the central nervous system. Deficiencies in these B vitamins can impair GABA-mediated neurotransmission, which can contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders. This increased resilience can help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms such as irritability, sleep issues, and difficulty concentrating. Because of their ability to slow down and suppress neuronal activity, benzodiazepines are used to treat a variety of conditions.
It’s like a temporary relief valve, easing the pressure built up by anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. 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.
Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief. Benzodiazepines like Xanax basically boost GABA’s effective role within your body. This reduces stress and anxiety, allowing for greater calm and relaxation. It is essentially the reverse of caffeine, which works to stimulate the CNS, including increasing symptoms of anxiety, in addition to limiting the effect of adenosine in the brain. A natural benzo can be found in Kava, which has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Specifically, it is thought to affect thehypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, which is related to the human mind’s stress response. In fact,here is a study that suggests that taking ashwagandha on a regular basis may lead to a reduction in symptoms related to anxiety and depression by up to 50%. Here is a study that suggests that taking a moderate dose of L-theanine on a daily basis may help improve cognitive function, mental stress, and quality of sleep. Of course, addiction can have very serious consequences for all aspects of life, whether schooling, your career, or personal life. Xanax addiction can very quickly destroy somebody’s life, which is why this drug is best avoided in favor of much less dangerous natural alternatives.